-
How can I get better at negotiating and “driving results”?
Enhancing Negotiation Skills and Driving Results: Strategies for Junior Buyers Starting a new role as a junior buyer can be both exciting and challenging. Recently, I have been reflecting on areas where I can improve, particularly in negotiation techniques and effectively driving results—feedback I received from my manager after two months in the position. While…
-
How can I help myself get a job as a buyer?
Strategic Guidance for Transitioning into a Procurement Role in the Chemical Industry Embarking on a career transition into procurement can be a challenging yet rewarding journey, especially within the specialized field of chemicals. If you’re currently a chemical technician earning around $46,000 and aim to elevate your annual income to over $80,000 within five years,…
-
I’m work for a vendor. Is it a pre-requisite for state procurement specialists to be grumpy at every corner?
The Challenges of Navigating State Procurement Processes: A Perspective from Industry Vendors In the world of government procurement, many vendors encounter a complex and often opaque process that can be challenging to navigate. Recently, I reached out to a state procurement specialist with a simple question—yet the response I received was surprisingly terse: “It should…
-
What Type of Personality does Procurement Attracts and Thrive In?
Understanding the Typical Personalities in Procurement: Insights and Considerations In the dynamic world of supply chain management, procurement professionals play a pivotal role in sourcing and establishing relationships with suppliers. As someone currently working in quality assurance within the food industry, I often collaborate closely with our procurement team during supplier evaluations. These interactions have…
-
Need advice on IT procurement
Navigating a Career in IT Procurement: Tips and Resources for Aspiring Professionals Embarking on a career in procurement can be both exciting and challenging, especially when you decide to specialize in Information Technology (IT) procurement. If you’re new to the field and eager to develop your expertise, you’re not alone. Many professionals transition into IT…
-
Join me at Procure Allies
Join the Community: Connect and Collaborate with Procurement Professionals at Procure Allies In the dynamic world of procurement, staying connected with industry peers and continuously expanding your knowledge base is essential for success. Recently, I engaged with a vibrant community of procurement enthusiasts through a Reddit comment, which sparked an influx of discussions, questions, and…
-
KPIs Needed for Supplier Relationship Management
Maximizing Supplier Performance: Essential KPIs for Effective Supplier Relationship Management In today’s competitive marketplace, maintaining strong supplier relationships is crucial for achieving operational excellence and delivering customer satisfaction. An integral component of this process is Supplier Performance Management (SPM), which involves systematically monitoring, measuring, and managing your suppliers’ performance to ensure they meet your organization’s…
-
What are good certifications that are worth it?
Essential Certifications for Procurement Professionals: A Guide to Advancing Your Career Embarking on a career in purchasing and procurement can be both rewarding and dynamic. As a Purchasing Manager at a small university with over six months of experience, you may be wondering which certifications can best enhance your expertise and career prospects. Whether you’re…
-
A minimalist tool to collect and compare quotations
Streamlining Quotation Management for Small Businesses: Introducing a Minimalist Tool for Effortless Comparison In today’s fast-paced manufacturing and supply chain environments, small businesses often grapple with the tedious process of managing quotation requests. Handling multiple vendors, requesting specifications, following up for responses, and comparing offers can take valuable time—often spanning two to four days per…
-
Is Sourcing Always This Tricky When China’s Involved?
Understanding the Complexities of Sourcing Technology Components from China In the realm of global procurement, navigating the sourcing process can present unique challenges, particularly when dealing with Chinese suppliers and buyers. Recent experiences in sourcing bulk quantities of GPU components have highlighted some intriguing discrepancies that merit closer examination. A common scenario involves buyers and…