Many buying firms are implementing sustainability-oriented supplier development (SSD) projects. This paper provides a systematic literature review on the SSD process and develops a future research agenda. A total of 83 papers are analyzed according to their research content and using contingency theory variables, i.e. contingencies and response actions, and contingency forms of fit that influence performance outcomes. Although there has been a considerable focus on contingency factors in the SSD literature, explicit use of the contingency fit perspective has been limited. A conceptual framework is developed and supported by a series of research recommendations to provide a holistic view of SSD and a starting point for future research. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first paper to focus specifically on reviewing the SSD literature. The contingency theory lens provides a promising theoretical perspective for understanding how SSD initiatives can be successfully embedded in the supply chain.