The 2025 Wake-Up Call for Procurement Professionals

Why Caesar Abdalla says it’s time to break up with outdated models — and what to do instead. 

Procurement, no longer the back-office function it once was, is now expected to deliver strategic value, power innovation, manage risk, and drive ESG, all while keeping costs in check. But here’s the hard truth: most procurement operating models weren’t built for this level of complexity.

In a candid and insightful 30-minute live session, Caesar discussed the urgent need for procurement professionals to redesign their operating models. Drawing from years of experience across government, infrastructure, and major decarbonisation projects, Caesar laid out what needs to change. This wasn't just another theoretical discussion; it was a call to action, specifically addressing the challenges and opportunities within Australia and Asia.

Are you a gatekeeper or a value enabler?

Here’s what you missed (and why you should go back and watch the full video on demand):

• Ditch the Obsession with Low Cost: Focusing only on the cheapest bid is short-sighted and value-eroding. Caesar urges leaders to shift toward total value-based procurement. Curious what that actually looks like in practice? He breaks it down with real examples.
• Embrace a Commercial Mindset: Process expertise isn’t enough. Today’s teams need commercial acumen; understanding how procurement decisions impact legal outcomes, financial performance, and long-term business goals.
• Cultivate True Supplier Partnerships: Strategic suppliers aren’t just vendors but co-creators of value. Yet most organisations don’t know how to build those relationships effectively. Caesar shares what works (and what doesn’t).
• Adapt Global Best Practices to Local Realities: What does that mean for Australia? “Start with principles, not templates. The global ‘what’ must always be adapted to the local ‘how.’
• Empower Your People: Caesar makes it clear: your people are the function. The best procurement teams are built around stakeholder influence, negotiation power, and commercial sharpness, not just compliance.

The Most Overlooked Advice?

“Focus on the objective first — then design your process. Not the other way around.”

Whether you're a seasoned procurement leader or an emerging professional, this is a must-watch to stay ahead of the curve and ensure your procurement model is truly built for 2025 and beyond.

Speaker:

Caesar Abdalla

Procurement Industry Consultant

If you would like to hear more from him on Redesigning the Procurement Operating Model, join us at ProcureCon Australia 2025 to catch him sharing insights on how you can scale supply chain operations for enhanced efficiency and long-term value during the Opening Keynote Panel on 20th May! Click here to learn more!