Master the Art of Negotiation: NLPA Launches Game-Changing Negotiations Course for Procurement Professionals

Published On: March 6th, 2025

Durham, NC – [March 6, 2025] – In a 2020 report by The Gap Partnership, nearly half of senior procurement professionals admitted they lack confidence in their face-to-face negotiation abilities. Yet, negotiation remains one of the most critical levers for cost savings and supplier relationship management—a single high-stakes deal can impact millions.

To address this challenge, the Next Level Purchasing Association (NLPA) is launching  Negotiations Process, a program designed to equip procurement and supply chain professionals with battle-tested negotiation strategies that drive cost savings, build supplier trust, and secure long-term value.

A Strategic Approach to Procurement Negotiation

Led by industry veterans with 40+ years of experience in high-stakes procurement negotiations, this course delivers practical, real-world negotiation strategies that professionals can apply immediately. Unlike theory-heavy training, this program provides interactive lessons, case studies, and expert-led guidance—ensuring every participant walks away with the skills to negotiate with confidence.

What You’ll Gain:

  • Secure supplier agreements that maximize cost savings—while increasing supplier relationships.
  • Learn how to prepare, and navigate negotiations of any size or scope.
  • Prepare, Negotiate and Follow Up with a proven system of Negotiation process.

“Procurement professionals are often brought into Negotiations with little information and our new course shows proven methods to prepare, and execute, on deals of any size or scope,” says Jeff Dean, SPSM, SPSM2, CPOM, CPOE, Vice President of Education at NLPA.

Addressing a Widespread Confidence Gap in Procurement Negotiations

In addition to the findings from The Gap Partnership, a Deloitte Global Chief Procurement Officer (CPO) Survey reported that 54% of procurement leaders lack confidence in their teams’ ability to execute procurement strategies effectively, underscoring a critical gap in negotiation capabilities.

“Many professionals struggle with balancing cost-cutting goals while maintaining strong supplier relationships,” says Amber Pate, Director at NLPA. “We designed this course to bridge that gap, providing procurement teams with the confidence and skillset to handle any negotiation scenario—whether it’s a high-stakes supplier deal or a long-term contract renegotiation.”

About the Next Level Purchasing Association (NLPA)

The Next Level Purchasing Association (NLPA) is the leading provider of procurement education, helping professionals worldwide enhance their purchasing and supply chain skills. With a commitment to innovation, excellence, and real-world application, NLPA empowers professionals with the knowledge and credentials to maximize procurement performance and advance their careers.