CHRIS MCCARNEY TITLE : PRINCIPAL , PROCUREMENT & OUTSOURCING ADVISORY LEADER
EXECUTIVE INSIGHT
The KPMG Global Procurement Survey 2023 explores the views of 400 C-suite and SVP / VP-level executives from a mix of public and private organisations around the world .
The latest edition has found how procurement leaders are facing a series of complex risks , challenges and opportunities that will need a focus on strategic sourcing , sustainability goalsetting and embracing technology .
Q . WHY DOES THE SURVEY SAY PROCUREMENT IS FACING A ‘ CRITICAL ’ YEAR ?
» We seem to be facing an identity crisis . The year ahead represents an opportunity to define ourselves as procurement professionals , and the role of our respective functions within an enterprise . Myriad competing priorities and an expanding set of risks seems to have dampened our focus . Coupled with the ever-growing expectations to do more , with less , it ’ s difficult to keep internal and external stakeholders happy .
For example , only a quarter of respondents believe that their stakeholders would rate procurement service as “ exceptional .” It feels like we are ‘ on the back foot ’.
Q . WHAT WAS YOUR KEY TAKEAWAY FROM THE REPORT ?
» That tensions are growing . Not only between procurement and stakeholders , but also between procurement and technology . Technology and data initiatives have not completely fulfilled the promise of increasing automation and efficiency . The maturity of key capabilities remains a work-in-progress . On the other hand , 71 % see generative AI as the top emerging technology , and say it will have the biggest impact on procurement in the next three to five years . Frustrations aside , procurement leaders are still betting big on technology . We see this everyday with our clients .
Q . HOW CRUCIAL ARE SOFT SKILLS , SUCH AS BUILDING SUPPLIER RELATIONSHIPS ?
» Procurement leaders are reporting a shift in headcount from more tactical activities like operations and accounts payable to strategic activities such as supplier relationship management . Leaders predict a reduction of resources
CHRIS MCCARNEY TITLE : PRINCIPAL , PROCUREMENT & OUTSOURCING ADVISORY LEADER
COMPANY : KPMG LOCATION : USA
McCarney serves as the KPMG ( US ) Consulting Service Network Leader for Procurement & Outsourcing Advisory . He works closely with procurement , supply chain , and operations leaders to turn strategic vision into reality . He also served as an Acquisitions Officer and Programme Manager in the United States Air Force . procurementmag . com 17