The roles of procurement and supply chain staff within organisations have diversified quite significantly in recent years. Once primarily focused on adding value through cost-saving measures, procurement and supply chain training has become essential as these teams now play a critical role in driving the business forward.
There are now procurement leaders at Board level, representing not just the cost saving ideas of their teams but also proposing strategies for driving the business forward and gaining competitive advantage by increasing product and service ranges and improving delivery.
Adapting To The Changes
Although these changes to the procurement and supply chain team’s roles reflect a positive new direction, there are hurdles that must be overcome to ensure that the changes are worthwhile.
Currently, one of the main obstacles standing in the way of successfully diversifying the team’s roles is inadequate skills and understanding.
Many of the procurement professionals working in organisations where the changes are being applied are being expected to step up to the challenge without adequate support and training. Their new roles involve responsibilities and pressures that were not in their remit until recently and many are struggling to handle the change, costing organisations time and money.
Training and Support
That is where training comes in. With the right training and support for the procurement and supply staff, the organisation can help their team adapt and perform well in their new diversified roles.
Learning how to tackle the new challenges and responsibilities they are faced with will enable the team to make a smooth transition and begin to drive the business forward in new ways.
Many organisations choose to use The Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply when it comes to training procurement and supply chain staff.
The qualifications offered by CIPS cater for all levels of procurement professional, offering practical skills and knowledge that is designed to be transferrable into the purchasing and supply chain profession. For more information about the CIPS qualifications available, call us on (0)1865 515 255.