2014 Global SRM Research Report - Customer of choice

STATE OF FLUX

2014 GLOBAL SRM RESEARCH REPORT

ARTicle 135

ARTICLE: THE PEOPLE AND SK I LLS AGENDA PEOPLE AND SKILLS AGENDA

Based on our experience of working with major blue-chip clients and through conducting global research into the state of SRM, we have developed a contemporary insight into how best practice is evolving in the ‘new frontier’ of procurement and supply chain.

ARTICLE BY

John Newton, Head of Learning and Development at State of Flux. Call John on +44 (0)2078 420 600 or email him at john.newton@stateofflux.co.uk for more information on SRM people and skills.

While the concept of customer of choice benefits and value creation focus of SRM is becoming more widely acknowledged and understood, we see the people and skills aspect of SRM is an area where there is still considerable room for improvement. When the subject of people and skills comes up, the conversation usually focuses on training options for supplier relationship managers. While this is important, we like to broaden the

discussion to cover the wider aspect of talent development, i.e. job roles, definitions and performance support, as well as the underlying skills and competencies that make managing strategic supplier relationships such a demanding (and hopefully rewarding) career. To this end, we also make a deliberate effort to include both the ‘art’ and ‘science’ of supplier management, to recognise both the technical and soft skills needed.