Rethinking Procurement: Creativity, Collaboration, and Strategic Influence

Procurement is evolving beyond its traditional cost-cutting role, and in this interview, Andrea Sordi, SVP, Head of Global Procurement Indirect, Packaging & Energy at dsm-firmenich, shares how the function can drive innovation, build strategic partnerships, and redefine its influence within organisations. Speaking with Supplier Day CEO Caitlyn Lewis, Andrea discusses his journey into procurement, the skills that matter most in today’s landscape, and how teams can prepare for the future.

Key Takeaways from the Conversation:

• Procurement as the "Window to the World" – Andrea reflects on how he never planned to enter procurement and initially viewed it as a purely transactional function. But once inside, he realised it provides one of the best views of the business, connecting external market trends with internal strategy. This ability to link the outside world with organisational needs is what makes procurement such a powerful function.
• From Cost-Cutting to Value Creation – The outdated mindset of procurement being all about cost reduction is shifting. Andrea argues that procurement leaders must focus on creating business value, whether through supplier-driven innovation, sustainability, or strategic problem-solving.
• The Essential Skill Set for Procurement Professionals – Success in procurement isn’t just about technical expertise. Andrea highlights three critical skills for today’s procurement leaders:
  • Business Acumen – A deep understanding of the company’s value chain, beyond procurement.
  • Financial Fluency – The ability to tell compelling business stories in terms everyone understands.
  • Relationship Building – Navigating internal and external partnerships to align goals and unlock opportunities.
• Why Resilience & Creativity Matter More Than Ever – Procurement is a field that constantly presents new challenges, from supply chain disruptions to emerging regulatory requirements. Andrea explains why creativity and resilience are essential—leaders need to continuously reinvent solutions, challenge the status quo, and embrace new ways of working.
• The Future of Procurement: AI, Collaboration, and Alliances – While technology, AI, and automation will play a major role in shaping procurement’s future, Andrea emphasises that human relationships will remain central. He discusses the growing importance of forming strategic alliances—whether with suppliers, industry peers, or even competitors—to tackle complex challenges like sustainability and market volatility.
• Turning Around Supplier Relationships: A Strategic Approach – Not all supplier partnerships are smooth sailing. Andrea shares his approach to assessing whether a strained supplier relationship is worth salvaging and, if so, how to rebuild it. The key? Shifting from a purely commercial focus to identifying shared strategic objectives and fostering open conversations.
• Procurement’s Role in Driving Business Resilience – In a world of increasing disruption, procurement plays a key role in ensuring business continuity. Andrea highlights the importance of long-term thinking, positioning procurement as a strategic enabler rather than just a function focused on immediate cost savings.

Final Thoughts: Procurement as a Career for Innovators

For those who think procurement isn’t a creative field, Andrea has one response: “Join my team.” He challenges the stereotype that procurement is rigid, instead describing it as a space where leaders need to think on their feet, create opportunities, and influence the business in new ways.