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Let's Talk Procurement

Two Lukes, One CIP

Welcome to "Let's Talk Procurement" - the procurement podcast where Lukes 1 and 10 navigate the wild world of purchasing with a side of humour and a dash of dad jokes. 🛍️ Join Luke 1, the procurement prodigy, and Luke 10, the tender-hearted jokester, as they untangle the knotty world of supply chains and contracts, one laugh at a time. From negotiating deals to chasing down the best bulk discounts, these Lukes have it all covered – and yes, they'll probably throw in a few puns along the way. Take a break from the text books & join us on the journey to procurement enlightenment served with a smile and a sprinkle of procurement magic! 🌟✨

Feel free to get in touch with us on our socials or 2lukes1cip@gmail.com.

https://linktr.ee/letstalkprocurement

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed on this podcast are like coffee preferences – diverse and subject to change. The hosts may spill the beans on their thoughts, but they don't claim to be everyone's cup of tea. Listener discretion is advised. Remember, it's all in good fun and the only thing brewed here is a blend of entertainment and conversation with a hint of education. Sip responsibly! ☕🎙️

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S3 · E11
June 16 · 46 min
S3.E11. Procurement Under Pressure: Procurements most pressing topics
Send us Fan Mail Procurement can feel like the job where every problem lands, even when you do not control the root cause. We start by catching up on a listener’s hunt for buyer and procurement assistant roles, why apprenticeships (including CIPS Level 4 pathways) can be a real shortcut to credible experience, and the one skill we both wish we had built earlier: staying calm when a supplier call turns heated, then steering it back to commitments and next steps. From there we tour r/procurement on Reddit and tackle a question loads of people quietly ask: is procurement or supply chain the highest-stress corporate role? We unpack why the pressure comes from every direction finance, operations, suppliers, and leadership targets and why doing your job well can be oddly invisible. We also debate whether sales is more stressful, and why logistics often carries a sharper, time-critical edge than indirect procurement. We then get into money and measurement: should you be able to negotiate pay based on “savings achieved”? We explore why savings definitions vary, how incentives can drive the wrong behaviour (cheapest over best value), and what healthier target models can look like. Finally, we talk AI and automation, the fear of making yourself obsolete, and the skills that stay valuable: stakeholder leadership, risk judgement, and building trust across the business. If you enjoy honest procurement career advice and real-world stories, subscribe, share the show with a colleague, and leave us a review. Grab yourself a copy of the incredible debut novel from C Toms-Arbel here: https://amzn.to/3Q5IcWU Please note that this is an affiliate link. While we only recommend products that we believe in, we may benefit financially from any purchases you make. Support the show Please get in touch as we love to hear from you listeners! You can use the "text" function above or drop us on email: 2lukes1cip@gmail.com or visit our website www.letstalkprocurement.co.uk It would also mean the world if you can drop us a cheeky 5* rating on your platform of choice, Cya Later
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S3 · E10
May 19 · 25 min
S3.E10. Force Majeure In Procurement
Send us Fan Mail Force majeure gets tossed around whenever the world gets messy, but most procurement teams only discover what their clause really says when a supplier is already late. We take a clear, buyer-friendly look at how force majeure works in supply chain contracts, what it can legitimately excuse, and why “boilerplate” wording can quietly shift risk onto you at the worst possible time. We start with a quick catch-up while Luke’s away travelling, then tackle a listener question that hits home for plenty of people building a career in purchasing: after completing CIPS Level 4, should you take the exam path or the assignment route, and how do you pitch employer funding. We talk through the practical trade-offs, including how businesses think about paying per exam versus paying upfront for an assignment programme, and why employer sign-off can become a real constraint if you change jobs mid-way. Then we get into the main event: force majeure clauses and modern disruption. Using real-world pressures like chip shortages, conflict-driven route changes, and the post-pandemic habit of explicitly listing pandemics, we lay out three checks to validate a claim: the event must be covered by the wording, it must genuinely prevent or seriously hinder performance, and the supplier must show reasonable mitigation. We also cover what happens next in contract terms, including notice requirements, suspension of obligations, whether payments should pause, allocation of scarce supply, and when termination rights should kick in. If you want stronger contract drafting and calmer supplier conversations when things go wrong, this one’s for you. Subscribe, share it with a colleague, and leave us a review, then tell us: what’s the biggest weakness in your current force majeure wording? Grab yourself a copy of the incredible debut novel from C Toms-Arbel here: https://amzn.to/3Q5IcWU Please note that this is an affiliate link. While we only recommend products that we believe in, we may benefit financially from any purchases you make. Support the show Please get in touch as we love to hear from you listeners! You can use the "text" function above or drop us on email: 2lukes1cip@gmail.com or visit our website www.letstalkprocurement.co.uk It would also mean the world if you can drop us a cheeky 5* rating on your platform of choice, Cya Later
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S3 · E9
April 7 · 27 min
S3.E9 How Procurement Thinking Can Stretch A South America Travel Budget
Send us Fan Mail Forty-seven and a half hours before a flight, Luke admits he has not packed, has no local currency, and only has a rough budget for a four to six month backpacking trip across Central and South America. So we do what we do best: drag travel planning into the world of procurement and see if cost control can survive contact with real life. If you care about smart spending, practical budgeting, and making better choices under pressure, this one hits close to home. We translate procurement techniques into travel decisions you can actually use. We talk about standardising what you buy so you avoid gold plating, challenging demand so “just one more” does not wreck your travel budget, and using simple spend rules for the categories that quietly drain cash. We also get into benchmarking the cost of living across countries, including a brilliant backpacker shortcut using the price of beer and accommodation, then we take a detour into the Big Mac Index as a surprisingly useful reference point. From there we explore the “supplier” side of travel: when consolidating through a tour company might save effort, when it might cost more, and how to think about payments like a procurement pro. We cover international bank cards, prepaid travel cards, currency conversion, and the small value-adds that stack up over months, like points and cashback. We finish with the realities of solo travel, including how sharing taxis and splitting accommodation can reduce unit costs without cutting the fun. If you enjoy procurement, personal finance, or travel hacks with a bit of semi-funny banter, subscribe, share the episode with a mate who needs to budget better, and leave us a review. What’s your no-nonsense rule for keeping spending under control while travelling? Grab yourself a copy of the incredible debut novel from C Toms-Arbel here: https://amzn.to/3Q5IcWU Please note that this is an affiliate link. While we only recommend products that we believe in, we may benefit financially from any purchases you make. Support the show Please get in touch as we love to hear from you listeners! You can use the "text" function above or drop us on email: 2lukes1cip@gmail.com or visit our website www.letstalkprocurement.co.uk It would also mean the world if you can drop us a cheeky 5* rating on your platform of choice, Cya Later
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S3 · E8
March 17 · 28 min
S3.E8. Has Procurement got..Easier? 1990s CIPS v 2026 CIPS
Send us Fan Mail A listener asks a simple question that every procurement professional should take personally: what can we do right now to stay future-proof over the next five years? Our first instinct is to joke about AI hype and quitting to “find yourself”, but the real answer sits underneath the banter: the best way to future-proof your procurement career is to build durable skills that survive new tools, new job titles, and the next wave of “must-have” tech. Then we do something oddly practical for a show full of chaos, we open up CIPS past papers from the mid-1990s and read what counted as expert purchasing knowledge. International purchasing case studies, transfer pricing, global contract terms, countertrade, customs duties, and a surprisingly sharp question on procurement ethics across different countries. It’s a reminder that supply chain management is not just strategy slides and stakeholder engagement, it’s also trade mechanics, contracting, logistics, and knowing how to protect delivery, quality, and long-term performance. We also compare those older exam themes with modern CIPS Level 5 and Level 6 modules, and you can hear the shift towards category management, negotiation, teams, and stakeholder management. The takeaway is not nostalgia, it’s balance: keep your commercial fundamentals strong, stay curious about technology like AI, and don’t let the “new” procurement role erase the hard edges that still matter when contracts go wrong. If you enjoyed this, subscribe, share it with a procurement mate, and leave us a review. What skill do you think will matter most in procurement by 2030? Support the show Please get in touch as we love to hear from you listeners! You can use the "text" function above or drop us on email: 2lukes1cip@gmail.com or visit our website www.letstalkprocurement.co.uk It would also mean the world if you can drop us a cheeky 5* rating on your platform of choice, Cya Later
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S3 · E7
March 3 · 35 min
S3.E7. The final Procurement assignment: Does Luke 10 get his CIPS?
Send us Fan Mail We turn a silly pun challenge into a serious guide to passing the Advanced Practitioner project and building change that lasts. It ends with a live CIPS results reveal at the airport and a cheer as the plane boards. Will Luke 10 get his final pass of the journey? Will we ever hear from him again?? • how to frame an assignment title that wins approval • primary research using stakeholder interviews • programme vs project and why it matters • structuring a 10,000-word business case • behavioural science for stakeholder buy-in • efficiency tactics that save time and build trust • cost–benefit analysis and implementation planning • project surgeries, timelines, and self-discipline • live results reveal and next steps for travel Support the show Please get in touch as we love to hear from you listeners! You can use the "text" function above or drop us on email: 2lukes1cip@gmail.com or visit our website www.letstalkprocurement.co.uk It would also mean the world if you can drop us a cheeky 5* rating on your platform of choice, Cya Later
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S3 · E6
February 10 · 34 min
S3. E6. Procurement Frameworks Made Simple, Really Simple
Send us Fan Mail We answer a listener’s question on breaking into procurement, then unpack how frameworks speed buying while staying compliant. Along the way we share real CCS evaluation insight, social value pitfalls, and where a DPS can beat a framework. • translating a law degree into procurement advantage • core procurement cycle from need to contract management • interview tactics using everyday buying examples • stakeholder triage and relationship cadence • what framework agreements are and why they matter • CCS evaluation panels and pass–fail social value • pros and cons of frameworks for buyers and suppliers • when to consider dynamic purchasing systems instead • transparency, audit trails, and market access trade-offs “Only a low low price of $59.99. Non-negotiable. Only... you can negotiate up.” Support the show Please get in touch as we love to hear from you listeners! You can use the "text" function above or drop us on email: 2lukes1cip@gmail.com or visit our website www.letstalkprocurement.co.uk It would also mean the world if you can drop us a cheeky 5* rating on your platform of choice, Cya Later
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S3 · E5
January 6 · 13 min
S3. E5. We Share Big Life Updates And Tease A Packed Procurement Lineup For 2026
Send us Fan Mail We share a quick check‑in from a cold January, outline what’s coming in 2026, and talk through Luke’s sabbatical plans with a mix of jokes and practical next steps. From a CIPS tutor session to vintage exam papers, we set a path for useful, human, and curious episodes. • 2026 preview with banked episodes and production update • CIPS tutor insights and assignment module results on the way • Will Luke qualify or fall short question teased • 1993 exam papers and how the profession has shifted • Sabbatical plans, remote recording, and response expectations • Travel route ideas using listener locations • Everyday carry and buying the right travel kit • Light procurement back-to-basics with real trade-offs Get your messages for Luke in within the next six weeks and he will make sure he answers all of them every single question that you send in Support the show Please get in touch as we love to hear from you listeners! You can use the "text" function above or drop us on email: 2lukes1cip@gmail.com or visit our website www.letstalkprocurement.co.uk It would also mean the world if you can drop us a cheeky 5* rating on your platform of choice, Cya Later
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S3 · E4
Dec 16, 2025 · 46 min
S3.E4. Data Protection Essentials for Procurement Professionals
Send us Fan Mail Ever wonder how much personal data passes through your contracts, emails, and supplier handshakes? We sat down with Sara, a compliance lead who lives at the intersection of data protection, information security, and business continuity, to translate privacy law into buyer-friendly moves you can deploy today. No jargon. No scare tactics. Just clear guidance on where risk hides and how procurement can control it. We break down what “personal data” really means, why work email addresses qualify, and how to choose and document the correct lawful basis without painting yourself into a corner later. Sara clarifies controllers vs processors, when you need a data sharing agreement versus a data processing agreement, and why robust clauses on purpose, retention, breach reporting, and international transfers are non-negotiable. You’ll learn how to handle supplier due diligence, flow down obligations to subcontractors, and raise the bar when special category or children’s data is involved. We also tackle AI head-on: automated decision-making rights, the need for human review, and how to think about model training data, ethics, and transparency without freezing innovation. Plus, we unpack real-world fines and breaches from British Airways to healthcare ransomware to show what goes wrong when integrity and confidentiality are an afterthought. You’ll leave with practical steps for DSAR readiness, building a living ROPA, and SME-friendly resources that cut through noise. If you touch contracts, vendors, or data, this conversation will sharpen your instincts and your documents. Subscribe, share with a colleague who owns vendor onboarding, and leave a review to tell us your biggest data protection challenge so we can answer it next time. Support the show Please get in touch as we love to hear from you listeners! You can use the "text" function above or drop us on email: 2lukes1cip@gmail.com or visit our website www.letstalkprocurement.co.uk It would also mean the world if you can drop us a cheeky 5* rating on your platform of choice, Cya Later
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S3 · E3
Dec 2, 2025 · 25 min
S3.E4. From Setbacks To Passes: Practical CIPS Procurement Exam Retake Strategies
Send us Fan Mail Ever failed an exam and felt like it defined you? We’ve been there, and today we unpack a practical, no-fluff plan to turn repeated CIPS Level 4 setbacks into momentum. Starting from Kareem’s email, we map the exact steps to recover confidence and results: how to structure essay answers under pressure, how to read examiner reports for recurring patterns, and how to practise in a way that actually sticks on test day. We dig into timing discipline for constructive responses, including a repeatable cadence of planning, structured points, and concise conclusions that keep you on the mark scheme. You’ll hear how to convert a handful of core procurement models—STEEPLE, Porter’s Five Forces, Kraljic, and basic financial ratios—into adaptable tools, supported by short real-world examples that prove application rather than theory-dumping. For multiple choice exams, we share our favourite tactics: eliminating noise, spotting negative stems, handling compound answers, and using large question banks that mirror CIPS style to build pattern recognition and confidence. Support matters as much as study. We talk about building a calm pre-exam routine, choosing the right environment for focus, and tapping into communities and resources that make the journey less lonely. From YouTube explainers to robust mock exams, we outline a lean toolkit and a weekly cadence to track progress. Most of all, we keep it honest and human: past attempts are data, not destiny. Ready to try again with a better plan? If this helped, follow the show, share it with a colleague who needs a boost, and leave a quick review so more procurement pros can find us. Got a question or want feedback on your report? Email 2lukes1cip@gmail.com and we might feature it in a future episode. Support the show Please get in touch as we love to hear from you listeners! You can use the "text" function above or drop us on email: 2lukes1cip@gmail.com or visit our website www.letstalkprocurement.co.uk It would also mean the world if you can drop us a cheeky 5* rating on your platform of choice, Cya Later
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S3 · E3
Nov 17, 2025 · 33 min
S3.E3. How Procurement Automation Wins Trust, Time and Stakeholder Buy-in
Send us Fan Mail Ever wish stakeholders called procurement first, not last? We dig into a live MCIPS Corporate Award project aimed at fixing exactly that, using three levers—procurement efficiency, process automation and behavioural insights—to make early engagement the easiest path for the business. Along the way, we tackle the hot take that the Corporate Award is the “easy route,” share what CIPS accreditation actually says, and explain why assignments still demand rigour, evidence and real organisational impact. We start with the accreditation noise and move quickly into the practicalities of a 10,000‑word project: defining a clear problem statement, proving viability, and getting manager sign-off. Then we break down the plan to reduce late involvement by cleaning up intake, standardising templates, and using guided workflows that route requests to the right people at the right time. For legal and finance, we discuss legal-ready packs, clause playbooks, and approval timing that avoids month end. For stakeholders, we use behavioural nudges, better framing, and small design choices—defaults, reminders, progress bars—that shift habits without heavy-handed change management. Expect grounded tactics you can copy: choose one high-friction journey, map it, set success metrics like lead time and satisfaction, pilot the new flow, and publish before-and-after results. We also share how tutor checkpoints keep momentum, why scope discipline matters, and how a crisp data story builds credibility for the next wave of change. If you’re wrestling with late buy-in, slow legal queues, or unclear approvals, this is a playbook to speed decisions and earn trust through design, automation and human psychology. If this helped, follow the show, leave a quick review, and share it with a teammate who’s stuck chasing sign-offs—then tell us what you’d try first. Support the show Please get in touch as we love to hear from you listeners! You can use the "text" function above or drop us on email: 2lukes1cip@gmail.com or visit our website www.letstalkprocurement.co.uk It would also mean the world if you can drop us a cheeky 5* rating on your platform of choice, Cya Later
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S3 · E2
Nov 4, 2025 · 34 min
S3.E2. Porter's Five Forces Explains Sportswear Buying Industry
Send us Fan Mail A chance encounter at a wedding with a sportswear buyer kicks off a fast, funny, and deeply practical tour of the football kit business. We break down the hidden economics behind those £70 shirts using Porter’s Five Forces, showing where brand power wins, where it leaks, and how clubs and manufacturers really negotiate. We start with the state of play: intense rivalry among Adidas, Nike, and Puma; contracts that churn every few years to refresh revenue; and why fans pay premiums even when material costs are low. From there, we get into barriers to entry at the top tier, the quiet role of multi‑club ownership in bundling deals, and what it takes for a new brand to be taken seriously by a Premier League team. It’s not price—it’s credibility, distribution, and launch reliability across global markets. Substitutes cut from two sides. Material innovation tempts performance gains, but counterfeits hit harder, siphoning demand with £10 replicas. We talk practical defence: authenticity programmes, exclusive drops, better storytelling, and delivery that beats the grey market on experience, not just cost. Buyer power sits with the clubs—only 20 to sell to and all well‑informed—while supplier power belongs to factories that can scale ethically without missing day‑one demand. Along the way we test a make‑versus‑buy mindset for fitness brands eyeing football, and find niches where challengers can still win: women’s lines, training ranges, and even officiating kits if the proposition is bold enough. If you’re curious how procurement logic, brand strategy, and fan emotion collide, this one delivers sharp insights with a smile. Subscribe, share with a friend who argues about kits every season, and leave a review to tell us which force you think dominates the modern game. Support the show Please get in touch as we love to hear from you listeners! You can use the "text" function above or drop us on email: 2lukes1cip@gmail.com or visit our website www.letstalkprocurement.co.uk It would also mean the world if you can drop us a cheeky 5* rating on your platform of choice, Cya Later
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S3 · E1
Oct 21, 2025 · 32 min
S3. E1 Why tariffs raise prices—and what smart buyers can do about it
Send us Fan Mail Tariffs can feel like a policy headline—until they hit your PO, your budget, and your delivery dates. We unpack what a tariff really is, why governments reach for it, and how those choices cascade through price, lead time, and supplier behaviour. From sudden trade-war spikes to quietly expanding duty lists, we map the real routes by which costs climb and explain why “someone else will absorb it” is more wish than plan. We walk through a practical playbook built for busy procurement teams. Start with risk visibility: use STEEPLE to spot geopolitical shifts, model best/base/worst cases, and translate scenarios into category actions. Then stabilise supply with smart options—onshoring for control, nearshoring for balance, and friendshoring to lean on reliable trade partners. Diversify suppliers before you need them, qualify alternates, and calculate total landed cost so you are optimising reality rather than the unit price. Where volatility bites hardest, reframe inventory: a tactical buffer of critical parts can be cheaper than firefighting expedites. Pair that with stronger SRM—offer term, volume, or faster payment in exchange for price holds, capped rises, or phased adjustments tied to objective indices. If you are a top class procurement professional who cares about resilient supply chains, predictable margins, and fewer 11pm escalations, this one is for you. Subscribe, share with your team, and tell us which tariff tactic you’d use first—and why. Support the show Please get in touch as we love to hear from you listeners! You can use the "text" function above or drop us on email: 2lukes1cip@gmail.com or visit our website www.letstalkprocurement.co.uk It would also mean the world if you can drop us a cheeky 5* rating on your platform of choice, Cya Later
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Oct 7, 2025 · 4 min
Let's Talk Procurement Season Three, For Real This Time
Send us Fan Mail We draw a clear line: season three starts now with a sharper format, stronger guests, and a promise to keep the humour while raising the bar. We share what’s coming—CIPS tutors, practical topics like data protection and team design, and a steadier hand on structure. • Let's Talk Procurement season three is here! • what listeners can expect from the two Lukes • upcoming guests and episode insights • invitation for listeners to get involved Listen now on any good podcasting platform! Support the show Please get in touch as we love to hear from you listeners! You can use the "text" function above or drop us on email: 2lukes1cip@gmail.com or visit our website www.letstalkprocurement.co.uk It would also mean the world if you can drop us a cheeky 5* rating on your platform of choice, Cya Later
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S2 · E31
Sep 16, 2025 · 38 min
S2. E31. Ship Happens: Global Trade Disruption Duck Up
Send us Fan Mail A single ship lodged sideways for six days. Global trade paralyzed. Billions of dollars in goods delayed. The Ever Given incident in the Suez Canal wasn't just a maritime mishap—it was a wake-up call for procurement professionals everywhere. When the massive container vessel blocked this critical waterway in March 2021, it created ripple effects that reached every corner of global commerce. Overnight, companies faced empty shelves, production delays, and frantic calls from customers. What exactly happened when this 400-metre behemoth ran aground, supposedly due to "strong winds"? And more importantly, what lasting impacts did it have on how we approach supply chain risk? Through our signature blend of analysis and humor, we dissect this fascinating supply chain duck-up that affected everything from oil prices to electronics deliveries. We explore the critical role of force majeure clauses in contracts, questioning whether this truly qualified as an "act of God" or revealed deeper vulnerabilities in our logistics networks. As procurement professionals, should we have anticipated something like this? And how did the most successful companies respond when their carefully planned delivery routes suddenly vanished? This episode offers valuable insights into business continuity planning, the limitations of just-in-time inventory models, and the strategic shifts toward nearshoring and diversified supply bases that followed the incident. Whether you're managing global supply chains or simply curious about how one sideways ship could cause $60 billion in losses, this conversation will change how you think about procurement resilience. How would your organization handle a Suez-level disruption? We'd love to hear your perspective! Support the show Please get in touch as we love to hear from you listeners! You can use the "text" function above or drop us on email: 2lukes1cip@gmail.com or visit our website www.letstalkprocurement.co.uk It would also mean the world if you can drop us a cheeky 5* rating on your platform of choice, Cya Later
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S2 · E30
Aug 26, 2025 · 43 min
S2. E30 The Next Wave: Gen Z in Procurement
Send us Fan Mail What does Generation Z want from a career in procurement? And are industry bodies like CIPS missing the mark completely when trying to attract young talent? In this thought-provoking episode, we dissect a recent CIPS article attempting to appeal to Gen Z procurement professionals—and why comparing the profession to "planning parties with cake and magic shows" might not be the most effective recruitment strategy. While procurement rarely features in school career fairs or university discussions, we explore why it should. From driving sustainability initiatives to wielding significant financial influence, procurement offers many elements that align perfectly with what younger professionals seek in meaningful careers. We highlight how early exposure to senior leadership, engagement with cutting-edge technologies, and the ability to make tangible environmental and social impact make procurement an ideal choice for purpose-driven individuals. But we don't shy away from the challenges either. The need for negotiation skills, stakeholder management, and comfort with confrontation might not appeal to everyone. We examine both the benefits and potential drawbacks of pursuing procurement as a career path for Generation Z. Whether you're a procurement veteran wondering how to mentor the next generation or a young professional considering your career options, this episode offers valuable insights into the future of the profession. Connect with us at 2lukes1cip@gmail.com or on Instagram at lets_talk_procurement to continue the conversation! Support the show Please get in touch as we love to hear from you listeners! You can use the "text" function above or drop us on email: 2lukes1cip@gmail.com or visit our website www.letstalkprocurement.co.uk It would also mean the world if you can drop us a cheeky 5* rating on your platform of choice, Cya Later
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S2 · E29
Aug 12, 2025 · 1 hr
S2. E29. When Contract and Category Management Collide: CIPS Assignment Survival Story
Send us Fan Mail Have you ever submitted an assignment and immediately thought "I've definitely failed that one"? In this candid episode, Luke 10 takes us through his experience with the dreaded Category Management and Contract Management combined assignment for his CIPS qualification. The procurement certification journey is rarely smooth sailing, and this episode pulls back the curtain on the realities of professional development. Luke 10 shares his struggles connecting two seemingly related but fundamentally different procurement disciplines—category management and contract management—while trying to meet a substantial 6,000-word requirement. His refreshingly honest admission that "if there's any assignment that I've written so far that's likely to fail, it's going to be this one" resonates with anyone who's pursued professional qualifications. What makes this episode particularly special is the time-jump format. We begin with Luke 10s immediate post-submission thoughts, capturing his genuine uncertainty and apprehension. Then we fast-forward several weeks to the nail-biting moment of receiving results, complete with detailed feedback analysis. The mark reveals important insights about what examiners value in procurement assignments, from practical application of models to critical evaluation rather than mere description. Whether you're currently pursuing procurement qualifications or simply curious about the professional development path in this field, this episode offers valuable lessons about perseverance, critical thinking, and the importance of real-world application in procurement education. What's been your most challenging qualification experience? We'd love to hear your stories! Support the show Please get in touch as we love to hear from you listeners! You can use the "text" function above or drop us on email: 2lukes1cip@gmail.com or visit our website www.letstalkprocurement.co.uk It would also mean the world if you can drop us a cheeky 5* rating on your platform of choice, Cya Later
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Jul 30, 2025 · 53 min
S2. E28. Why you should NOT become a procurement person. Become a business person instead!
Send us Fan Mail What makes the difference between an average procurement professional and a genuinely influential business partner? The answer might surprise you – it's not just procurement expertise, but genuine business acumen that transforms your impact. In this thought-provoking episode, we explore why procurement professionals need to shed the "procurement person" label and embrace becoming true business people. Drawing from insights shared by CIPS, we unpack how isolation limits procurement's effectiveness and why aligning with broader company culture, goals and objectives creates exponentially more value. We dive deep into the essential skills that bridge this gap – from masterful communication that turns potential resistance into enthusiastic cooperation, to storytelling techniques that make complex procurement concepts accessible to diverse stakeholders. The conversation takes fascinating turns as we examine what it means to be "more than just a name" in your organization. We reveal why stakeholders often value procurement contributions that go beyond traditional metrics like cost savings, and how building relationships across departments creates the foundation for strategic influence. From negotiation techniques that work both externally and internally to the critical importance of market knowledge, we provide practical guidance for becoming a business-minded procurement professional. Whether you're just starting your procurement career or looking to elevate your strategic impact, this episode offers valuable insights for transforming how you're perceived and expanding your contribution to business success. Plus, don't miss your chance to win limited edition LTP merchandise by sharing your procurement stories with us! Article here: https://www.cips.org/knowledge-and-insight/career-success/develop-business-acumen#:~:text=Procurement%20is%20becoming%20less%20transactional,or%20concepts%20to%20be%20realised. Support the show Please get in touch as we love to hear from you listeners! You can use the "text" function above or drop us on email: 2lukes1cip@gmail.com or visit our website www.letstalkprocurement.co.uk It would also mean the world if you can drop us a cheeky 5* rating on your platform of choice, Cya Later
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S2 · E27
Jul 15, 2025 · 55 min
S2. E27. Learn These Important Procurement Acronyms: Decoding Procurement Buzzwords
Send us Fan Mail Ever feel like procurement professionals are speaking an entirely different language? You're not alone. In this episode, we tackle the cryptic world of procurement acronyms – those seemingly innocent letter combinations that can make or break your understanding of contracts, negotiations, and supplier relationships. From the foundational NDAs, to the nuanced differences between RFIs, RFQs, RFPs, and RFTs, we demystify the procurement sourcing process step by step. We explore the critical distinction in the world of IP (intellectual property) rights, explaining why ownership matters and how to protect your company's valuable assets. The conversation delves into the practical workings of procurement systems – distinguishing between Purchase Requisitions and Purchase Orders, and highlighting the dangers of allowing suppliers to "work at risk" without proper documentation. We break down the technical differences between Service Level Agreements and Key Performance Indicators, showing how each serves a unique purpose in managing supplier relationships and enforcing quality standards. We also explore Enterprise Resource Planning systems – those expensive but potentially transformative technological investments that promise to streamline business operations. And for negotiations, we explain how tools like the "Best and Final Offer" (BAFO) can bring clarity and finality to pricing discussions. Whether you're new to procurement or a seasoned professional looking to refresh your knowledge, this episode provides a practical guide to speaking the language of procurement with confidence. And unlike that supplier who sent a visually-impaired employee a printed brochure for specialized keyboards (yes, that really happened), we've made sure our explanations are accessible and applicable to real-world scenarios. Have questions about procurement acronyms or topics you'd like us to cover? Reach out to us on Instagram at let's_talk_procurement, email us at 2lucs1sip@gmail.com, or use the text function in our episode description. We'd love to hear from you! Support the show Please get in touch as we love to hear from you listeners! You can use the "text" function above or drop us on email: 2lukes1cip@gmail.com or visit our website www.letstalkprocurement.co.uk It would also mean the world if you can drop us a cheeky 5* rating on your platform of choice, Cya Later
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S2 · E26
Jul 1, 2025 · 33 min
S2. E26. What is the Dream Procurement Job?
Send us Fan Mail What does your dream procurement job look like? That's the question at the heart of this revealing episode where we open up about our ideal roles in the procurement world. The episode takes an unexpected personal turn with the announcement of big personal news from Luke1! For one host, the perfect procurement position combines passion with profession. His vision represents the ultimate blend of personal interest and professional expertise, where procurement becomes more than just a job. Our other Luke paints a different picture of procurement perfection: a role balanced with stakeholder engagement, diverse categories and opportunities for international travel to supplier sites. Tune in to find out what our ideal roles would be an get an insight into our personalities! We wrap up by contemplating what might constitute procurement career nightmares (if you are a pencil procurement specialists get in touch). We invite you to share what your dream procurement role looks like. Whether you're aiming for specialized category expertise, strategic leadership, or the perfect work-life balance, we'd love to hear your procurement aspirations. Connect with us on Instagram @lets_talk_procurement or email 2lukes1cip@gmail.com to join the conversation about your ideal procurement career path or get in touch with any old stuff! Hope you enjoy the episode, See ya later. Support the show Please get in touch as we love to hear from you listeners! You can use the "text" function above or drop us on email: 2lukes1cip@gmail.com or visit our website www.letstalkprocurement.co.uk It would also mean the world if you can drop us a cheeky 5* rating on your platform of choice, Cya Later
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Jun 9, 2025 · 31 min
S2. E25. How to Smash CIPS Multiple Choice Exams (Tips from a 90% Achiever)
Send us Fan Mail Want to learn about CIPS Objective Response (OR) exams? This episode delivers exactly what you need to succeed. We're joined by Nic, a procurement professional from a multi-generational procurement dynasty, who shares how he's achieved an impressive 90% average across his multiple choice exams. Rather than generic study tips, Nick reveals the specifics that appear in virtually every exam (Porter's Five Forces, Whole Life Asset Management, Mendelow's Matrix) and explains how understanding these core concepts enables you to tackle questions across different procurement contexts. The conversation takes you behind the scenes of the exam experience itself - from managing pre-exam nerves to the strategic approachs required for success and helping you settle in. Nic's candid discussion about exam formats (including the differences between Level 3 and Level 4) provides crucial insights for anyone preparing for their next certification. You'll learn which practice resources proved most valuable and why online exams at home offer advantages over testing centers. Learn Nic's stand out tip for mindset: ensuring you've done enough preparation to know you'll pass before entering the exam room. This confidence-building strategy has served him well through 13 consecutive exams. Whether you're considering starting your CIPS certification journey or looking to advance to higher levels, this episode offers both practical tactics and the psychological framework to approach your exams with confidence. **Shout-out to Kareem for this week's episode idea** Ready to transform your exam experience? Listen now, take notes, and watch your certification success rate soar. Have questions about your own procurement journey? Reach out to us at 2Lukes1CIP@gmail.com - we'd love to hear from you! Support the show Please get in touch as we love to hear from you listeners! You can use the "text" function above or drop us on email: 2lukes1cip@gmail.com or visit our website www.letstalkprocurement.co.uk It would also mean the world if you can drop us a cheeky 5* rating on your platform of choice, Cya Later
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