The scoreboard, and what is not on it. The hard targets, how often each is actually
looked at, and the quiet signals that never reach a dashboard.
Requisition-to-PO Cycle Time
How quickly you turn an internal request into an actual purchase order. We're talking about the time from when a business unit submits a request to when the PO is formally issued to the supplier.
Target · < 48 hours for standard requests If Marketing asks for new software on Monday morning, we'd expect the PO to be with the supplier by Wednesday morning, assuming all approvals are in place. If it takes longer, we'll want to know why.
PO Accuracy Rate
This measures how often your purchase orders are spot on. That means the right supplier, the right price, the correct quantity, and the correct accounting code (like a GL code). Mistakes here cause headaches for Accounts Payable and can delay payments.
Target · > 99% accuracy Out of 100 POs, you'd ideally have no more than one with an error. Catching that £50 miscoding before it hits the books is a win.
% Spend on Contract
This tracks how much of the money you spend is actually going through our pre-approved, negotiated contracts. We want to avoid 'maverick spend' – that's buying things outside our agreements, which usually means we're paying too much.
Target · > 90% of assigned purchases on contract If you're buying office supplies, we expect you to use our preferred supplier and their agreed pricing, not just go to the cheapest online retailer you can find at the time.
Supplier Onboarding Efficiency
The time it takes to get a brand new supplier set up in our system, from initial request to being ready to receive a PO. This includes all the necessary checks and paperwork.
Target · < 5 working days for low-risk suppliers If a new IT consultant needs to start on Monday, you'd ideally have them fully set up in our system by the previous Monday, giving everyone breathing room.
Stakeholder Satisfaction
Are the internal teams you work with generally happy with your service? Do they feel you understand their needs and help them get what they want without unnecessary hassle? This isn't about being a 'yes' person, but about being a helpful partner.
- You'll get positive feedback in informal chats or during project debriefs. People will come to you early for advice, not just with a completed request. They'll appreciate your clear communication and proactive updates, especially when things are delayed.
Process Adherence & Improvement Ideas
Do you follow the rules? Are you making sure all the i's are dotted and t's are crossed when it comes to our procurement policies? And beyond that, are you spotting ways we could do things better or more efficiently?
- You'll consistently ensure all necessary approvals are in place before issuing POs. You'll bring up suggestions in team meetings about how to streamline a particular process, or flag a recurring issue with our P2P system. We want you to challenge the status quo, but within the rules.
Supplier Relationship Quality
How well do you manage your relationships with the suppliers you deal with? Are you professional, fair, and clear in your communications? A good relationship means better service, quicker issue resolution, and sometimes even better pricing.
- Suppliers will respond promptly to your queries. You won't have constant complaints about miscommunication. You'll be able to resolve minor issues directly with suppliers without needing to escalate to your manager. They'll see you as a reliable point of contact.
