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10 strategies and tactics for Supplier

What is Supplier strategy?

Every great achievement starts with a well-thought-out plan. It can be the launch of a new product, expanding into new markets, or just trying to increase efficiency. You'll need a delicate combination of strategies and tactics to ensure that the journey is smooth and effective.

Identifying the optimal Supplier strategy can be challenging, especially when everyday tasks consume your time. To help you, we've assembled a list of examples to ignite your creativity.

Copy these examples into your preferred app, or you can also use Tability to keep yourself accountable.

How to write your own Supplier strategy with AI

While we have some examples available, it's likely that you'll have specific scenarios that aren't covered here. You can use our free AI generator below or our more complete goal-setting system to generate your own strategies.

Supplier strategy examples

You'll find below a list of Supplier tactics. We also included action items for each template to make it more practical and useful.

Strategies and tactics for crafting a Supplier and Contractor Engagement Strategy

  • ⛳️ Strategy 1: Develop a supplier onboarding and verification process

    • Gather a list of suppliers from NHC for onboarding purposes
    • Create a standardized onboarding checklist including compliance aspects
    • Verify supplier credentials against NHC's established requirements
    • Implement a system to routinely price check with suppliers
    • Conduct regular training sessions on platform usage for suppliers
    • Form a dedicated support team for supplier inquiries
    • Launch a pilot program with selected suppliers to test processes
    • Collect feedback post-pilot to enhance the onboarding experience
    • Monitor supplier performance against compliance standards
    • Regularly audit supplier practices to ensure quality compliance

  • ⛳️ Strategy 2: Expand contractor engagement and support

    • Initiate marketing campaigns targeted at contractors for platform awareness
    • Organise webinars or workshops highlighting platform benefits
    • Gather and act upon feedback from contractors during pilot phases
    • Monitor the status of orders to assess contractor satisfaction
    • Increase outreach to onboard more contractors across different sectors
    • Build partnerships with contractor associations to boost adoption
    • Introduce AI solutions for contractors regarding material selection
    • Maintain open communication channels with contractors
    • Identify contractor needs and tailor solutions accordingly
    • Rapidly address challenges faced by contractors on the platform

  • ⛳️ Strategy 3: Implement long-term supplier and contractor collaborations

    • Strategically onboard additional suppliers from diverse regions
    • Develop partnerships with relevant industry organizations
    • Provide suppliers with regular training on new platform features
    • Conduct periodic compliance reviews to maintain standards
    • Execute marketing efforts to expand the contractor user base
    • Establish collaborations with key contractor associations
    • Develop platform features that enhance user experience
    • Implement user feedback-driven improvements on the platform
    • Ensure ongoing support and relationship management with suppliers
    • Promote a culture of continuous improvement across all operations
onboardingcompliancesupplier-managercontractor-liaisoncompliance-teamengagement-team
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Strategies and tactics for enhancing Supplier Diversity Programme Globally

  • ⛳️ Strategy 1: Leverage US Executive Orders

    • Research current executive orders related to supplier diversity
    • Identify small and medium-sized businesses in key industries
    • Develop partnerships with diverse supplier networks in the US
    • Create a supplier diversity policy aligned with US regulations
    • Organise webinars to educate suppliers on opportunities
    • Set goals for increasing diverse supplier contracts
    • Monitor compliance with executive orders regularly
    • Collect and analyse supplier diversity data for reporting
    • Engage with US-based supplier diversity advocacy groups
    • Provide training to suppliers on contract proposals

  • ⛳️ Strategy 2: Utilise UK Procurement Act

    • Examine the UK Procurement Act for opportunities
    • Identify key sectors with mature supplier diversity programs
    • Build relationships with expert groups in the UK
    • Promote the procurement act benefits to diverse suppliers
    • Host networking events for suppliers to meet potential buyers
    • Set clear measurement criteria for supplier diversity success
    • Create a mentorship programme for small diverse suppliers
    • Collaborate with UK government on supplier diversity initiatives
    • Regularly review legal requirements for public procurement
    • Highlight successful case studies of diverse procurement in the UK

  • ⛳️ Strategy 3: Focus on Indigenous Procurement in Canada and Australia

    • Understand the Indigenous Procurement Policy in both countries
    • Identify opportunities in government and private contracts
    • Partner with indigenous business councils and networks
    • Raise awareness of indigenous suppliers to potential buyers
    • Develop training sessions on submitting contract proposals
    • Allocate a percentage of contracts specifically for indigenous suppliers
    • Create a feedback system to improve supplier engagement
    • Publicise achievements in indigenous procurement
    • Engage local communities in dialogue for better understanding
    • Track progress and impact of policies on indigenous suppliers
supplier-diversityregional-policiesdiversity-advocatesupplier-coordinatorprocurement-teamcommunity-outreach-team
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Strategies and tactics for improving Indirect Purchasing Operations

  • ⛳️ Strategy 1: Enhance supplier relationships

    • Develop a supplier relationship management program
    • Create a schedule for regular supplier performance reviews
    • Negotiate fixed-term contracts with key suppliers to minimise price fluctuations
    • Introduce a preferred supplier list to streamline purchasing decisions
    • Develop long-term partnerships with strategic suppliers
    • Implement a supplier feedback mechanism to improve collaboration
    • Conduct joint business planning sessions with suppliers
    • Establish KPIs for supplier performance evaluation
    • Engage suppliers in cost-saving initiatives and innovation projects
    • Organise annual supplier summits for relationship building and performance review

  • ⛳️ Strategy 2: Optimise transportation logistics

    • Analyse current transportation routes and consolidate shipments where feasible
    • Negotiate more favourable freight rates with logistics providers
    • Explore partnerships with third-party logistics providers for cost efficiency
    • Implement a transportation management system for better route planning
    • Schedule regular reviews of transportation cost versus delivery efficiency
    • Introduce a dynamic scheduling algorithm to manage transportation more effectively
    • Consider bulk ordering or consignment stocking for frequently needed items
    • Set up periodic liaison meetings with logistics providers for performance assessment
    • Invest in staff training to improve transportation management proficiency
    • Explore collaborations with nearby companies to share transportation resources

  • ⛳️ Strategy 3: Leverage technology for procurement efficiency

    • Enhance the electronic procurement system with AI-driven analytics for better forecasting
    • Automate repetitive procurement tasks to free up employee time
    • Use data analytics to predict usage patterns and inform purchase planning
    • Implement a robust communication platform for faster approval processes
    • Regularly update the system with real-time data from suppliers
    • Conduct training workshops for employees on new system features and technologies
    • Establish a feedback loop to continuously improve the system's functionalities
    • Introduce digital dashboards for real-time monitoring of procurement KPIs
    • Integrate e-procurement systems with financial and inventory management software
    • Conduct regular audits to ensure data accuracy and process compliance
supplier-managementlogistics-optimizationprocurement-managersupplier-relations-specialistprocurement-teamlogistics-team
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Strategies and tactics for achieving Market Leadership in the Bottled Water Industry

  • ⛳️ Strategy 1: Innovate Your Production Process

    • Research and implement cutting-edge, sustainable technologies for water purification and bottling
    • Conduct regular audits to ensure the highest quality standards are maintained across all products
    • Develop eco-friendly packaging solutions to reduce environmental footprint
    • Implement a waste reduction program in the production process
    • Invest in employee training to enhance efficiency and innovation in production
    • Partner with technology providers to keep up with industry trends
    • Set up a feedback loop with customers to continuously improve product quality
    • Perform a cost-benefit analysis to ensure financial sustainability of innovative practices
    • Introduce an internal reward system for employees who contribute innovative ideas
    • Regularly review and adjust production strategies to align with market demands and environmental goals

  • ⛳️ Strategy 2: Enhance Marketing and Customer Engagement

    • Develop a strong brand identity centred on sustainability and customer satisfaction
    • Create targeted marketing campaigns to highlight the eco-friendly aspects of your products
    • Engage with customers through social media and other digital platforms to build a community
    • Organise events and sponsorships that reinforce your company's core values and mission
    • Initiate a customer loyalty program to incentivise repeat purchases
    • Conduct market research to understand customer needs and adapt your offerings accordingly
    • Leverage global platforms to increase brand visibility in international markets
    • Collaborate with influencers and brand ambassadors who align with your company's values
    • Implement a customer feedback system to continuously improve service and product offerings
    • Measure and analyse customer satisfaction scores to refine marketing strategies

  • ⛳️ Strategy 3: Strengthen Community and Environmental Impact

    • Develop partnerships with local community organisations for environmental projects
    • Implement educational programs to raise awareness about environmental sustainability
    • Establish a corporate social responsibility initiative focused on health and education
    • Conduct regular assessments of the environmental impact of your operations and adjust practices
    • Invest in renewable energy sources to power production facilities
    • Organise community clean-up events to actively engage with locals
    • Innovate sustainable supply chain practices and share findings with partners
    • Monitor legislative developments and ensure compliance with all environmental regulations
    • Set up a system to measure the social impact of community initiatives
    • Recognise and reward employees and community partners who contribute to sustainability goals
sustainabilityinnovationbrand-managersustainability-officermarketing-teamproduction-team
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Strategies and tactics for identifying engine oil suppliers

  • ⛳️ Strategy 1: Conduct market research

    • Identify key regions with potential engine oil suppliers
    • Research industry reports and publications for supplier information
    • Use online business directories to list potential suppliers
    • Attend industry trade shows and networking events
    • Analyse competitors to learn about their supply sources
    • Read online reviews and ratings of identified suppliers
    • Consult with industry experts for supplier recommendations
    • Benchmark prices and services offered by different suppliers
    • Investigate suppliers' certifications and compliance
    • Draft a list of potential candidates for further evaluation

  • ⛳️ Strategy 2: Evaluate supplier capabilities

    • Request detailed product catalogues from shortlisted suppliers
    • Assess supplier manufacturing capacity and infrastructure
    • Verify supplier quality assurance processes
    • Check supplier delivery logistics and timelines
    • Confirm supplier financial stability through credit checks
    • Request samples to test oil quality and performance
    • Analyse pricing models and payment terms
    • Evaluate supplier's customer service and support responsiveness
    • Conduct site visits to potential supplier facilities
    • Create a weighted scoring system to rank suppliers

  • ⛳️ Strategy 3: Establish supplier partnerships

    • Initiate contact with the top-ranked suppliers
    • Discuss business requirements and expectations
    • Negotiate pricing, terms, and conditions
    • Draft and review detailed contracts with legal advisors
    • Establish communication protocols for order and supply management
    • Set up systems for regular performance reviews and feedback
    • Build contingency plans to manage supply disruptions
    • Develop long-term strategic plans with selected suppliers
    • Agree on sustainable and ethical business practices
    • Foster a collaborative relationship through regular meetings
supplier-researchsupply-chainprocurement-managersupply-chain-analystsourcing-teamquality-assurance-team
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Strategies and tactics for improving local procurement through supplier development

  • ⛳️ Strategy 1: Assess existing supply chain capabilities

    • Conduct a comprehensive audit of current suppliers
    • Identify gaps in supplier capabilities and resources
    • Evaluate supplier performance metrics and standards
    • Benchmark supplier capabilities against industry best practices
    • Engage suppliers in discussions about their challenges and needs
    • Profile suppliers to understand their long-term business goals
    • Map supplier business relations and dependencies
    • Assess the potential for technology and process improvements
    • Identify opportunities to reduce costs and increase efficiency
    • Rank suppliers based on potential for development and alignment with goals

  • ⛳️ Strategy 2: Develop capability enhancement programs

    • Create customised training programs for suppliers
    • Establish a mentorship model with experienced procurement managers
    • Facilitate workshops focused on industry trends and innovations
    • Offer financial assistance for suppliers' capability-building projects
    • Develop quality improvement frameworks tailored for suppliers
    • Implement a continuous feedback loop between suppliers and buyers
    • Encourage joint problem-solving sessions to address common issues
    • Develop a shared resource pool for technological upgrades
    • Offer incentives for suppliers meeting quality improvement targets
    • Build a case study repository showcasing successful supplier developments

  • ⛳️ Strategy 3: Strengthen partnership and collaboration efforts

    • Establish regular communication channels with suppliers
    • Develop joint planning sessions for long-term strategies
    • Coordinate supplier forums to foster peer learning and networking
    • Set up collaborative research and development projects
    • Encourage transparency through shared performance dashboards
    • Recognise and reward suppliers for innovation and quality improvements
    • Establish clear expectations and mutual goals with suppliers
    • Facilitate cross-industry partnerships to expand capabilities
    • Create co-development programs to align with emerging market needs
    • Regularly review and adapt collaboration strategies to maximise impact
local-procurementsupplier-developmentprocurement-managersupply-chain-analystprocurement-teamsupplier-development-team
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Strategies and tactics for enhancing and empowering home businesses through Pick It

  • ⛳️ Strategy 1: Strengthen supplier relationships

    • Identify and partner with reliable suppliers that offer competitive pricing
    • Facilitate smooth communication channels between suppliers and home businesses
    • Offer training sessions for suppliers on using the Pick It app
    • Create a feedback loop to gather input from home businesses about supplier performance
    • Establish a quality control process for supplier goods
    • Negotiate bulk order discounts with suppliers for home businesses
    • Provide incentives for suppliers who meet performance benchmarks
    • Regularly update the supplier directory in the app
    • Host networking events for suppliers and home businesses
    • Develop a supplier rating system within the app

  • ⛳️ Strategy 2: Optimise driver operations

    • Recruit a team of reliable and efficient drivers
    • Implement GPS tracking for all deliveries to enhance transparency
    • Provide training for drivers on customer service and app usage
    • Create a performance-based reward system for drivers
    • Regularly review and optimise delivery routes for efficiency
    • Streamline communication between drivers and clients
    • Introduce an SOS feature for drivers in case of emergencies
    • Conduct routine vehicle checks and maintenance
    • Enhance driver app interface for better usability
    • Develop a driver community platform for sharing best practices

  • ⛳️ Strategy 3: Enhance client satisfaction

    • Gather continuous client feedback to improve service offering
    • Develop a loyalty program for repeat clients
    • Ensure timely deliveries and offer compensation for delays
    • Provide excellent customer support through a dedicated channel
    • Create engaging marketing campaigns targeted at end users
    • Regularly update the app interface for a smoother user experience
    • Implement a referral program to encourage word-of-mouth promotion
    • Offer promotions and discounts during peak seasons
    • Provide clients with product reviews and recommendations
    • Host workshops or events to educate clients about the app’s benefits
business-empowermentsupply-chainhome-business-ownersuppliersupplier-management-teamdriver-operations-team
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Strategies and tactics for establishing a national framework for survey delivery by a sole supplier

  • ⛳️ Strategy 1: Engage stakeholders

    • Identify key stakeholders and their interests in the survey process
    • Hold initial meetings to understand stakeholder requirements and concerns
    • Form a steering committee with representatives from each stakeholder group
    • Develop a communication plan to keep stakeholders informed and engaged
    • Establish regular feedback sessions to ensure stakeholder alignment
    • Integrate stakeholders’ insights into the framework design
    • Create a mechanism for ongoing stakeholder consultation
    • Prepare stakeholder briefing documents outlining goals and responsibilities
    • Address stakeholder concerns proactively through collaborative solutions
    • Evaluate stakeholder satisfaction regularly to guide framework improvement

  • ⛳️ Strategy 2: Standardise survey processes

    • Define the scope and objectives of all surveys to be conducted
    • Develop standardised survey templates for uniformity
    • Establish guidelines for survey methodology and data collection
    • Train the supplier’s staff on standard operating procedures
    • Ensure consistent branding and messaging across all surveys
    • Implement a quality assurance system to maintain high standards
    • Create a centralised database for storing survey data
    • Develop clear protocols for data privacy and security compliance
    • Test and refine survey processes through pilot programmes
    • Regularly review and update standard procedures to improve efficiency

  • ⛳️ Strategy 3: Select and monitor the supplier

    • Draft a comprehensive request for proposal (RFP) for suppliers
    • Establish criteria for evaluating supplier proposals
    • Conduct a thorough market analysis to identify potential suppliers
    • Invite shortlisted suppliers for presentations and discussions
    • Assess suppliers’ capability, experience, and technology suitability
    • Negotiate contract terms focusing on performance and accountability
    • Set up performance metrics and KPIs to monitor supplier delivery
    • Establish a clear process for addressing supplier performance issues
    • Conduct regular performance reviews against the set KPIs
    • Foster a collaborative relationship with the supplier for continuous improvement
frameworksupplierstakeholdersuppliersteering-committeequality-assurance-team
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Strategies and tactics for developing enterprise and supplier strategies

  • ⛳️ Strategy 1: Establish partnerships with local suppliers

    • Identify and list potential local suppliers that align with company needs
    • Develop criteria and guidelines to select suitable local suppliers
    • Organise meet-and-greet sessions with potential suppliers to discuss opportunities
    • Conduct supplier assessments to evaluate their capabilities and capacity
    • Establish contracts and agreements with selected local suppliers
    • Implement a supplier onboarding process to ensure seamless integration
    • Provide feedback and support to help local suppliers meet quality standards
    • Develop a communication channel for regular updates and feedback
    • Monitor supplier performance through regular reviews
    • Create a recognition programme to acknowledge outstanding local suppliers

  • ⛳️ Strategy 2: Provide training and support to local businesses

    • Identify key areas where local businesses require support and training
    • Develop training programmes that address these needs
    • Organise workshops and seminars for local small businesses
    • Collaborate with industry experts to deliver expert training sessions
    • Provide mentorship and coaching to local business owners
    • Create resource materials and guides for continuous learning
    • Develop an online portal for training access and updates
    • Establish a feedback system to refine and improve training programmes
    • Connect local businesses with larger enterprises for knowledge sharing
    • Evaluate the success of training programmes through performance metrics

  • ⛳️ Strategy 3: Initiate community engagement and awareness campaigns

    • Develop a local procurement campaign to emphasise the benefits of local sourcing
    • Use social media and local media platforms for campaign outreach
    • Highlight success stories of local business partnerships
    • Organise community events promoting local products and services
    • Establish a local procurement awards event to celebrate achievements
    • Create informational brochures and materials to educate the community
    • Partner with local organisations to extend campaign reach
    • Measure campaign impact through surveys and feedback collection
    • Gather community support and feedback for campaign improvement
    • Document and share campaign outcomes with stakeholders
local-procurementcommunity-engagementsupplier-managerbusiness-development-officerprocurement-teamcommunity-outreach-team
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Strategies and tactics for desarrollando proveedores con cero defectos

  • ⛳️ Strategy 1: Optimiza la evaluación de proveedores

    • Implementa un proceso riguroso de selección y evaluación de proveedores
    • Desarrolla una lista de verificación de calidad para la evaluación
    • Realiza auditorías técnicas periódicas de proveedores
    • Monitorea el rendimiento de los proveedores a lo largo del tiempo
    • Incorpora estándares de calidad internacional en la evaluación
    • Establece métricas claras para medir el rendimiento de los proveedores
    • Proporciona retroalimentación detallada a los proveedores sobre su evaluación
    • Invita a los proveedores a visitar las instalaciones de producción para comprender requisitos
    • Fomenta la transparencia y comunicación abierta con los proveedores
    • Considera la reputación e historial de calidad del proveedor durante la evaluación

  • ⛳️ Strategy 2: Fomenta la colaboración para mejora continua

    • Establece talleres conjuntos de mejora continua con los proveedores
    • Define metas cuantificables de mejora para los proveedores
    • Facilita sesiones de intercambio de mejores prácticas entre proveedores
    • Proporciona formación en técnicas de mejora continua a los proveedores
    • Implementa un sistema de recompensas basado en mejoras alcanzadas
    • Programa reuniones periódicas para revisar los avances en mejora continua
    • Colabora con los proveedores en proyectos de innovación conjunta
    • Comparte los logros y aprendizajes de mejora continua con todo el ecosistema de proveedores
    • Facilita la integración de herramientas tecnológicas para mejorar procesos
    • Evalúa el impacto de las iniciativas de mejora continua en la calidad del producto

  • ⛳️ Strategy 3: Establece un sistema sólido de estándares y procedimientos

    • Desarrolla un manual detallado de estándares y procedimientos de calidad
    • Asegura que todos los proveedores reciban y comprendan el manual de estándares
    • Estandariza los procesos de control de calidad entre todos los proveedores
    • Implementa auditorías periódicas para asegurar la adherencia a los estándares
    • Desarrolla procedimientos de contención rápidos y efectivos en caso de defectos
    • Proporciona formación continua sobre actualizaciones de estándares
    • Utiliza tecnología para facilitar el cumplimiento de los estándares
    • Comparte información de cambios de procesos o estándares con proveedores
    • Facilita un foro para que proveedores posean entrada en actualizaciones de estándares
    • Evalúa continuamente los estándares y procedimientos para adaptarlos y mejorarlos
supplier-developmentzero-defectsquality-assurance-specialistsupplier-relationship-managerprocurement-teamquality-control-team
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How to track your Supplier strategies and tactics

Having a plan is one thing, sticking to it is another.

Having a good strategy is only half the effort. You'll increase significantly your chances of success if you commit to a weekly check-in process.

A tool like Tability can also help you by combining AI and goal-setting to keep you on track.

More strategies recently published

We have more templates to help you draft your team goals and OKRs.

Planning resources

OKRs are a great way to translate strategies into measurable goals. Here are a list of resources to help you adopt the OKR framework:

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