Marijn Overvest

Procurement Tactics

7 Skills Every Category Manager In

Procurement Should Have In 2024:
 Marijn Overvest

Procurement Tactics

1. Analytical skills

The foundation for making informed

decisions, analytical skills enable
Category Managers to dissect
market trends and data.

This insight is crucial for identifying

opportunities and navigating
challenges, making it a cornerstone
of effective category management.

 Marijn Overvest

Procurement Tactics

2. Strategic Sourcing


This skill involves identifying and

engaging with the best suppliers.

It's vital for optimizing value and

ensuring supply chain resilience,

directly impacting the organization's

ability to meet its strategic goals.

 Marijn Overvest

Procurement Tactics

3. Stakeholder engagement


Effective communication and

collaboration with stakeholders

ensure that procurement strategies

are aligned with broader

organizational objectives.

This alignment is key to securing buy-

in and facilitating successful strategy

implementation.

 Marijn Overvest

Procurement Tactics

4. Financial intelligence

Understanding budgets, cost

management, and financial analysis
is essential for driving cost savings.

It also helps to demonstre the

procurement function's value to the
organization.
 Marijn Overvest

Procurement Tactics

5. Risk Management

Identifying and mitigating potential

risks protects the organization and
ensures supply continuity.

This skill is essential for maintaining

operational stability and
safeguarding against unforeseen
challenges.
 Marijn Overvest

Procurement Tactics

6. Negotiation Skills


Negotiation is critical for securing

favorable terms and building strong
supplier relationships.

Effective negotiation strategies

impact the bottom line and support
long-term strategic partnerships.
 Marijn Overvest

Procurement Tactics

7. Project Management


Efficient project management from

inception to completion is vital.

It ensures procurement projects align

with strategic objectives, are
delivered on time, and achieve
desired outcomes, marking it as a
crucial skill for Category Managers.
 Marijn Overvest

Procurement Tactics

Want to upskill your category

management skills in procurement?

– We just launched a Category

Management Course for Procurement

– It’s a self-paced certificate program

and contains video lessons, templates,
and transcripts

– Comment ‘interested’ below this

post if you want to receive the
program syllabus with more
information