ITWeb Events asked Kurt Parker about his passion for sourcing, procurement, supply chain and vendor management, how he got into this line of business and what keeps his interest piqued?
Parker: I have a background in information technology and finance, I was the manager: IT finance, procurement and asset management at Mutual & Federal for three years. The role was primarily focused on the business side of IT. While managing the finances of the IT division I started finding ways to save money while creating value. Procurement in the ICT sector is rather technical and specialised. It requires a person with a generalist acumen as it requires financial, IT, legal skills as well as good old common sense. For me this was the perfect fit for my diverse background.
ITWeb Events: What are your biggest day-to-day challenges, what do you most enjoy about your function? What do you least enjoy and why?
Parker: Every supplier believes their product is the best and most try to sell you their product without understanding what is required from a procurement perspective. We have to mitigate against a myriad risks, as an incorrect decision is not only costly but business downtime can create reputational risks for your organisation.
I most enjoy dealing with people. No two human beings are the same and no two challenges are the same. Working with people to collectively solve complex problems really drives me as it is always a great learning curve. I also enjoy negotiation and find the process fascinating.
I least enjoy the admin and will always look for ways to automate processes wherever I can.
ITWeb Events: Why is it important to stay at the cutting edge of the trends and how, with technology changing so quickly and dramatically, do you stay on top of the game?
Parker: I'm a serious bookworm and information junkie. I believe the old chess adage of, staying a couple of moves ahead, always applies. I make research a part of every role and make sure to make friends with research and development professionals. Research is not just a Google exercise, it is a matter of working with people who are experts in their field to find the collaborative opportunities.
ITWeb Events: If you had one piece of advice for a budding procurement, sourcing, vendor management professional in the ICT sector what would it be?
Parker: Firstly, get a qualification like CIPS and build a network of people who are specialists in various fields within ICT. Secondly, a procurement strategy will never be successfully executed without a team of cross-functional people, and it is important that you understand the difference between saving money and creating value.
I believe a person should share what they have learnt. I don't believe in withholding lessons learnt and will use whatever platform available to empower whoever is willing to listen and learn.
IT Web Events: What do you regard as a career-defining moment, and what have you learned the hard way?
Parker: My entrepreneurial journeys have been the most career-defining. I have always applied my entrepreneurial skills in everything I have done, while at times it has found me in hot water. I have been a part of a few business ventures. I believe that my latest stint into Alliance for Growth will be my last, I have paid my dues, spending the last six years both mentoring and learning from business owners.
It has taken time for me to learn the importance of humanity. I used to believe in systems, processes and numbers and these are great, but without people and human interaction these resources are meaningless.
IT Web Events: Do you have any hidden talents? If you could be a superhero which one would it be and why and lastly, who do you most admire?
Parker: I have a black belt in karate, and have performed in two theatre productions. Superhero - definitely Batman, who wouldn't want to be a billionaire with cool gadgets. I admire all entrepreneurs. I am inspired by people who go against the grain to challenge the way things are done, who find opportunities where others only see challenges.
Parker will present at the inaugural IT Sourcing and Vendor Management Summit on Tuesday 4 October at The Forum, Bryanston. His presentation will focus on the changing landscape of the BBBEE codes, the depressed economy, smarter procurement strategies, and the fast pace of change within the technology industry. And how this creates opportunities for closing the gap between IT procurement and the procurement department.
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