4 key things I learned at ProcureCon and how it’s changed my perception of the Procurement Function

It’s been a week since attending ProcureCon Europe for the first time, not knowing what to expect. Having spent my entire career in recruitment I had always tried to avoid contact with the procurement function seeing them as only interested in driving down cost. Having spent three days with some great talented individuals I feel a little embarrassed I felt that way for so long and realise that I have missed several opportunities over the years to collaborate and grow the businesses I have supported.

The 4 things that really resonated with me were;

Collaboration

We hosted a panel session on Transforming your Contingent Workforce Management: How Successful Companies Innovate. During the Session Adriana Jaton Serey, the Global Category Manager for Galderma, talked about how the collaboration between HR and Procurement had been key to the success of the project so far. In between coffee breaks and networking sessions I was struck by the fact that they didn’t shun me because I was a recruiter. They wanted to openly talk about external factors impacting the business and they were open to listen and engage in dialogue. It is clear to me that those I met were commercially savvy, business focused individuals who saw the benefit of genuine partnerships. As I said a lot of myths were dispelled at ProcureCon.

Change Management

What become evident in the number of sessions I attended and the conversations that took place during the event is that as businesses we aren’t as good as managing change as we need to be. Regardless of the size of project undertaken there needs to be more done to manage and engage stakeholders and take people on a journey. Forbes says 62% people fear change, that’s a strong emotion. Looking at the wider business impact and understanding how the change might be interpreted is the key to the success of any initiative.

Digitalisation

This was a constant topic during the conference. The impact of technology is touching every element of business, we are expecting an amazing User Experience, we want convenience, we demand intuitively, and we expect everything at pace. This puts huge demand on Procurement teams to assess capability like never before.

Curiosity

There was a real desire to understand. Even people who I talked to that were not responsible for the category were intrigued to know what was happening in the talent market and how the current global issues were impacting business and whether this was across the globe. There were lots of questions during the sessions I attended; Questions to understand not to challenge. At the networking sessions people networked, they chatted, they shared insight and they did this willingly seeing the value in collaborating and wanting to understand.

I appreciate that nothing I have shared is earth shattering. I didn’t come away with a view that there were unexplored answers to the challenges faced rather a feeling that there was a genuine intent to move forward, to take the learnings shared and look at how they can be practically implemented. Procurement has the power to enable so many changes and help business thrive and my main takeaway is this;

Check how you are viewed by your business. Are you seen as procurer of things or a strategic business partner? Perception is reality and the reality should be Procurement adds significant value. In today’s market the function has never been more valuable.

Thank you for taking time to read my thoughts. If you would like to connect on LinkedIn to see further insights on Leadership and Talent, please feel free I’d love to have you as part of my network-

https://www.linkedin.com/in/richardedwardbradley/

If you would like to discuss any challenges you face in the Talent space to gain insight into what others out there are facing and how they are approaching their challenges I would love to chat and see if I can help stimulate that curiously further.

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Navigating Career Crossroads: Your Guide to a Fulfilling Your Next Career Move!

12 Feb, 2024

In the ever-evolving landscape of the professional world, many of us find ourselves at crossroads, contemplating a change in career or seeking new opportunities to ignite our passion.

September Surge – Our Top Tips for Job Seekers

by Shazamme System User • 07 Sept, 2023

Summer is over. September is here. For you lovers of the summer, this can often bring feelings of the blues, but September can represent a time for a fresh start. This time of the year can offer many opportunities for job hunters to find a new job that aligns with their skills, goals, and experience. Check out our top tips on how you can land your dream job this time around (and why you should work with Kelly). 1. Get Clear On Your Goals First and foremost, you must have a clear objective of what you want for your career. Searching for a new job can bring feelings of excitement and motivation but it can also be overwhelming for applicants. Having an idea of what industries, you would like to work in, the timeline in which you would like to find a job, and the companies you’re interested in will reduce those negative feelings but will also give you a sense of direction and focus. 2. Update Your CV The next thing you should look at is improving and updating your CV. Have you demonstrated your most valuable skills? Have you highlighted your most important accomplishments and achievements? Have you included your personal websites, business profiles, and your LinkedIn profile? These are some of the many things to consider when updating your CV. Job applicants should also keep in mind that you should adjust your CV for every job you apply for. You should customize your CV so that it reflects the job you’re applying for. 3. Work with a Recruiter Are you aware of the benefits of working with a recruiter? Recruiters are experts in the hiring industry. They can help save you a significant amount of time during your job search as they know exactly what jobs are available in the market and they can match you with a role that aligns with your experience. Recruitment consultants can help you improve your CV and cover letter as well as make sure you are prepared for interviews. If you would like to read more about the benefits of working with a recruiter, click here . September is an excellent time of the year to find that new opportunity that you have been longing for. By following these tips, you should be on the right course to navigate the job market and find a role that suits you. It’s important to stay positive during your job search as it can sometimes be a lengthy process. But just remember, the right opportunity can take time. If you would like assistance during your job search, please do not hesitate to reach out and email us at info@kellyservices. co.uk. Or click here to search our latest vacancies and apply today!

Change. How to turn your fear into fuel for a rocket move and wake up in a different reality.

28 Aug, 2023

Rephrasing the famous song, “Love is in the air”, let’s talk about change is in the air – and everywhere. We grow. We change. Look at your childhood photos. Watch your kid, your nephew, your niece. The change is there, and it’s incredible. Nature is constantly changing. We wait for summer as the time to enjoy outdoor activities and gardening, for a quick visit to the beach, or simply take time to relax and spend time with family, friends and loved ones. We wait for winter (even if we never see snow falling) to decorate the house for the holidays, pack presents for the people we love and unpack our own. The colour of the leaves changes, the weather shifts, and flowers blossom in their time – the landscape is constantly transforming. The world around us is changing. We travel to other countries and learn new things, cultures and languages. We take on new hobbies. We get new skills. After a couple of minor kitchen accidents (sometimes), we can cook delicious dishes and get compliments from family and friends. We transform our bodies at the gym or simply by creating the habit of walking every day. We meet new people, we sometimes fall in love, we build families, we have kids. And if you step back for a second, you realise you might have met your other half by pure accident. But you took a leap of faith into the unknown. We embrace many types of unknown change, except for the one that can change how we live five days a week – to change jobs. “I am too old/too young to change”, “I’m used to this environment; It’s my comfort zone”, “Well, I don’t get any promotion, and what I do doesn’t change the world, but it’s stable”, “I am afraid to ask for more interesting projects. What if my manager fires me?”. We often don’t want to change because that step requires a vision, courage, external support, and a leap of faith into the unknown. Scary? Yes. But also promising. A step into the unknown? Yes. But it can open a new door. Do your inner values marry what you do? Yes, it is essential. There is nothing terrible about staying in your comfort zone. At some stage of your career, staying put can be an excellent decision. But if you feel that you need a change – talk to Kelly. We don’t mind going the extra mile and support your wish to embrace the change. The one which will give meaning to what you do, feel proud, motivated and fulfilled. Ready for changing? We’ll make sure your talent can truly shine.