Jean-François Frelaut, Head of the Mastère 2 MACS (Manager Achats, Collaboration Sécurisée) course and former Purchasing Director of the Engie Group, talks about his career and the current challenges facing the Purchasing sector.
- Can you tell us about your background?
Trained as an engineer, I began my career as an IT Manager, setting up ERP software tools. This enabled me to work very closely with the purchasing teams, developing and implementing tools such as automatic ordering systems and inventory management systems. It was this opportunity that enabled me to switch to Purchasing.
After working for two electronics companies, I moved to the construction industry. The approaches and maturity of purchasing in these two sectors are very different. So too are the expectations of internal customers, since purchasing accounts for some 60% to 70% of sales: so it's quite strategic.
At Engie, I was able to take part in a complete overhaul of the purchasing department: a 3-year project that brought new working methods, significant results on purchasing policies and significant gains.
With over 30 years' experience in the corporate world, as well as within Club Achats 35, I really wanted to play a part in training new generations of buyers.
- What new challenges will this position bring for you?
Having taught for over 10 years, this position will enable me to play a much deeper role in the training of students, in their support throughout the year, but also to participate in the management of the training itself. So it's a more complete investment.
- What do you see as the new challenges facing the purchasing sector?
The world of purchasing has never stopped evolving, but for some years now, purchasing policies have been focused on creating value for companies, social and environmental responsibility, and risk management.
The Covid crisis has further accelerated our thinking in these areas, particularly with regard to the CSR environment and digitalization. One of the key issues is the localization of purchasing: both in terms of social and environmental responsibility, but also in the management of health, political and economic risks. Why always look elsewhere for skills that exist or can be developed locally in France or Europe?
The buyer has a real role to play in this equation. They must seek to make their suppliers and partners competitive in terms of overall cost, and over the right timescale: short, medium or long term, depending on the type of purchase.
It is essential to draw up a formal, shared policy, particularly for strategic purchasing.
- What skills do you think a purchasing expert needs to master?
The buyer is a hybrid being: he or she must be curious, open to innovation, a good communicator, and above all know how to collaborate in a network. Foreign languages are a must: the playground is the whole world! However, in their social and environmental role, they must also know how to support local companies in their quest for competitiveness. The buyer must be connected, agile and responsive to anticipate risks and propose the best solutions. Finally, to make a good purchase, you need to know how to listen to and understand the needs of internal customers 😉 An exciting, all-round job!
