Creative Procurement: Walking the talk
Procurement is changing from a focus on cost savings to creativity and innovation in a talent rich supply chain. That’s the talk. The question is whether organizations are walking the talk when they recruit, and, if not, how do we recruit for creativity.
As a profession, procurement is experiencing a dramatic change in philosophy. In “Charting the course: Why procurement must transform itself by 2020,” the consulting firm Deloitte noted significant shifts already underway. From savings and strategic sourcing (called yesterday’s paradigms), to category leadership and managing procurement systems in a global environment (called today’s paradigm), to a radical approach to thinking about procurement as a creative endeavor, generating new ideas and innovating in a talent rich supply chain (called future paradigm).
In our interactions, senior procurement leaders often emphasize “out of the box thinking” in their supply chains. That shift is certainly on the agenda of supply chain conferences and publications. But we wondered:
When it comes to recruiting new hires in their procurement departments, are companies “walking the talk” with reference to recruiting for innovation and creativity? Or are they stuck in “yesterday’s paradigm?” That question motivated this article.
Procurement professionals are problem solvers. First, the level at which they solve problems and the issues are likely different across strategic, managerial and tactical hierarchies. What are these issues? Do they have any bearing on innovation? Second, what are the dominant thinking approaches that firms stress in hiring for procurement positions? These dominant thinking approaches have a bearing on the person they are likely
to hire and consequent activities.
This complete article is available to subscribers only.
Log in now for full access or start your PLUS+ subscription for instant access.
Latest News
Port of Baltimore May Not Reopen Until Summer Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) Mastery A New Priority Greets Procurement Professionals in 2024 Cargo Shipping Remains on Hold in Baltimore Following Bridge Collapse Maximizing the Bottom Line: The Power of Procurement More NewsLatest Resource
Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) Mastery In this Special Digital Edition of Supply Chain Management Review, you will find insights on the importance of sales and operations planning (S&OP) to an organization’s bottom line.All Resources
As a profession, procurement is experiencing a dramatic change in philosophy. In “Charting the course: Why procurement must transform itself by 2020,” the consulting firm Deloitte noted significant shifts already underway. From savings and strategic sourcing (called yesterday’s paradigms), to category leadership and managing procurement systems in a global environment (called today’s paradigm), to a radical approach to thinking about procurement as a creative endeavor, generating new ideas and innovating in a talent rich supply chain (called future paradigm).
In our interactions, senior procurement leaders often emphasize “out of the box thinking” in their supply chains. That shift is certainly on the agenda of supply chain conferences and publications. But we wondered:
When it comes to recruiting new hires in their procurement departments, are companies “walking the talk” with reference to recruiting for innovation and creativity? Or are they stuck in “yesterday’s paradigm?” That question motivated this article.
Procurement professionals are problem solvers. First, the level at which they solve problems and the issues are likely different across strategic, managerial and tactical hierarchies. What are these issues? Do they have any bearing on innovation? Second, what are the dominant thinking approaches that firms stress in hiring for procurement positions? These dominant thinking approaches have a bearing on the person they are likely
to hire and consequent activities.
Subscribe to Supply Chain Management Review Magazine!
Subscribe today. Don't Miss Out!Get in-depth coverage from industry experts with proven techniques for cutting supply chain costs and case studies in supply chain best practices.
Start Your Subscription Today!
It’s high time to go beyond visibility Driving supply chain flexibility in an uncertain and volatile world View More From this Issue