PSM-EP: Excellence in Procurement and Supply Management in Croatia

The demands placed on procurement are constantly increasing – the future is shaped by digitalization, sustainability, and geopolitical uncertainties. Through the “Procurement and Supply Management Excellence Program (PSM-EP)”, the Croatian Association of Procurement Professionals HUND, the international consulting firm IPG Partners Group, and the Croatian consulting company WOGAS have launched an ambitious program aimed at helping Croatian companies strengthen the procurement function and prepare it for future challenges.

In the following interview, the partners explain why the program was initiated, how it works, and what benefits it brings to companies and procurement professionals.

We conducted the interview with Mirela Senica, President of the Croatian Association of Procurement Professionals (HUND), Carsten Vollrath, Executive Partner of IPG Partners Group, and Helena Popović Petrušić, Owner of WOGAS.

Mirela Senica, President of HUND, emphasizes:

“The role of procurement has dramatically changed in recent years. The focus used to be solely on cost optimization, while today it is about creating strategic value, digitalization, and sustainability. It is equally important to continuously develop skills to meet the changing market demands, exchange best practices among industries and countries, and ensure that procurement strategies are aligned with global trends.”

Ms. Senica, what motivated HUND to launch the PSM-EP program in collaboration with IPG and WOGAS?

“As an association, we have represented the interests of procurement and supply chain professionals in Croatia for many years. We noticed that while many companies offer individual training, there is a lack of a comprehensive and strategically designed program for continuous professional development.

The challenges our members face today range from digitalization and sustainability (ESG) to risk management and strengthening strategic procurement in general. As an association, we see it as our mission to support our members through this transformation. With the PSM-EP program, we are creating a systematic education platform based on international standards while also considering the specifics of our market.

The goal of the program is to connect practical applicability with strategic vision. We do not want to focus solely on individual expert topics but to help our members take on a new role in their companies – from operational to strategic, which drives value creation.”

Mr. Vollrath (IPG), how does the program fit into your consulting and educational philosophy?

IPG: “Our philosophy is based on a holistic approach to transformation. This applies to both digitalization and sustainability, which we view as a dual transformation. At HUND and WOGAS, we have gained two strong partners. We contribute international expertise in methods, best practices, and change management. Together, we enable participants to immediately apply the practical knowledge gained in their companies. The unique value of the program lies in connecting theory and practice, supported by real case studies and simulations.”

What are the main thematic areas of the PSM-EP program?

HUND: “The program is modularly structured. It covers classic topics such as strategic procurement, supplier management, and negotiation, as well as future topics like digital tools, artificial intelligence in procurement, and sustainability strategies. The goal is for participants to work more effectively at the operational level, but also to become strategic partners who create added value for their companies.”

IPG: “The international perspective is also very important. Many companies are involved in global value chains, so we include topics such as supply chain resilience, risk management, and international compliance standards in the program. The program prepares participants to make procurement competitive not only at the local level but also internationally.”

What are the concrete benefits for companies from the PSM-EP program?

WOGAS: “For companies, the program means that their procurement teams become more efficient, professional, and aligned. Practical training accelerates processes, reduces errors, and creates a common understanding of best practices. This not only improves daily collaboration but also lays the foundation for long-term organizational development.”

HUND: “Members benefit on multiple levels. First, they receive tailored education modules that precisely address their practical needs. Second, they have access to a network of international and local experts – which represents real added value for exchanging experiences. Third, companies that send their employees to the program not only strengthen their capacities in the short term but also develop a more resilient, efficient, and sustainable procurement function in the long term. PSM-EP thus becomes a driver of procurement professionalization in Croatia and the entire region.”

How does PSM-EP differ from other educational programs?

HUND: “PSM-EP is intentionally designed as a platform for continuous development. Through the alumni network, mentoring, and joint activities, participants continue to develop and apply the knowledge gained in practice. We also want to initiate pilot projects and implementation initiatives in collaboration with companies that demonstrate how the learned can be applied in everyday work. For us, success does not mean that the participant receives a certificate – success means that companies achieve measurable improvements through the program.”

IPG: “The difference lies in the depth and structure of the program. We combine the most modern methods of international consulting firms with the local foundation of HUND and WOGAS.

This means that participants do not attend standard seminars but a tailored program that covers everything – from fundamental concepts to advanced topics such as the application of artificial intelligence in procurement. Additionally, the program strongly relies on interactivity, simulations, and practical tasks so that the knowledge gained can be immediately applied in everyday work.”

How is the success of the program measured?

HUND: “We use a certified multi-level model that documents progress in learning. Participants receive not only a certificate but also individual feedback. This allows companies to clearly understand the added value that the program has brought through professional development.”

IPG: “Companies benefit on multiple levels – through increased efficiency, reduced costs, better supplier relationships, greater innovation, and stronger compliance with ESG standards. We ensure that participating companies ultimately receive KPIs and performance indicators, so they can measure the impact of the program in everyday work. This is particularly important to us – transformation must be measurable.”

WOGAS: “In addition, we emphasize the application of the knowledge gained within the company. For us, it is crucial that the knowledge gained translates into real improvements. We know how valuable it is when procurement delivers measurable business results and a concrete impact. That is why we offer additional consulting and mentoring even after the training itself, to ensure that the impact of the program is maintained and built upon in practice.”

What role does the international dimension play?

HUND: “Today, procurement rarely operates within exclusively domestic borders. Most organizations rely on international suppliers, logistics, and markets. Education that includes this international dimension provides participants with the skills needed to manage risks, cultural differences, trade regulations, sustainability standards, and ethical issues in a global environment. Local procurement associations, like HUND, with their partners, ensure that their members remain competitive and aligned with internationally recognized standards.”

And finally, what is your common goal with the PSM-EP program?

HUND: “We want to elevate procurement in Croatia to a new professional level.”

WOGAS: “We want participants to recognize and understand their active role in shaping the future of procurement.”

IPG: “Our goal is to empower companies to successfully implement transformation – digitally, sustainably, and strategically.”

Conclusion

PSM-EP is much more than an educational program – it is a platform for transforming procurement in Croatia and the entire region.

The combination of international expertise, local foundation, and practical application creates a unique platform aimed at professionalizing procurement in Croatia, making it competitive at the international level and preparing for future challenges. For companies, this means better processes, greater efficiency, and a stronger strategic role for procurement throughout the value chain.