STRATEGIC SOURCING
“ I measure carbon reduction initiatives with the same rigour and cost savings we put towards procurement ”
AMANDA DAVIES CHIEF R & D , PROCUREMENT AND SUSTAINABILITY OFFICER , MARS WRIGLEY
to establish trust with its suppliers , which is crucial in getting buy-in to the company strategy .
She admits this is simple in theory , but requires focus and intentional effort . “ To get the best from our business partners , we build that trust by creating what I like to call strategic intimacy and collaborative advantage ,” Davies goes on .
This involves going straight to the source , hearing first-hand from procurement partners to better understand the business needs of both parties . It ’ s an approach that lets both parties unlock transformational change together .
“ Getting to know our suppliers , as well as their needs and capabilities , creates that strategic intimacy and drives efficiency and innovation that ultimately helps deliver mutual growth ,” says Davies . “ And when we take this approach beyond the one-to-one relationship and consider how collectively across our supply chain we can have an impact , that ’ s when we create collaborative advantage .”
This involves a progression from traditional one-on-one supplier relationships , engaging with multiple stakeholders in the company supply chain , to leveraging the potential of collaborative advantage .
“ I always ask our suppliers , ‘ can we go faster ? Can we go further ?’, and we will go faster and further if we do it together as part of an ecosystem ,” Davies adds .
Key challenges for the future Mars is following a programme of innovation to accelerate its roadmap and have opened a new Global Research and Development Hub in Chicago to help the business meet the challenges of the future .
This is powered by 100 % renewable energy , and allows the company to invest in innovation and nextgeneration scientific technology . Ideas like its easily adaptable pilot product line are allowing the company to stay agile
152 May 2024