Given the strategic orientation of purchasing and supply management (PSM), its impact on firm performance, and the growing complexity of supply chains, strategic thinking is becoming a critical future competence for professionals. This paper reviews 62 contributions to the field of strategic thinking, which is conceptualized as a multifaceted meta-competence encompassing future thinking, critical thinking, and supply chain thinking. A framework is proposed to explain the relationship between strategic thinking and performance by considering mediating and moderating constructs, as well as operational elements. While the framework provides valuable insights, the complexity and ambiguity of strategic thinking limit its precision. Further research is required to refine and validate the framework's constructs, relationships, and causal mechanisms in the context of PSM. By advancing the understanding of strategic thinking, this study highlights its potential to develop and train future-ready competencies.