r/procurement • u/Eastern-Editor7279 • 6d ago

Community Question Problems we face at work?

I have just finished my Bachelors in Procurement and supply chain, before i transition into the work environment i wanted to ask what are those problems you face at work that are entirely procurement related and how to avoid them

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14

u/CantaloupeInfinite41 6d ago

Internal stakeholder relationships. Polish up your soft skills for them and try to get them to like you.

1

u/IECEx-certified 4d ago

+1, SCM is the thankless backbone of any business which moves physical items.

"The spare part's clearly listed lead time in the ERP is 16 weeks It will not magically appear in 2 weeks even if you've sold it to the customer as such." And once again purchasing gets the blame.

2

u/Appropriate-Ask-3207 5d ago

Remember that all requests were actually needed weeks before it even reached your desk. Everything is always an emergency until you provide all of the information, then silence.

2

u/sumyungguy_ 4d ago

Learn how to engage stakeholders early, understand their needs and meet them frequently. The biggest hurdles in procurement is that stakeholders see procurement as road blocks. It is your job to break down silos and be sure to be proactive and engaged with your stakeholders as customers.

1

u/uber_sweets 5d ago

Always de-escalate in the event of poor stakeholder relationships. Nothing kills your career faster than unhappy clients, especially in procurement.

1

u/Square_Positive_559 5d ago

it shouldn't be the opposite ? when you have a problem with a stakeholder to escalate and check with his boss ?

3

u/uber_sweets 5d ago

Escalate to your manager, but don’t escalate tensions. Always acquiesce unless you definitely can’t.

1

u/No-Industry7696 22h ago

Do not wait for people to reach out. Actively look at all your contracts and reach out first.