Procurement and supplier management. Not really topics to set most people’s hearts racing, but subjects that are now becoming key skills requirements for leaders in the automotive industry.

The capability of digital technology to connect the customer directly with the brand has transformed and disrupted long-established business relationships in new car sales, remarketing and through the extended supply chain. This connectivity relies on suppliers enabling the connection and often delivering all or part of the service. 

However, many businesses across multiple sectors are making the mistake of choosing suppliers based primarily on cost rather than the defined needs and expectations of consumers.