A 2020 report by The Gap Partnership revealed that nearly half of senior procurement professionals admit to lacking confidence in their face-to-face negotiation skills. Given that negotiation plays a pivotal role in cost savings and supplier management, mastering this skill is essential—one well-executed negotiation can translate into millions in savings.

To tackle this industry challenge, the Next Level Purchasing Association (NLPA) has unveiled Negotiations Process, a comprehensive program designed to empower procurement and supply chain professionals with proven negotiation tactics that foster cost efficiency, supplier trust, and long-term strategic value.

A Practical Approach to Procurement Negotiation

Guided by industry experts with over four decades of experience in high-stakes procurement negotiations, this course goes beyond theoretical concepts. Instead, it delivers hands-on strategies that participants can immediately apply. Featuring interactive lessons, case studies, and expert insights, the program ensures procurement professionals develop the confidence and competence to lead negotiations effectively.

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.

Closing the Confidence Gap in Procurement Negotiations

Further emphasizing the need for enhanced negotiation skills, a Deloitte Global Chief Procurement Officer (CPO) Survey highlighted that 54% of procurement leaders lack confidence in their teams’ ability to execute procurement strategies effectively. This underscores a critical gap in negotiation capabilities across the industry.

“Many professionals find it challenging to balance cost-reduction targets while maintaining strong supplier relationships,” says Amber Pate, Director at NLPA. “We developed this course to equip procurement teams with the essential skills and confidence to manage any negotiation—whether a major supplier deal or a long-term contract revision.”

About the Next Level Purchasing Association (NLPA)

The Next Level Purchasing Association (NLPA) is a premier provider of procurement education, dedicated to helping professionals worldwide enhance their purchasing and supply chain expertise. Committed to real-world applications, innovation, and professional excellence, NLPA equips procurement professionals with the knowledge and certifications to drive performance and career advancement.