AUSTRALIA and this can only be done by regular engagement either face to face or by telephone - not simply sitting in office emailing . This is what the ‘ bums off seats ’ approach is all about .”
The transformation included centralising procurement processes , taking away the ability for staff members throughout the business to raise purchase orders without approval . The procurement team now manages the purchasing of everything from pencils to explosives , along with services such as travel .
Centralising purchasing decisions and processes presented change management challenges for the business , which Irwin approached in a ‘ consultative fashion ’.
It helped to have the top-down support of senior management – not just locally but also from the LafargeHolcim head office in Zurich – but Irwin says this isn ’ t enough to ensure success if you can ’ t engage the various stakeholders , win them over and get them to come to you willingly .
“ The change management process was around communicating
Kelly Irwin Head of Procurement for Holcim Australia and New Zealand
CIPS Procurement and Supply Chain Management Professional of the Year , Irwin is responsible for a spend of over $ 900m at Holcim Australia and New Zealand . She has implemented a centralised structure and process aligned with the global business , as well as developed a highly effective procurement team which has been awarded the Internal Customer Excellence award three years in a row .
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