Women In Purchasing & Supply Chain

PurchTips - Edition #84 September 20, 2005

By Charles Dominick, C.P.M., SPSM

More Women Are Becoming Supply Chain Superstars!

As purchasing practices have evolved from the tactical to the strategic and from hard-nosed negotiation styles to more collaborative styles, the types of individuals in purchasing roles has become more diverse as well. Today, we are approaching a very even balance between men and women in the supply chain profession.

There are many women in purchasing and supply chain management who are making an impact in their organizations. This edition of PurchTips highlights several of these women and shares their perspectives when they were asked about the role of women in this exciting field.

Question: What advice would you give to a female college student who is considering a career in purchasing and supply chain management?

“I am new to purchasing, so the memories of adjustment to a new, highly male-dominated field are fresh. The procurement profession is slowly starting to 'take off' amongst women. However, I still find myself one of the two women on my team. I find this competitive 'deliver or die' field very rewarding.

“My main challenges lay around identifying my strengths and weaknesses as a woman in procurement and applying this knowledge to my work. To gain the same respect, there is an unspoken pressure to perform to a higher level than my male colleagues and seniors.

“I guess, in short, my advice would be:

• Be focused on the desired outcome;
• Identify your strengths and weaknesses as a woman in this field;
• Strike a balance between your work and personal life;
• Don’t give your critics any material to work with; and
• Celebrate your successes!”

Marina Romanenko Commodity Analyst Unisys Sydney, Australia

“Embrace purchasing and supply chain as an integrated part of the business. Develop your collaboration skills and understand how the profession impacts business: its growth, profitability and sustainability. Grasp global opportunities to learn, grow and enhance your competitive intelligence. Learn from others and always raise the bar on your own performance. If you want to make a difference, this is it.”

Betty MacKnight Former VP of Global Sourcing Charlotte, North Carolina, USA

“A career in purchasing is very rewarding. You will have the opportunity to positively impact an organization’s 'bottom line', which may give you the exposure necessary to advance in your career. Purchasing is an area that breeds innovation and change so it can be fun, exciting, and challenging!”

Cheryl Hobgood Supply Chain Strategist Cox Communications, Inc. Atlanta, Georgia, USA

Question: What are some of the challenges you’ve faced as a woman in purchasing and how have you overcome them?

“I occasionally encountered a patriarchal or condescending attitude from new male colleagues and suppliers. I overcame this challenge by always dressing and acting professionally, engaging a mentor, continuously growing my knowledge, and never accepting or providing low-quality work. I always treat all potential suppliers equally.”

Suzanne Findlay Managing Director ICT Purchasing Services Perth, Western Australia, Australia

For great insights from more women in purchasing, click here.

(Keep reading for a FREE Offer)

Spotlight On Professional Development Opportunities

Are you tired of not getting enough opportunities, respect, and money out of your purchasing career? Well, guess what? Nothing will change unless you take action towards becoming a world-class purchasing professional.

You see, today's employers refuse to reward employees for yesterday's skills. They demand that purchasing professionals like you use the most modern skills and achieve unprecedented results. They want you to save more money, achieve better operational performance, and reduce risk.

Earning your SPSM Certification is the action to take if you want to bring the most modern purchasing practices into your organization and achieve your career potential. Learn how to become an SPSM at:

www.NextLevelPurchasing.com

The Latest Purchasing News!

Since the last edition of PurchTips, at least 2 new jobs preferring the SPSM Certification have been posted at www.NextLevelPurchasing.com/jobs

FREE Offer!

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