The JIGSAW Report | Q2 2026

Procurement hiring reaches a three-year high. But that’s only part of the story.

The second quarter of 2026 has been one of the more interesting recruitment markets we’ve seen in recent years. While much of the conversation about the Australian labour market has focused on it slowing, what we’ve seen across Procurement, Supply Chain and Manufacturing tells a more nuanced story.

Organisations are continuing to hire, but they’re becoming far more deliberate about where they invest.

Drawing on Jigsaw’s live recruitment activity and market insight, The JIGSAW Report | Q2 2026 explores the trends shaping specialist hiring across Australia.

Inside this edition:

• Procurement records its strongest hiring quarter in more than three years.

• Manufacturing continues to drive Supply Chain recruitment.

• SME manufacturers continue investing despite cautious market conditions.

• Updated salary benchmarking across Procurement, Supply Chain and Manufacturing.

• Talent availability, hiring trends and market commentary from Jigsaw’s specialist recruiters.

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Built from live market activity, not surveys.

Unlike broader market reports, The JIGSAW Quarterly Report is based on what our specialist recruiters are seeing every day through live assignments, salary benchmarking and conversations with employers and candidates exclusively in Procurement, Supply Chain and Manufacturing.

Whether you’re planning your next hire, considering your next career move or simply want a clearer view of where the market is heading, this report provides practical insights into what’s happening now, and what may come next.