Beating up your critical suppliers over price and making unilateral demands are two sure ways to lose their business. But how can you collaborate with your suppliers to gain competitive advantage? Procurement is the bridge between the outside world and the enterprise, and here’s your chance to develop relationships that will grow your company’s revenue and profit.

More women and Generation Y are in the procurement workforce than ever before. Many of them are poised to move into leadership positions if they haven’t done so already, and it’s imperative that your business adapt its communication styles and processes to what they perceive as indicators of success.