Eric Flagel is Vice President of Procurement at SSA Marine, where he is helping reshape how procurement creates value in a complex, asset-intensive global business. Known for challenging conventional thinking, Eric focuses on modernizing procure-to-pay processes, leveraging technology, and building practical solutions that make procurement easier, faster, and more strategic.
Monday March 8, 2027
9:50 AM Ask The CPOs: Procurement’s MVP: Breaking Down What It Takes To Become A Strategic Sourcing Superstar
Being successful in procurement goes far beyond category management and cost savings. In this open format discussion, CPOs and Heads of Sourcing will share how they identify, hire, develop, and retain strategic procurement talent. Especially as AI changes the skills teams need and talent gaps persist. From hiring for judgment, curiosity and critical thinking to developing commercial expertise, influence and storytelling, discover what it takes to build high-performing procurement teams and become a true procurement MVP (Most Valued Professional).
Key takeaways:
- Identifying the skills leaders need to prioritize when hiring procurement talent
- Determining which traditional procurement skills are no longer as critical and which will remain valuable in the future
- Redesigning development plans as AI and automation create new opportunities for development
- Creating an actionable plan to accelerate your own career growth
Check out the incredible speaker line-up to see who will be joining Eric.
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