Here we argue that procurement must first adopt the right self-image before it can convince others of its value: First impressions Procurement professionals are indoctrinated into the profession with messages such as: “you have to take the internal customer along with you”, “you have to persuade them” “you have to get their buy-in first” But what if internal customers are … Read More
What does procurement actually do?
In a previous posting on how to win executive support a reader comment highlighted the fact that many procurement professionals still struggle for support and greater recognition, which can – in his terms – damage your “procurement mojo”. So for those readers who still need to convince a sceptical organisation, here are some tips to help market procurement’s benefits to … Read More
Procurement: Win the support of senior management
All procurement professionals will have experienced the consequences of not having senior management support at some point in their career. The consequences can wreck promising careers and destroy confidence when things go wrong and you find yourself “on your own”. It is vital therefore buyers have strong organisational awareness and recognise the presence or absence of support for their function … Read More
Expanding Procurements Scope and Influence
Expanding procurement’s scope and influence is critical for CPO’s, if procurement is to develop its value contribution beyond cost savings. Here we discuss some mechanisms to help procurement leaders achieve this goal: The ability to expand the depth and breadth of procurement’s playing field, to take on greater spend under management and to move beyond cost savings are on the … Read More
Procurements Dilemma – Leader or Support Function
“We want to collaborate with our internal stakeholders, but at the end of the day we cannot tell them to buy into our sourcing strategy.” How many procurement professionals have spent their careers with this echoing loudly in their minds? Procurement professionals become indoctrinated into the profession with messages such as: “You have to take the internal customer along with … Read More
Raising the esteem of procurement
Strategies to break into the boardroom Many companies have already undertaken a procurement transformation program, and have a strong team in place with significant wins on record. That said, procurement is still fighting for higher recognition, and is still viewed at board level largely as a cost centre. Sadly, procurement managers often lack the skills, experience and sometimes, the motivation … Read More
The new CPO’s First 100 days:
The CPO’s chair has become a true corporate hot seat with an average tenure of a CPO of four years or less. The first 100 days (F100D) in this hot seat can set the tone for the months ahead and the F100D of a new role can be stressful; how bad are things? What are the expectations of me? … Read More
Procurement: 12 Steps to avoid becoming irrelevant
Procurement: 12 Steps to avoid becoming irrelevant Procurement: 12 Steps to avoid becoming irrelevant – Supply Management needs to demonstrate execution excellence and add value beyond traditional cost savings or become irrelevant. To do this clearly requires alignment with the business goals and objectives and the support of the senior management team. Here are 12 suggested steps supply management can … Read More