Global Sourcing Insights

What do businesses owe to faraway workers who make their products? That's the question put by Professor Michael Posner from the NYU Stern School of Business in his new book, Conscience Incorporated: Pursue Profits While Protecting Human Rights. Posner is a world expert in human rights with extensive experience as a human rights lawyer, State Department official under the Obama administration and chair of the Fair Labor Association. He offers a unique perspective on what we can learn from the significant progress the apparel sector has made, the complexities of the solar panel industry, and why human rights should be a business priority alongside performance and revenue. Plus, the evolving risks to human rights coming from the AI space. His message to procurement and supply professionals facing these issues on the frontline is clear: you must find ways of meaningfully delivering on the promises companies are making. Further reading: Purchase Professor Posner's new book - Conscience Incorporated: Pursue Profits While Protecting Human Rights CIPS Ethics eLearning and Test Read: demand fair pay and a living wage for your supply chain CIPS Foundation supports development of Modern Slavery Helpline

In our second episode of the CIPS Futures podcast mini-series brought to you by the CIPS ANZ team, we talk to Jane Wagner and Samir El-Sabagh, both procurement professionals from the Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Aged Care. As a former CIPS Leader of the Year, Jane explains what procurement can learn from the finance profession in following a maturity path to develop capability and ensure that the value of highly qualified procurement and contract management professionals is recognised in strategic roles.  And we get under the skin of how professional qualifications translate to being better at your job. Samir shares his journey to becoming CIPS qualified, why it's opened new doors in his career and offers candid examples of how he's delivered improved outcomes for the Australian public sector as a direct result of embarking on a learning pathway.  Further reading: About the Australian Public Service Commission's Procurement and Contract Management Profession CIPS ANZ regional hub Make CIPS your career companion - become a member Have you seen the new and improved CIPS Professional Register? The directory shares the professional status of procurement and supply chain practitioners around the world, and you can now personalise your profile with specialisms and expertise. Check out your listing on the Professional Register

In this CIPS Futures podcast mini-series brought to you by the CIPS ANZ team, CIPS Australia & New Zealand general manager Charlotte Payne hosts Julia Pickworth and Richard Windeyer, co-heads of the Australian Public Service Commission's Procurement and Contract Management (PCM) Profession, launched in 2024. What is the PCM Profession and why now? How will the initiative drive capability to accelerate the professionalisation of the workforce? And what is Julia and Richard's vision for the future of Australian procurement and contract management professionals? Plus, ever thought of buying submarines and robots? Public sector procurement might be the place for you... Further reading: About the Australian Public Service Commission's Procurement and Contract Management Profession CIPS welcomes the announcement of Procurement and Contract Management as a professional stream CIPS ANZ regional hub Make CIPS your career companion - become a member  

"This is VUCA on steroids." The Trump administration's constantly-changing US tariffs are wreaking havoc on the markets – and on procurement professionals' planning. To find out what it means and how you can mitigate the risks, we speak to CIPS global economist, Dr John Glen. Could the turmoil forge fresh connections between the UK and EU post Brexit? Will we see opportunities in emerging markets in Africa and South America? John explains the fundamentals of tariffs and answers your burning questions in this special edition of the podcast. Further reading: Join the discussion thread on the CIPS Community platform Dr John Glen's analysis of the CIPS Pulse Q1 2025 results Watch Dr John Glen speaking to international media outlets about supply chain disruptions CBS article: "Walmart, Target CEOs privately warned Trump tariffs could lead to empty shelves soon" CIPS resources and events: CIPS Global State of Procurement & Supply  CIPS Futures Conference - London, 1 July

CIPS CEO Ben Farrell reflects on his first 100 days in the role. After connecting with the global CIPS community across the world, Ben unveils his exciting vision for the future of CIPS and the wider profession. His message: today's procurement and supply professionals are tomorrow's business leaders.   Plus, hear Ben's thoughts on the transformational impact AI is having on procurement; the role CIPS must play in amplifying global best practice; and leadership lessons from his time serving in the British army and leading John Lewis' pandemic response. Further reading: Ben Farrell shares his insights from conversations with CIPS members in the Asia Pacific region The CIPS Foundation Watch: CEO Ben Farrell shares his vision for CIPS  

To celebrate International Women's Day 2025, we hear from two inspiring female procurement leaders. Lauren Feery, group procurement director of global packaging company DS Smith, shares why curiosity and speaking up are valuable tools in your career arsenal. Plus, you might have more in common with David Bowie than you think… Executive coach, CIPS trustee and ex-procurement and sustainability leader Juliet Sotnick reveals the common signs of imposter syndrome and offers five ways to overcome it. Additional links and further reading: International Women's Day CIPS Global voices: Inspirational women in procurement and supply

Findings from the CIPS Procurement & Supply Salary Guide 2024, supported by Hays, showed hiring procurement and supply talent remains a critical challenge globally. So, how can you think differently to recruit and develop a well-rounded and capable team?  Dave Jones, Head of Procurement – IT & Digital, Virgin Media & O2; and Dan Robertson, Global MD, Fairer Consulting, discuss the positive impact an inclusive culture has for recruitment, retention and talent development. Plus, why diverse skills and perspectives set your procurement function apart to drive future success.  The CIPS Procurement & Supply Salary Survey 2025 is now live! Share your views on inclusive practices and other important areas to contribute to this year's findings. Just follow the link below: Take the CIPS Procurement & Salary Survey 2025, supported by Hays, here >> To find out more about the 2024 findings at the CIPS Salary Guide hub, use the Salary Calculator, or explore the findings on ED&I in procurement and supply, follow the links below: Salary guide hub  Driving equality, diversity and inclusion: time to make this a priority  

How do you build capacity within your procurement function to deliver the value now expected? Sebastien Bals, CPO at Merck Group, reveals how his team is using digital solutions and AI at scale to create new ways of working, enable process orchestration and meet the pharmaceutical and technology giant's wider sustainability goals.  Further reading: CIPS Sustainable Procurement Pioneers - 30 innovators shaping the future of sustainable procurement CIPS AI in Procurement and Supply Report - How automation will change your career and the function, supported by Posterity Global

Good procurement is not just about initial cost, but also about whole life value. The Procurement Act has been designed to transform procurement and create engaging, competitive and open marketplaces, says the UK's Cabinet Office. Rebecca Rees and Alan Heron explore the mechanisms that have been put in place to enable practitioners to create more competition and flexibility in their procurement processes. Will new skills be required of practitioners to take full advantage of the opportunities?  Plus, hear Rebecca and Alan's final thoughts on the expected impact of the Procurement Act 2023 once it goes live in February 2025. Further reading: An Essential Guide to the Procurement Act 2023, from Procurement Hub Procurement Act guidance documents from the Cabinet Office What is Public Sector Procurement? Procurement Hub Looking to further your understanding of UK Public Procurement? The CIPS Masterclass in UK Public Procurement two day course is designed to provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of the EU's public procurement regulations, as well as the new UK regulations coming into force in 2025.  Book your place onto the CIPS Masterclass in UK Public Procurement course here This mini-series is brought to you by the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS) in partnership with the Procurement Hub, part of Places for People. 

With around £300 billion a year spent on public sector procurement each year, professionalism and integrity are essential characteristics of good procurement officers. How is this being addressed in the new Procurement Act? Will the new regulations drive further use of framework providers? And, how will the debarment list of suppliers work in practice? Rebecca Rees and Alan Heron help unravel these very questions for you on episode three of the CIPS Preparing for the Procurement Act podcast series.  Further reading: An Essential Guide to the Procurement Act 2023, from Procurement Hub Procurement Act guidance documents from the Cabinet Office What is Public Sector Procurement? Procurement Hub Looking to further your understanding of UK Public Procurement? The CIPS Masterclass in UK Public Procurement two day course is designed to provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of the EU's public procurement regulations, as well as the new UK regulations coming into force in 2025.  Book your place onto the CIPS Masterclass in UK Public Procurement course here This mini-series is brought to you by the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS) in partnership with the Procurement Hub, part of Places for People. 

Transparency is 'hard baked' throughout the Procurement Act, but what does this mean in practice? Episode two of the CIPS Preparing for the Procurement Act series focuses on the new notice requirements, the resulting practical implications for contracting authorities and how you can prepare for the changes.   Rebecca Rees, partner and head of public procurement at Trowers & Hamlins joins the Procurement Hub's Alan Heron to provide you with an expert perspective.  Further reading: An Essential Guide to the Procurement Act 2023, from Procurement Hub Procurement Act guidance documents from the Cabinet Office What is Public Sector Procurement? Procurement Hub Looking to further your understanding of UK Public Procurement? The CIPS Masterclass in UK Public Procurement two day course is designed to provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of the EU's public procurement regulations, as well as the new UK regulations coming into force in 2025.  Book your place onto the CIPS Masterclass in UK Public Procurement course here This mini-series is brought to you by the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS) in partnership with the Procurement Hub, part of Places for People. 

A new CIPS Futures Podcast mini-series to help UK public sector practitioners and suppliers prepare for the incoming Procurement Act. Lindsay Maguire, deputy director for procurement reform at the Cabinet Office shares the motivations behind the new Act, the opportunities it will create for public sector practitioners and the long term ambitions for public procurement.  Plus, the Procurement Hub's Alan Heron offers a practitioner's perspective.  Further reading: An Essential Guide to the Procurement Act 2023, from Procurement Hub Procurement Act guidance documents from the Cabinet Office What is Public Sector Procurement? Procurement Hub Looking to further your understanding of UK Public Procurement? The CIPS Masterclass in UK Public Procurement two day course is designed to provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of the EU's public procurement regulations, as well as the new UK regulations coming into force in 2025.  Book your place onto the CIPS Masterclass in UK Public Procurement course here This mini-series is brought to you by the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS) in partnership with the Procurement Hub, part of Places for People. 

What are the telltale signs of corruption? Lenushka Parannath MCIPS explains what red flags to watch out for. And shares how to take control of the procurement process to avoid becoming a 'mailbox' between suppliers and the business – leaving the door open for corrupt deals. Plus, is a hierarchical structure to decision-making holding your function back? Mentioned in this podcast: CIPS Salary Guide hub, in partnership with Hays CIPS Code of Conduct Watch highlights from the 2024 CIPS Excellence in Procurement & Supply Awards

Geopolitical risk consultant and author of Zero Sum Charles Hecker has an uncompromising message for procurement and supply chain professionals: geopolitics is now in your job spec. Borders are returning and "there is nothing to get used to anymore". So, how do practitioners and businesses respond?  Additional reading: CIPS Global State of Procurement & Supply 2024, supported by GEP Zero Sum: The Arc of International Business in Russia, Charles Hecker CIPS Risk & Resilience webinar series - Sessions available to watch on-demand

A revealing interview with CIPS MENA Leader of the Year, Sulaiman Abdullah, director at the UAE Federal Tax Authority. What are the traits of a successful leader? How do you use influence to drive change? And, is it time procurement had a rebrand…?

Why should social value be at the heart of a cost transformation programme? How can you find and engage social enterprises? And, is it possible to drive positive social change through your supply chain in the highly regulated financial industry? Laura Faulkner FCIPS, of the market-leading UK mutual building society Nationwide, has the answers in this special episode of Futures recorded live at the CIPS Procurement & Supply Futures Conference in London.  Find out more about the Nationwide Oakfield Community Housing Project Find out more about Social Enterprise UK

Stephen Day, chief procurement officer at Kantar, is on a mission to bring a new, diverse generation into procurement. He's calling on other procurement and supply leaders to join him in breaking traditional recruitment cycles to create a truly accessible profession fit for the future.

Step into the world of lean management as Professor Danny Samson from the University of Melbourne explains how you can reenergise your procurement function by adopting lean principles. Where can you find wasteful processes holding you back? Why do most companies fail in implementing lean principles? How does technology play a role in success?

How can you think differently to build better supply chain relationships? Why do we need a culture shift to really embed meaningful change? What does the 'broken windows' theory have to do with sustainable procurement? George Mosey and Rossella Nicolin from global construction firm, Laing O'Rourke, delve into this critical subject.

DHL's chief procurement officer and head of mobility on transforming a 700-strong global team to world-class standards. Plus: electric planes, anyone? 

In the third episode of CIPS Futures we hear from CIPS' own Alison Barto, chair of our global board of trustees and chief partnership officer at Carbonaires, and Jane Wagner, assistant secretary of the Vaccine Supply Management Branch at the Australian Department of Health. Leaders in their field, Alison and Jane share their personal career journeys, offer advice on leadership and discuss what it takes to carve out a successful career. We also explore the importance of global initiatives like International Women's Day, and how to build a strong talent pipeline for the profession – with equality, diversity and inclusivity at its core. Find out more: International Women's Day CIPS

How can procurement and supply professionals tackle the sustainability challenges facing them today? In this episode, Oliver Hurrey, Sustainability Procurement Pledge champion, discusses everything from Scope 3 emissions and incoming legislation to value chain collaboration and carbon reporting mechanisms. His message? Act now, don't delay.

A revealing conversation with Amanda Davies, chief procurement and sustainability officer, Mars Wrigley

CEO of MetalMiner, Lisa Reisman describes the warning signs of risks in commodities markets and the current conflicts between the need to secure raw material and meeting cost targets. A conversation on Spend Friends with Spend Matters Pierre Mitchell and CIPS Americas Bill Michels.

“Force majeure” has become the phrase of the moment for supply managers around the globe. It would be hard to find a more fitting example of force majeure than the coronavirus of 2019. Supply management contract lawyer and CIPS educator, Mark Grieco explains what is and is not force majeure and provides tips for managing supplier contracts now and writing new ones in the post-virus future.

It did not take long for the unique coronavirus to jump from Asia to Europe, endangering public health and collapsing supply chains, especially in the manufacturing hubs of Germany. Munich-based risk management consultant and founder of riskmethods, Heiko Schwarz, offers insights from a vantage point several weeks ahead of the current curve in the U.S.

The world is learning from a pandemic about shortages in medical supplies – a condition that people on the continent of Africa know all too well. Name a supply chain challenge and you will find it in abundance in Africa. CIPS Group Director Duncan Brock describes the progress CIPS is making with the Gates Foundation to improve procurement of medical supplies in three countries of southern Africa.

Before she heard news media reports about coronavirus, Lucie Chami, CPO at Vitex Pharmaceuticals in Australia learned one of her suppliers had a “medical problem” delaying production. Within days she was in the thick of a procurement crises. Lucie tells her story in this edition of Global Sourcing Insights from CIPS, and Seshagopal Kannan, a Beroe, Inc. consultant in Bangladore, India joins in. Kannan leads the crisis management analysis of this coronavirus for his firm.

Imagine managing a supply chain where you might have to change sources literally overnight because of violence, sanctions or other crises. To supply managers in the Middle East, it’s nothing new. CIPS Manager, Middle East and North Africa, Sam Achampong describes the challenges and opportunities of procurement in a region defined by stark contrasts.

On a summer night in June of 2017, a fire broke out in the 24-story Grenfell Tower apartment building in West London. 72 people died, and more than 70 others were injured. It was the deadliest structural fire in the United Kingdom in nearly 30 years. Inquiries found that poor purchasing skills contributed to the disaster. CIPS Group Director, Duncan Brock led a working group that recommended changes in both practices and culture to prevent future tragedies like the one at Grenfell Tower.

Walgreens Boots Alliance CPO Jim Townsend says he is generally uncomfortable with the status quo, so he has been a change agent through much of his career. That’s one reason why he is on the CIPS Procurement Power list this year. One of his focuses currently is corporate social responsibility, which he sees as a foundation for success for any company – and especially one that is dedicated to wellness.Townsend describes how CSR drives his organization and even helps him recruit talent.

What you don’t know can, in fact hurt you. Or at least hold you back in your career. Listen to hear what the CIPS and Hays Procurement 2019 Salary Survey says about your skills and your pay.Then take the 2020 Salary Survey to help you and other professionals plan their careers.Click to open the survey. 

Supply managers favor cloud applications among all the investments they could make in digital technologies – according to a digitalization survey conducted by CIPS and the University of Melbourne. In this podcast, CIPS Knowledge Manager Sheena Donaldson and CIPS VP Operations for the Americas Bill Michels describe what's driving investments in digital technologies and what is inhibiting some corporations from adopting more. Use this link to read or download the full report.CIPS wants to hear how you are using digital technologies in your procurement operations. Help us by taking our follow-up survey using this link. Participants will get an early release of the results when they are tabulated.

When the going is tough maybe it's time to make it tougher, with an intense three or five-day boot camp to sharpen the skills of your supply management organization. Perhaps your company is launching a new line of business, has had an influx of less-experienced buyers or an acquisition or re-organization that requires a new blending of talent. Boot camp gives your team time to focus uninterrupted on a specific curriculum at the same time and place.

Trade wars and other factors are changing the way CPOs are thinking about global sourcing. The simple math of calculating labor, capital and logistics costs has become much more complicated. Are we moving away from supply chains toward manufacturing matrixes?

When the United Kingdom leaves the European Union on October 31 2019- How might it affect U.S Businesses with ties to Great Britain and Europe?CIPS economist and Visiting Fellow at Cranfield School of Management, John Glen provides his insights on the subject.Podcast runs 13:00

U.S.-China trade animosities are sending shock waves through supply chains, but CIPS VP Operations - Americas Bill Michels says the migration away from sourcing from China is not new. Michels describes how companies should prepare for tariff, or other potential disruptions in their supply chains.Podcast runs 23:13

How well are you monitoring the ethics of your own procurement operations, and are you at risk because of potential lapses in the ethics of your suppliers? Bill Michels describes where the risks may lie and how to address them.Podcast runs 19:26

You may be proud of your command of “procurish” -- the everyday jargon of procurement and supply management, but CIPS VP Operations - Americas Bill Michels says that the C-suite executives in your organization want to hear how your work is going to create new business opportunities, manage risk and bring innovations to the company.Podcast runs 15:40

Restaurants are jumping on the Farm to Table movement, proudly announcing where the chickens for your waffle ranged and the hops for your beer grew.Smart supply managers are taking on similar exercises, mapping their supply chains to address questions of risk, sustainability, and social responsibility. CIPS VP Operations - Americas Bill Michels says it’s not as easy as it sounds.Podcast runs 19:38