Contract Compliance

Gaining Strategic Sourcing and Procurement (S2P) Experience: A Guide for Professionals Transitioning from P2P and Business Operations Roles

In the dynamic world of supply chain management and procurement, professionals often find themselves seeking to diversify their expertise beyond their initial specializations. Many individuals with backgrounds primarily in Procure-to-Pay (P2P) or Business Operations (BizOps) frequently encounter challenges when exploring roles that emphasize Source-to-Pay (S2P) processes. This article aims to provide insights into how professionals can acquire S2P experience, whether through leveraging existing skills, highlighting relevant competencies, or effectively navigating interview situations.

Understanding the Distinction: P2P vs. S2P

Before delving into acquisition strategies, it’s essential to distinguish between P2P and S2P. While both are integral components of supply chain management:

• Procure-to-Pay (P2P): Focuses on the transactional process of requisitioning, purchasing, receiving, and paying for goods and services.
• Source-to-Pay (S2P): Encompasses a broader scope that includes strategic sourcing, supplier selection, negotiation, contract management, and endpoint P2P activities.

Professionals with P2P or BizOps backgrounds often possess strong operational expertise but may lack direct S2P exposure, especially in strategic sourcing and supplier negotiations.

Is S2P Experience Acquirable on the Job?

The good news is that many organizations recognize the value of cross-training and can provide opportunities to gain S2P experience through on-the-job learning. Transitioning into S2P roles often involves demonstrating related skills, such as strategic thinking, negotiation, stakeholder management, and contract analysis, which are typically developed in P2P and BizOps roles.

Strategies for Demonstrating S2P Competencies

1. Leverage Transferable Skills: Highlight any experience related to supplier relationships, negotiations, or procurement strategy within your current or past roles. Use specific examples to illustrate your involvement in strategic aspects, even if indirectly.

2. Identify Overlapping Activities: Find aspects of your experience that align with S2P functions. For example, involvement in vendor evaluation, contract administration, or cost savings initiatives can be positioned as relevant.

3. Utilize Key Keywords and Phrases: Incorporate industry-standard terminology into your resume and interview responses, such as “strategic sourcing,” “supplier relationship management,” “contract negotiation,”