An essential element in the execution of any business is the procurement of necessary goods and services. These are items that are vital to the functioning of the business, and which are required on a daily basis. A procurement consultant may be called upon by a client to recommend suitable suppliers, negotiate contract terms, or simply ensure that the quality of products or services is suitable for the client’s needs.
Procurement may also be part of an ongoing relationship with the supplier – in which case the relationship may be more strategic, for example in the form of a contract for the supply of goods.
When procurement is a core function of a business, the procurement consultant will have a strategic role in the growth of the business and in the development of the company’s relationships with its suppliers.
Whether a relationship is strategic or not, the vendor will likely play a crucial role in the success or failure of the business, and the procurement consultant will be integral to the management of the relationship and the relationship itself.
Businesses have many procurement strategies in place, but each business is different, and the procurement process is unique to each business. This means that it is necessary for the FMCG Procurement services to understand the business in order to help guide the vendor into a favourable relationship.
The procurement consultant needs to be able to guide the vendor in the development of a business relationship. The following is an in-depth look at what is involved in a procurement relationship, and how the procurement consultant can ensure that the relationship is fruitful and long-lasting.
Comprehending the procurement process
It is important to understand the fundamental procurement process before attempting to broker a successful relationship. This means that a clear understanding of the purpose and the stages of the procurement process are necessary before the relationship begins.
The procurement process is made up of many stages, each of which is vital to the procurement process. The following sections will take a look at the major stages of procurement, and the steps that the procurement consultant needs to take in order to guide the vendor through the process.
A clear and concise understanding of the procurement process will help the procurement consultant understand the vendor’s needs, and what the vendor is looking to achieve from the relationship.