TLDR Procurement - 18/06/2025
👋 Howdy, Welcome to TLDR Procurement! Each week, we curate the best procurement, supply chain, and leadership insights from across the web and deliver them in an easily consumable format.
📰 In the News
Casa Bonita Hiring Procurement Head – 1 minute
Denver’s iconic restaurant Casa Bonita is hiring a Director of Procurement with pay up to $130K. A fun example of how strategic procurement roles are expanding even in hospitality.
Procurement Software Free Forever
Zeiv, a super simple procurement software, is looking for early users. It’s offering free access forever to its first 25 users. Designed for growing teams, Zeiv streamlines intake, approvals, supplier management, and spend visibility — all without the manual chaos.
🌍 Global Sourcing & Sustainability
South Asia Emerges as Sourcing Hub – 4 minutes
South Asia is rising as a key sourcing destination as businesses diversify away from China. India and Bangladesh are leading with strong manufacturing ecosystems, low costs, and growing compliance standards — making the region a reliable alternative for global procurement.
Lululemon Expands Circular Sourcing Goals – 3 minutes
Lululemon has deepened its partnership with Samsara Eco to source recycled polyester and nylon. This move strengthens its commitment to circularity and sets an example for sustainable procurement in apparel manufacturing.
🛡️ Risk & Resilience
Cyberattack on Whole Foods Supplier – 6 minutes
A ransomware attack on a key supplier disrupted Whole Foods’ inventory. It’s a stark reminder for procurement leaders to assess cyber resilience across the supplier base — especially in food and retail supply chains.
Procurement Amid Tariff Volatility – 4 minutes
Procurement leaders are responding to tariff swings with nearshoring, smarter contracts, and supplier diversification. Those who act early are better positioned to absorb costs and avoid disruptions.
How SMBs Handle 30% Cost Spikes – 5 minutes
Facing a sharp rise in procurement costs, SMBs are adopting group purchasing, renegotiating supplier terms, and investing in automation tools to stay afloat. Strategic sourcing is now a survival tool.
🏛️ Government & Policy
DoD Pushes Procurement Reform – 5 minutes
The U.S. Defense Department is reworking its procurement systems to be more agile and tech-friendly. Goals include reducing red tape and speeding up access to cutting-edge solutions from commercial vendors.
GAO Urges Procurement Modernization – 3 minutes
GAO highlights how outdated procurement processes hinder defense innovation. The agency calls for streamlined acquisition models that make it easier for startups and emerging tech firms to work with the government.
Santa Monica Launches E-Procurement – 2 minutes
Santa Monica has rolled out a digital procurement platform to improve public sector efficiency. The move promises faster purchases, greater transparency, and a better vendor experience.
👥 People & Inclusion
Why Women Are Leaving Procurement – 5 minutes
Despite DEI efforts, women continue to exit supply chain roles due to exclusionary cultures, lack of growth paths, and leadership gaps. The industry needs deeper systemic change to retain female talent.
Why Human Experience Still Matters – 4 minutes
AI can optimize tasks, but it can’t replace human judgment. Strategic sourcing, negotiations, and supplier relationships still hinge on people — not bots.
💡Functional Insights
Three Fleet Tips for Procurement Pros – 3 minutes
Fleet procurement isn’t just about buying vehicles. You must consider lifecycle costs, vehicle usage data, and sustainability. Smarter fleet management unlocks major cost savings and efficiency gains.
Developing Nations Pool Drug Buys – 6 minutes
By joining forces, developing countries are securing cheaper lifesaving medicines. However, trade-offs include longer coordination times and reduced brand choice. It's a balancing act between affordability and autonomy.