Efficient procurement organization

Procurement reorganization at WDR

WDR redesigned its procurement organization together with valantic. The initiative was driven by structural changes and increasing demands on procurement processes resulting from digitalization. The focus was on clearly separating strategic, tactical, and operational tasks, allocating capacities in a targeted manner, and establishing central areas of expertise. The result is a modern procurement organization that is effectively aligned with digitalization and internal requirements.

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About the company

Westdeutscher Rundfunk (WDR) is one of the largest media companies in Germany. The company employs over 4,300 people and has an annual turnover of more than 135 million euros.

The project

The challenge

WDR’s central procurement department was facing a personnel upheaval. At the same time, the requirements were growing due to digitalization and the specialist departments were demanding more advisory support. In addition, new structures for the lead buyer model in public broadcasting had to be taken into account. The aim was to develop a future-proof, digitally oriented procurement organization.

Consulting approach

1. Restructuring of the procurement organization

  • Implementation of 5 workshops to develop prioritized measures
  • Characterization and allocation of product groups according to effort and frequency
  • Systematic division into controlling, strategic, tactical and administrative tasks incl. cost estimation
  • Analysis of the interfaces between procurement and specialist departments in strategic product groups
  • Mapping of capacities and allocation of product groups to procurement areas

2. Implementation and communication concept

  • Development of an implementation plan with defined milestones
  • Coordination in group leader meetings for an organized introduction
  • Step-by-step implementation of the new organizational structure for a smooth transition
WDR Consulting Approach

Solutions & results in detail

Targeted organizational measures were implemented in WDR’s procurement department to strengthen operational efficiency. A newly introduced pool of assistants, specialized service units for administrative tasks and a central EU competence center relieve the strategic functions. This has improved internal cooperation and significantly increased the processing speed of operational processes.

Conclusion

With the new organizational model, WDR has set the course for future-oriented procurement. The new structure effectively supports strategic tasks, increases the ability to act in the digital and regulatory environment and ensures greater transparency and controllability in a complex procurement environment.

Your Contact

Daniel Belka, Partner & Managing Director, valantic Division Smart Industries

Daniel Belka

Partner & Managing Director

valantic