Originally published on 20 March 2017. The experience described below reflects the learner’s role and studies at the time.
Experience is extremely valuable in procurement, but professional training can provide the frameworks, theory and wider commercial understanding needed to turn practical knowledge into a more strategic capability.
In this case study, a former SRSCC learner explains how studying for a CIPS qualification helped their team move beyond operational purchasing, improve supplier management and increase procurement’s contribution to the wider organisation.
How has the CIPS qualification helped in your current role?
Having worked in procurement for a number of years, it can be easy to assume that much of the role is based on experience or “common sense”. The CIPS qualification challenges this mindset by introducing structured frameworks, theory and best practice that support stronger decision-making and more strategic thinking.
I found many of the tools introduced through CIPS immediately applicable in my role. These included risk analysis, sustainability, portfolio analysis and category planning.
The modules covering procurement law and financial analysis were particularly valuable. They improved my understanding of the wider commercial environment and helped raise the profile of procurement within the business.
How has the CIPS qualification enhanced your career?
The qualification strengthened my expertise in areas such as contract development, negotiation and the legal foundations of commercial relationships.
This knowledge was especially beneficial in roles involving detailed or complex contract negotiations, where it was important to understand both the commercial objectives and the legal implications of different decisions.
More broadly, developing my knowledge of category management, risk and sustainability helped me contribute to more effective organisational strategies.
On a personal level, studying CIPS also helped me clarify my long-term career direction and the type of organisations I wanted to work for.
How has the training benefited your organisation?
Several members of our team began their CIPS journey, which significantly improved both individual capability and the performance of the wider procurement function.
The training enabled us to approach challenges using new ideas, recognised frameworks and a more consistent methodology. It also increased the visibility and influence of procurement within the organisation.
We introduced practical improvements including risk registers and sustainability policies. These initiatives delivered immediate value and would have been much more difficult to develop without the knowledge gained through our training.
Can you describe a situation where your CIPS knowledge made an impact?
Before undertaking CIPS, we already had a supplier classification system in place. However, we used the knowledge and frameworks introduced during the qualification to fundamentally restructure it.
Rather than treating supplier importance as a simple measure of spending or familiarity, we began considering factors such as business impact, supply risk, potential value and the type of relationship each supplier required.
This resulted in more effective supplier segmentation and a clearer distinction between strategic and tactical relationships. Some suppliers that had previously been treated as strategic were repositioned into more appropriate tactical categories.
The revised approach allowed the team to focus its time and resources on the supplier relationships capable of delivering the greatest long-term value.
It also strengthened supplier relationships, improved value for money and provided a clearer foundation for short-, medium- and long-term category planning.
Most importantly, the process encouraged the team to think differently about procurement. Rather than concentrating solely on transactions and immediate requirements, we began considering how supplier relationships could support future innovation, resilience and organisational objectives.
How do you feel about your experience studying with SR Supply Chain Consultants?
SR Supply Chain Consultants provided an excellent learning experience. The tutors were knowledgeable, experienced and highly supportive, offering valuable insight into both the subject matter and examination technique.
The revision materials and guidance were particularly strong, helping us identify and concentrate on the most important areas of the curriculum.
We also used SRSCC’s remote learning option available at the time. This provided the flexibility we needed to balance professional study with our existing work commitments.
Would you recommend SR Supply Chain Consultants?
Yes. I would highly recommend SR Supply Chain Consultants to anyone considering a CIPS qualification.
Developing strategic procurement capability
This case study demonstrates how professional procurement training can benefit more than the individual completing the qualification. When knowledge is shared and applied across a team, it can improve processes, strengthen commercial decision-making and raise the profile of procurement throughout an organisation.
The areas highlighted in this learner’s experience remain central to effective procurement today. SRSCC offers focused professional development covering:
- Category Management Essentials, including structured category analysis and planning.
- Contract and Supplier Relationship Management.
- Managing Risk in the Supply Chain.
- Sustainability and ESG in Procurement.
You can also read SRSCC’s guide to the supplier relationship management process to explore how organisations can assess suppliers, develop appropriate relationships and improve long-term performance.
Find the right procurement training
SRSCC provides CIPS qualifications from introductory to advanced professional levels, alongside shorter courses focused on specific procurement and supply chain skills.
Explore the complete range of CIPS qualifications and procurement courses, or view the available one-day procurement courses.
Learners looking for a flexible study method can also explore the Independent Learning Zone and Live Virtual Classroom.
For advice about the most appropriate programme for you or your organisation, please contact the SRSCC team.
