The Transformation of Procurement, from Transactional to Personal



The function proved its’ invaluable worth as a business enabler and success driver throughout the recession, utilising years of well-honed contract management and negotiation skills to bring organisations back into the black.

Now that the economy has found its’ feet however the tide has turned and demands for change from the function are coming through thick and fast.

Procurement is being asked to undergo a dramatic revolution, transforming itself from an extremely efficient, transactional cost-cutter and negotiator to a business partner with relationships rather than contracts at the heart of every strategy.

While these demands for change will undoubtedly see the profession flourish and enable organisations to compete more effectively in the global marketplace, there are some key variables that need to be in place for such a transformation to be successful; namely the talent tasked with making it happen.

As a result, Procurement Heads‘ brief as professional procurement recruiters has changed.

We are looking for people who can engage with stakeholders and sell the procurement function to the rest of the business.

They must be able to think strategically, with an ability to foresee demand and build relationships that can help facilitate this demand.

To achieve all this they need to be highly personable, articulate and engaging as well as commercially minded with the ability to crunch numbers, dot the Is and cross the Ts.

Even with access to extensive talent networks, it will still take some time for skills to catch up with demand, although steps are being visibly taken to try and move things along.

Active promotion of procurement to graduates is gradually building up the talent pipeline in key areas.

The use of mentoring strategies within the workplace is helping to coach existing talent and bring them up to speed.

The utilisation of external training providers is engendering new skills and ensuring transformation projects have a greater chance of success.

Despite this, careful planning around the talent pipeline is essential if an organisation wants to support procurement in becoming the highly influential, strategic business partner that today’s market demands.

Finding a good recruitment partner with an extensive network will be instrumental in making this happen.

Sign-up for job alerts.

By entering your email you agree to receive job alerts and marketing communications from Procurement Heads. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. See Privacy Policy.

Scroll to Top