EDUCATION CORPORATION OF AMERICA
The procurement industry is undergoing a revolution . No longer viewed as something solely operating behind the scenes , the sector has gained increased prominence within business organizations . Ensuring businesses remain competitive , but also drive value across all operations , Vice President of Procurement Charles Leslie saw the growing potential of such a transformative industry and the opportunity to make a long-term impact within Education Corporation of America ’ s ( ECA ’ s ) procurement operations .
Upon ECA ’ s acquisition of Kaplan Higher Education Schools ’ 38 campus locations across the US two years ago , Leslie had the ambition to transform the organization ’ s procurement services to become best-in-class and deliver long-term advantages to both the business and its students , with the support of ECA ’ s Chief Executive Officer Stuart Reed .
“ At that point in time , I said that if we ’ re going to make this work and set up a sustainable model so that we are able to acquire new companies , then we needed to have a best-inclass procurement organization ,” Leslie explains . With a background in accounting , he notes that working with vendors and finding ways to gain additional savings remains an exciting challenge which continues to bring abundant rewards .
126 November 2017