Transformation of procurement

Optimizing purchasing processes plays a central role in the transformation of purchasing and aims to maximize the value contribution of purchasing while increasing efficiency. The most important approaches and methods are summarized here:

1. Implementing corporate strategy in purchasing:
   • Purchasing must reflect and support corporate strategy. This includes integrating strategic goals into operational purchasing processes and ensuring that purchasing makes a positive contribution to corporate goals, such as reducing costs, improving quality or promoting innovation.
2. Analysis & optimization of processes and interfaces:
   • A detailed analysis of existing purchasing processes and the interfaces to other departments, such as logistics or controlling, enables the identification of weak points and optimization potential. Standardization, automation and digitization can make processes more efficient and cost-effective.
3. Align the organization to increase value contribution:
   • The purchasing organization should be structured to maximize value contribution. This includes a clear allocation of roles, flat hierarchies and collaboration in cross-functional teams to leverage synergies and drive the strategic direction of purchasing.
4. Increasing organizational efficiency to achieve procurement excellence:
   • Procurement excellence means that purchasing works at the highest level. This can be achieved by introducing best practices, training employees and using modern technologies. The aim is to continuously improve the productivity and quality of purchasing processes.
5. Creating transparency and measurability of process performance using KPIs:
   • The introduction of clear key performance indicators (KPIs) enables a transparent and measurable evaluation of purchasing performance. Through monitoring and reporting, process performance can be regularly reviewed and necessary adjustments made at an early stage.

Recruiting procurement specialists is an essential part of transforming procurement to ensure that the organization has the talent and skills needed to make procurement efficient and strategic. The following building blocks are crucial:

1. Temporary provision of specialists and managers:
   • In the event of short-term personnel bottlenecks or in project phases, the temporary provision of experts, e.g. by external consultants or interim managers, can support the procurement department. This enables flexibility and quick responsiveness to cope with urgent requirements without entering into long-term commitments.
2. Recruiting purchasing specialists for permanent positions:
   • The targeted search and recruitment of specialists with specific purchasing know-how is essential to build long-term capacities. The focus should be on both technical expertise and soft skills such as negotiation and communication skills. A structured recruiting process ensures that the right talents are selected and sustainably integrated into the organization.
3. Developing purchasing expertise:
   • Continuous development of existing employees is essential to keep pace with changing purchasing requirements and technologies. This includes customized training programs, training in digital tools and platforms, and the development of professional and leadership skills in purchasing.
4. Interim management:
   • During transitional phases or when realigning the purchasing department, it may be necessary for experienced interim managers to take on management tasks. These ensure stability and continuity while a long-term solution for the vacant management positions is sought.
5. Capacity alignment of existing and necessary resources / know-how:
   • A strategic alignment between existing resources and future needs is required to ensure that the purchasing department is optimally positioned. This includes taking stock of internal know-how, identifying gaps, and recruiting or developing talent in a targeted manner to expand capacities and achieve long-term corporate goals.