UC Procurement has successfully reached a major milestone by delivering benefits equal to 4% of addressable spend—a significant achievement that reflects the team’s strategic focus, cross-functional collaboration, and disciplined execution. This accomplishment underscores procurement’s growing role as a value driver within the organization, going beyond cost savings to deliver measurable impact aligned with enterprise goals.
The 4% benefit target was ambitious, requiring a comprehensive approach to category management, supplier engagement, and demand management. By leveraging data-driven insights, procurement was able to identify high-impact opportunities across key spend categories. Strategic sourcing initiatives, supplier negotiations, and contract optimizations played a central role in capturing value, while close partnerships with business stakeholders ensured alignment with operational needs and long-term objectives.
"Hitting the 4% benefit target is more than a financial win—it’s a validation of procurement’s strategic evolution. It demonstrates the team’s ability to deliver consistent, quantifiable value in a dynamic business environment," said AVP and Chief Procurement Officer Paul Williams. "As we look ahead, this achievement sets a strong foundation for future initiatives focused on sustainability, innovation, and resilience."
A more strategic target setting model and cultural shift
A key enabler of this success was the shift toward a more proactive and strategic bottoms up target setting model. The Systemwide Procurement (SWP) and Campus teams emphasized early engagement in the sourcing process, enabling better planning, risk mitigation, and innovation through supplier collaboration. In parallel, procurement invested in tools and analytics that enhanced visibility into spend and performance, allowing for more informed decision-making and continuous improvement.
Equally important was the cultural shift within the organization. Procurement worked closely with internal partners to build trust, demonstrate value, and embed a mindset of total cost of ownership. This collaborative approach helped unlock benefits not only through price reductions but also through improved service levels, reduced risk, and enhanced supplier performance.
UC Procurement’s success in reaching this goal is a testament to the dedication, expertise, and strategic mindset of the entire team. It also highlights the importance of continued investment in capabilities, technology, and cross-functional collaboration to sustain and build on this momentum.