Role-Based Programme
RB1341

AI for Strategic Sourcing

Smarter Supplier Research, Spend Analysis & Sourcing Decisions

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Duration
8 Hours
Level
Basic
Delivery
Instructor-Led
Format
Workshop

Programme Objectives

  • Understand how AI can support Strategic Sourcing across spend analysis, supplier research, market intelligence, RFx preparation, and sourcing decisions.
  • Apply AI to analyse spend patterns, supplier markets, sourcing requirements, commercial information, and supply risks.
  • Use AI to improve supplier comparisons, sourcing briefs, RFIs/RFPs, negotiation preparation, and management reporting.
  • Develop practical skills for category analysis, supplier evaluation, cost-driver analysis, sourcing-risk assessment, and recommendation development.
  • Understand responsible AI use, commercial confidentiality, supplier information, data quality, bias, and human oversight in sourcing decisions.

Tools covered

Generative AI AssistantsAI Search & ResearchSpend AnalysisSupplier Market ResearchSupplier ComparisonRFx Preparation SupportCost & Value AnalysisNegotiation PreparationSourcing Risk AnalysisProcurement Reporting

Who should attend

  • Strategic Sourcing Managers
  • Strategic Sourcing Specialists
  • Procurement Managers
  • Procurement Executives
  • Category Managers
  • Sourcing Managers
  • Sourcing Analysts
  • Procurement Analysts
  • Vendor Management Professionals
  • Supply Chain Professionals
  • Commercial Managers
  • Purchase Managers
  • Supplier Relationship Professionals
  • Procurement & Vendor Management Team Leads

Prerequisites & Participant Readiness

  • Basic understanding of procurement, sourcing, or supplier-management processes
  • Familiarity with supplier evaluation, RFQs/RFPs, purchasing, spend data, or negotiations is helpful
  • Basic spreadsheet, analytical, and digital-tool skills
  • No programming or technical AI knowledge required
  • Prior AI-tool experience is helpful but not mandatory

TOC Modules

Concepts
  • Understanding Generative AI and its relevance to strategic sourcing
  • Exploring AI support across spend analysis, supplier research, RFx preparation, negotiation, and reporting
  • Distinguishing AI assistance from e-procurement, ERP, supplier-management, and spend-analytics systems
  • Understanding AI limitations, hallucinations, bias, and commercial decision risks
Practical activities
  • Identifying recurring Strategic Sourcing activities suitable for AI assistance
  • Comparing traditional and AI-assisted sourcing workflows
  • Mapping AI opportunities across the sourcing lifecycle

Scenarios

Spend Category to Strategic Sourcing Plan

Spend Data → Category Analysis → Supplier Market Research → Sourcing Opportunity → RFx Criteria → Supplier Shortlist → Negotiation Strategy → Management Recommendation

Participants use AI to analyse a sample spend category, research potential suppliers, define sourcing criteria, and prepare a structured strategic-sourcing plan for stakeholder review.

Multiple Supplier Bids to Sourcing Decision

Supplier Responses → Commercial Comparison → Capability & Service Review → Risk Assessment → Weighted Evaluation → Negotiation Priorities → Supplier Recommendation → Leadership Summary

Participants use AI to compare sample supplier proposals, identify commercial and operational trade-offs, and prepare an evidence-based sourcing recommendation while retaining final supplier selection with authorised decision-makers.

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