Jonathan O’Brien (www.jonathanobrien.co.uk/), author of the popular and globally recognized “Category Management in Purchasing” text, is conducting a comprehensive survey designed to gain an industry-wide perspective on exactly what is needed to deploy category management successfully in an organization so that it delivers impactful results.

In his role as CEO of Positive Purchasing, the global industry leader in providing tools and training to drive procurement transformation, Jonathan is frequently asked “How can we actually make category management happen and deliver meaningful results?”. This survey sets out to answer that question.

Following an enthusiastic response from early contributors to the inaugural “Implementing Category Management for Results” Survey 2018, Jonathan is now inviting senior procurement and strategic sourcing professionals worldwide to participate by sharing their own experiences here before end August 2018.

It is intended that the anonymized main findings of the survey, alongside any pivotal insights, will be included in a new section of the upcoming 4th edition of Jonathan’s “Category Management in Purchasing” book, to be published by Kogan Page in December 2018.

Commenting on the survey, Jonathan O’Brien said:

“Category management is a fascinating yet complex process which, when implemented correctly, can help a business reap significant rewards in terms of reducing cost and risk, as well as capturing supply base innovation and value. Yet time and time again I am asked the same question by the companies that Positive Purchasing works with.

“By capturing input from across the globe, it is intended that the survey results will give a comprehensive and rounded insight into what a broad spectrum of different companies or sectors are doing now, as well as providing a timely practitioner view on what helps or hinders successful category management.

“While we expect there to be an element of commonality in some of the industry responses, we are also anticipating some new insights that may help shape category management programs in the future. We look forward to sharing the results with the industry later this year when we publish a key highlights report.”

Purchasing professionals wishing to benchmark their organization against best practice are encouraged to take part in the survey here before the close date of 31 August, 2018. It will take approximately 20 minutes to complete the 32 questions. All responses will remain confidential.

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About Positive Purchasing Ltd.

Founded in 2003, Positive Purchasing are industry leaders in driving procurement transformation across the globe. Combining expert training and tools with effective programs and methods, we help organizations deliver a dramatic improvement in their strategic procurement and negotiation outcomes. The result is lower costs, reduced risk, and ultimately, a performance boost and increased business profitability. Each of our Category Management, Supplier Relationship Management or Buyer’s Toolkit – and specialist Negotiation – programs is built on a unique best practice methodology supported by high-impact learning and development. Available individually or as part of a complete Procurement Transformation, our programs have been implemented successfully in FTSE 100 and Fortune 500 companies spanning multiple industry sectors worldwide.

CEO Jonathan O’Brien is a specialist management consultant with over 27 years’ experience in purchasing. He has worked all over the world helping global blue-chip organizations transform their procurement capability. Jonathan is also author of a trilogy regarded by many as instrumental in defining best practice strategic procurement comprising Category Management in Purchasing, Supplier Relationship Management and the award-winning Negotiation for Procurement Professionals – plus The Buyer’s Toolkit – all published by Kogan Page.   

Website: positivepurchasing.com / www.redsheetnegotiation.com/
Twitter: @Pos_Purchasing / @Red_Sheet 
Facebook: /PositivePurchasing / redsheetnegotiation 
LinkedIn: positive-purchasing / redsheetnegotiation

For further information, images or interviews with Jonathan O’Brien, please contact Ann Bryant on +44 (0) 7801 422159 or ann.bryant@garlandpr.co.uk.