Question 1) What important differences exist between order placing and a strategic procurement role?
Question 2) For anyone that's worked on a cross functional team, departmental conflict is nothing new. Discuss issues that might exist between the Engineering and Purchasing departments as the responsibilities and level of integration increase for the procurement role. One of my pet peeves is when engineering solicits quotes for the sake of expediency without the proper documentation, including terms and conditions. Accepting these quotes and placing a PO puts the organization at a disadvantage when there are discrepancies in the terms and conditions. Can you think of any other types of conflict, either constructive or destructive?