How does the role of procurement differ in a mission driven organization? Today on the Art of Procurement, I explore how procurement can help save lives with Brian Kyle, Managing Director of Strategic Sourcing and Contract Management at the American Cancer Society.
Kyle shares his experiences of moving from a profit-driven to mission-driven organization, and the journey that American Cancer Society has taken to elevate the role of procurement from a sourcing to category management led organization – at zero incremental cost.
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“Our people are dedicated to ending cancer as a major health problem. We translate our savings back into life-saving research, outreach efforts and other programs. Companies driven by quarterly results focus on short term projects, whereas we take a long term approach to creating value.”
In this episode, you will learn:
- How Brian was able to pursue an international career, and some of the tips he gives for listeners interesting in working abroad.
- The mission of the American Cancer Society
- Differences of working in a mission-driven organization vs a for-profit company.
- If suppliers approach negotiations differently with a mission-driven organization.
- Why the American Cancer Society decided to invest in Supply Chain and Procurement.
- Brian’s journey to elevate Procurement from one that processed RFP’s to a category management led group, at zero incremental cost.
- Key decision points and lessons learned along the journey.
- Considerations if you are thinking about making the move from a for-profit to mission-driven organization.
Links and Resources:
- Subscribe to the Art of Procurement podcast.
- Brian Kyle on LinkedIn.
- How to Build a Strategic Sourcing Strategy (that Goes Beyond Category and Supplier Management)
- Strategic Sourcing, Explained for Beginners
- The Kraljic Matrix Simply Explained
