SUPPLY CHAIN possible to those suppliers . We can offer more and more value to them through growth in our channels , our footprint , and access to our newer technologies , meaning they are able to participate in our vision and growth .”

It ’ s a refreshing position , because procurement is all too often considered an afterthought . For Avery Dennison , it is a valuable part of its success . In Simon ’ s words , “ the root of integrating with the business is the foundation of how we developed the powers within our function ”. A huge focus for Simon in this area is recruitment of skilled employees . To him , the quality of his people directly correlates with the group ’ s success ; he personally oversees around 70 people across the world , and leans towards those with a broad range of professional experience .

“ A large proportion of them have former marketing experience , finance experience , manufacturing experience , and we have some procurement specialists mixed in ,” he says . “ So we have a function of people with different backgrounds and the capability to be business thought partners as opposed to simply one half of a functional transaction . We do a lot more than just place purchase orders .”

Indeed , Simon and his team translate the realities of the company ’ s materials markets

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