THE HEALTHCARE INTERVIEW
It is this whole-country effort that places procurement in the spotlight.
“ Without the right models of procurement, supply chain, category management,” Jacqui says,“ you cannot deliver these giga projects without it absolutely being the best-in-class, world-class procurement activities.”
There are some key industrial differences Jacqui has discovered when it comes to procurement transformation. She says:“ In Europe, we are focused on sustainability and social value. They [ Saudis ] are very much focused on localisation,‘ Saudization’ and building local industries.”
As Saudi Arabia relies heavily on imports, there are additional challenges to consider, but Jacqui sees it like any other role.
“ Every time you go and work in a different environment, a different country,” she continues,“ procurement and supply chain is global. You have to have a global head on you, otherwise you ' ll fail. Everything we do is global. Then it ' s just adapting to that country and that location and that culture and that business ethos.”
This global, big-picture outlook is becoming more essential by the day, as risks ripple from one continent to another. Too local an outlook means many miss the chance to catalyse transformation.
“ Globally, there are big missed opportunities in procurement transformation,” Jacqui says.“ Look at what the US federal government is doing under President Trump and the GSA: centralising procurement across departments and negotiating huge national deals with Microsoft and Google.
The goal is scalable efficiency through a business-minded approach,” she explains.“ It’ s a model of consolidation that offers valuable lessons for both the UK and Saudi Arabia.” She is also clear about the changing role of the profession itself:“ Procurement professionals today must shift from‘ buyer’ to‘ commercial creator’. You’ re not just procuring – you’ re delivering strategic outcomes.” That shift must be reflected in decision-making structures.
“ Procurement leaders must claim their seat at the top table,” Jacqui goes on.“ Being part of the executive committee isn’ t optional. We are professional experts, not finance support functions.”
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