Buying power
MIDDLE EAST suppliers , that we are getting suppliers who actually understand our business and what our requirements are .”
The efforts have been recognised across the company , right to the very top , says MBC ’ s CEO , Sam Barnett , who comments : “ Our procurement team has not only saved us a lot of money in a challenging market , but has helped us get closer to our most important suppliers and partners , at a time of major industry changes .”
Buying power
In a bid to improve the procurement function yet further , Black says MBC is changing the behaviour of its buyers to ensure they are recognised as influencers within the business . The days of buyers sitting at their desks , removed from stakeholders , are gone – it ’ s all about engagement and interaction . “ We need our buyers to be on the ground and understand the dynamics of the business
if we want to continue to add real value ,” she says . “ Even with the big productions , we need the buyer there so they understand any problems and are able to resolve issues . That relationship with the supplier on the ground is really key . “ As a department , our people have to be versatile and have really good communication skills . We can teach buying skills and negotiation , but the ability to adapt to situations and communicate effectively is what we want .
It is a strategy that appears to be paying dividends , says Farid : “ I deal with a lot of suppliers and one constant feedback that we always receive is that MBC procurement is one of the most engaged procurement departments in the industry .”
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