Stakeholder engagement and relationship management

Stakeholder engagement and relationship management involves building and maintaining positive relationships with internal stakeholders across the organization. It encompasses activities such as stakeholder needs assessment, effective communication, and collaboration to align procurement strategies with business objectives.

Beginner competence definition

A beginner-level professional has a basic understanding of stakeholder management principles. They can assist in gathering stakeholder requirements, organizing meeting materials, and supporting the development of communication plans. They may require guidance from more experienced professionals in effectively engaging with stakeholders and building strong relationships.

Intermediate competence definition

An intermediate-level professional is able to identify stakeholder needs, manage stakeholder expectations, and foster collaborative relationships. They actively engage with stakeholders to understand their requirements, provide updates on procurement activities, and address concerns. They also possess strong communication and interpersonal skills to facilitate effective stakeholder communication and build trust.

Advanced competence definition

An advanced-level professional has comprehensive knowledge of stakeholder management methodologies, negotiation techniques, and change management principles. They excel at building and maintaining strong relationships with key stakeholders at all levels of the organization and proactively engage with stakeholders to understand their evolving needs, communicate the value of procurement initiatives, and address potential conflicts or challenges. They can also lead cross-functional teams, facilitating effective collaboration, and leveraging stakeholder input to drive continuous improvement in procurement processes. In our experience, we have found they act as trusted advisors, providing guidance on procurement matters, influencing stakeholders to adopt best practices, and advocating for the strategic role of procurement in achieving organizational objectives.