More is expected of procurement than ever. To keep up and deliver, functions must evolve and embark on ambitious transformation projects – the onus is on heads and directors of procurement to effectively manage these journeys. How do you create buy-in for change at every level of your team? What does it take to lead a successful transformation programme from the front? And how can you navigate resistance to new ways of working, build confidence and embed new ways of working? 

A procurement director at a fast-growing tech company and a public sector transformation leader shared their stories of delivering complex change programmes and offer honest, candid insights to be successful.

As the urgency to meet decarbonisation targets increases, procurement and supply professionals play a critical role in driving meaningful emissions reductions. But how do you reach and engage those hard-to-reach suppliers? What can procurement functions do to support SMEs and those organisations that don’t have existing capabilities to capture their emissions data, let alone manage it? And, how do you equip category managers and buyers with effective tools to have meaningful conversations with suppliers? 

Two procurement sustainability leaders will reveal how they are addressing these challenges and hear directly from an SME engaged in their own Scope 3 journey to better understand the supplier perspective.

This year’s CIPS Global State of Procurement & Supply report, supported by GEP, finds a community that is gaining in influence and confidence. Professionals know that they must develop their leadership and strategic skills to bring their insights to the top table. As senior procurement leaders gain permanent seats on the main board, how do you deliver the most impact? Why do procurement and supply leaders hold the keys to driving automation and delivering genuine sustainable impact? 

A panel of CPOs offered their views on the findings and shared valuable advice for the profession to maintain its newfound voice.

AI is reimagining how procurement can deliver strategic value, resilience and innovation. But turning hype into action isn’t easy. How do procurement teams practically adopt AI-powered technology? What do current use-cases look like? And how will agentic AI create new models for autonomy? 

A future-facing discussion explored how the profession can build capability to enable AI’s true potential.

Session supported by Zycus