EXECUTIVE INSIGHT
Q . WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO PEOPLE IMPLEMENTING A PROCUREMENT STRATEGY ?
» It depends on the scale of the change . Start small – implement in a single business unit or function , gather feedback and adjust before scaling up .
Flexibility is key . For instance , at DXC , I aimed to define tighter role scopes but found in Asia , where spending is smaller and spread across many countries , people needed to wear multiple hats . I let that happen – it was practical .
Go manual before automating . When we tested processing invoices through a credit card processor for rebates , we started manually . Only after proving it worked did we prioritise automation in the IT roadmap . This approach avoids wasted effort on unproven ideas and builds confidence in the solution .
Finally , don ’ t underestimate the importance of communication and collaboration . Aligning your strategy with both business and supplier needs requires ongoing dialogue and being open to feedback ensures continuous improvement .
“A successful procurement strategy balances alignment with business structure and the practical realities of how suppliers are organised – it ’ s about bridging those gaps effectively ”
ERIC COHAN , FOUNDER , SHOAL CREEK SOLUTIONS
56 February 2025