Structuring Procurement Needs and Analysing Spend

This module marks the beginning of the process of structuring and professionalising the procurement function within the organisation. It provides participants with an understanding of the strategic and operational challenges associated with procurement. Participants will learn how to analyse, prioritise and formalise internal business needs. The approach combines proven methodologies, practical tools and best practices to support effective procurement activities. More than just a technical training course, this module offers a cross-functional perspective that fosters stronger collaboration with internal stakeholders.

This module is part of the Developing Procurement Expertise in 5 Steps learning pathway.

By the end of this module, participants will be able to : 

• Understand the strategic role of the procurement function and its evolving contribution to the value chain

• Analyse and categorise organisational expenditure to identify procurement priorities

• Define and document clear, actionable business requirements

• Use procurement tools to support planning, prioritisation and decision-making

• Improve the efficiency of procurement activities and monitor procurement performance

• Understand the challenges of the procurement function: master the PLMCF equation, understand the evolving role of the procurement professional, and recognise how procurement contributes to the value chain.

• Map and classify expenditure: apply the Pareto (80/20) principle, ABC/XYZ analysis, and the Kraljic Matrix to structure procurement categories and identify strategic suppliers.

• Clarify and define the scope of requirements: translate an internal request into clear business requirements by specifying quantities, budgets, timescales, standards, environmental considerations, and other key parameters.

• Produce an effective specification: structure requirements using the MoSCoW method (Must, Should, Could, Won't) and define clear deliverables and Service Level Agreements (SLAs).

• Identify and align stakeholders: map decision-makers and approvers using the RACI model and understand the approval process.

• Use the Impact/Effort Matrix to prioritise procurement activities and support decision-making.

This training course is designed for anyone involved in purchasing as part of their role, whether they are procurement professionals or non-procurement staff responsible for managing suppliers and service providers. It is particularly suitable for:

• New or junior procurement professionals (Category Buyers, Project Buyers, and Contract Managers) who have not received formal procurement training.
• Professionals in HR, Finance, IT and Operations involved in high-impact purchasing activities (e.g. recruitment agencies, payroll solutions, IT services and external service providers).
• Project managers, line managers, administrative professionals and technical staff who are required to engage with suppliers, evaluate bids, negotiate and manage contracts, and who wish to develop practical procurement skills and tools.

At the end of the training, participants will receive a certificate of achievement issued by the House of Training.