Dear chief purchasing officer,
We, the collective purchasing staff, have collated our thoughts on how you could help us to help you. Here are a few things we hope you will keep in mind:
1. You are our leader and we need you to lead. Help us tackle those difficult business partners and ensure we get a seat at the table. Assist us by having those tough conversations when we struggle to get co-operation from the business. Without your leadership, it is likely we may only have minimal success from the bottom up.
2. Understand the business and partake in key decisions. We aren’t seen as a participant in business decisions by other divisions in the company, including our stakeholders; and chances are you won’t be yet either. Do what you can to drive the culture by making sure your role on the board is meaningful; and educate those around you to ensure we have an appropriate role in management teams.
3. Treat us how you want us to be… not how we currently are. If you believe purchasing should add value to the organisation and be a strategic partner, we can only start to do so by walking the talk. Your faith in us, and your assistance in removing non-value-add work, will be the first step towards building this vision.
4. Keep the communication lines open. We like to know we are part of your big picture. Visit us, talk to us, share your visions with us. We will reward you with our dedication and hard work.
Yours faithfully
Your purchasing staff
☛ Claudine Swiatek is head of materials procurement at the engineering asset management firm Downer EDi.
