Supply chain disruptions over the last few years have made it clear that organisations should focus more on establishing long-term supplier relationships in order to stay afloat. 

Because of these changes, it is necessary for procurement officers to work on their relationship management skills to work effectively with suppliers. Understanding the supplier’s goals and the outcomes of the contract in order to set achievable objectives for all parties can create value and build strong relationships. 

Public Spectrum has caught up with Marea Getsios, the Manager Procurement & Fleet of the City of Canada Bay, to talk about how organisations can improve their relationships with their suppliers.

Marea Getsios is a high-achieving procurement practitioner who is experienced in implementing procurement strategies and streamlining procurement processes. Well-respected in the local government procurement space, Marea has participated repeatedly at procurement conferences as a presenter, panellist and on advisory boards. Her topics of expertise include engaging stakeholders, probity in procurement and supplier engagement.

Starting from the private sector to consulting in the public sector, the last ten years of Marea’s procurement journey have been in Local Government. She has developed a high-level understanding of client and supplier expectations and is highly successful in developing and maintaining positive relationships.

Marea enjoys mentoring and motivating teams to achieve common commercial strategies and has had to advocate at all levels in various organisations the potential scope and benefits of robust and innovative procurement processes in achieving the organisation’s strategic direction.

Learn more about improving supplier relationships by joining us at the Future of Gov Procurement Summit where Marea will be speaking.

What are the challenges that you often face when it comes to entering contracts with suppliers? 

Some of the challenges that we’ve faced have included contractors presenting variations, not committing to deadlines, subcontracting work out when this was not part of the scope and in recent times, delays due to the COVID-19 epidemic and the terrible weather conditions.

How do you ensure that your suppliers are able to deliver upon the agreements within the contract? 

We have recently created a Project management Team and implementing new software so that we can better manage projects. Regular meetings with suppliers and payment instalments based on meeting key milestones within the project all help with keeping the suppliers on track with deliverables.

As the Manager of Procurement & Fleet for the City of Canada Bay, what have you found to be the key to building a long-term relationship with your suppliers? 

What I have found is that good communication, sharing plans and working with suppliers to provide solutions that work for both parties have helped in building good relationships. We run a very fair and transparent process and suppliers understand they are all being treated equally.

In what other ways can organisations build their relationship with their suppliers? 

Organisations should ensure that they rotate work among their contracted suppliers so that they are sharing the load, giving all contractors and suppliers opportunities within the organization.

Aside from this, organisations should also hold regular reviews and provide feedback, both positive and negative, to their suppliers. It is important to keep the lines of communication open and encourage suppliers to share innovations and opportunities.

Want to gain and share knowledge from other professionals within the industry? Check out our latest public sector events here. 

Eliza Sayon

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Eliza is a content producer and editor at Public Spectrum. She is an experienced writer on topics related to the government and to the public, as well as stories that uplift and improve the community.

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