Insights into Strategic Purchasing: An Interview with Roman Gudzyuk

Introduction: In a conversation with Roman Gudzyuk, a seasoned purchasing manager at Chant Engineering, we explored the intricacies of procurement, the evolving challenges in the supply chain, and how strategic thinking drives success in purchasing roles. With over 15 years of experience spanning aerospace and small business environments, Roman shared invaluable insights into his work, the tools he uses, and the philosophy that guides him.

The Scope of Strategic Procurement: Roman’s role at Chant Engineering revolves around managing procurement for a niche business of about 50 employees. While the company may be small, the purchasing demands are anything but straightforward. Chant Engineering specializes in pull test machines for the rope and wire industry, along with government and aerospace prototypes. Each project brings unique requirements, making the supply chain highly dynamic.

Roman emphasizes the distinction between purchasing and strategic purchasing. The former involves routine tasks such as order placement and approvals, while the latter demands in-depth planning, long-term agreements, and risk mitigation strategies. Strategic purchasing, as Roman explains, ensures that suppliers are not only cost-effective but also reliable and sustainable partners for the duration of a project’s lifecycle—sometimes spanning decades.

Supply Chain Challenges: Roman acknowledges the lingering impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on global supply chains. Consolidation among suppliers, inventory reductions, and shifts toward electrical solutions in smaller applications have all disrupted traditional workflows. Hydraulics, a critical component in many of Chant Engineering’s systems, has particularly suffered from long lead times and limited supplier options.

The Role of Technology in Procurement: Roman relies on an ERP system called Max ECI for managing procurement workflows. While this software is instrumental, he notes that its limitations can be frustrating, particularly for smaller organizations that cannot afford full-scale implementations. He also highlights the reliance on manual processes, such as data entry, that could benefit from automation to save time and reduce errors.

AI and the Future of Procurement: Roman sees tremendous potential in AI tools for streamlining procurement. From automating repetitive tasks like min-max ordering to accelerating contract reviews, AI is already making a difference. He compares its transformative impact to that of calculators, which initially faced skepticism but eventually enabled engineers to focus on more complex tasks. AI, Roman predicts, will enable procurement professionals to negotiate better deals, identify risks faster, and optimize workflows for maximum efficiency.

Advice for Aspiring Purchasers: For those entering the field, Roman offers straightforward yet profound advice: strive to be a strategic buyer. Continuous learning, agility, and a long-term mindset are essential. He also emphasizes the importance of leveraging modern technologies, including AI, to adapt to the rapidly evolving landscape of supply chain management.

The Most Memorable Purchase: When asked about his most interesting purchase, Roman shared his experience sourcing two engines for a civilian tilt-rotor aircraft—each worth over a million dollars. This high-stakes procurement project exemplifies the complexity and excitement of working in a strategic purchasing role.

Conclusion: Roman’s insights underscore the critical role of purchasing in any organization. As the field evolves, integrating strategic thinking with technological innovation will be key to overcoming challenges and driving value. His blend of practical experience and forward-thinking approaches offers a blueprint for success in today’s procurement landscape.

This blog post provides a window into the world of strategic purchasing through the lens of a seasoned professional. If you'd like to learn more or discuss these ideas, feel free to reach out to drura@purchaser.ai.