In the following interview, the partners explain why the program was launched, how it works, and what benefits it offers companies and purchasers. We conducted the interview with Mirela Senica, President of Hrvatska udruga nabavne djelatnosti (HUND), Casten Vollrath, Managing Partner of IPG PARTNERS GROUP, and Helena Popović Petrušić, Owner and Business consultant at WOGAS.

Mirela Senica, President of HUND emphasizes: "The role of purchasing has changed dramatically in recent years. In the past, the focus was purely on cost optimization, but today it is about strategic value creation, digitalization and sustainability. Equally important is the continuous development of skills to meet evolving market demands, the sharing of best practices across industries and borders and ensuring that procurement strategies remain aligned with global trends."

Question 1: Ms. Senica, what was the main motivation for HUND to launch the PSM-EP together with IPG and WOGAS?

"As an association, we have been representing the interests of purchasing and supply chain in Croatia for many years. We have seen that although many companies offer selective training courses, there is a lack of holistic, strategically designed continuing education. The challenges facing our members today range from digitalization and sustainability (ESG) to risk management and strong strategic purchasing in general. As an association, we see it as our task to accompany our members through this transformation – with the PSM-EP, we are creating a systematic training platform that is based on international standards while also taking into account the specific characteristics of our market. The program aims to combine practical relevance with strategic ambition. We don't just want to cover individual specialist topics, but also help our members take on a new role within their companies: from operational purchasers to strategic value drivers."

Question 2: Mr. Vollrath (IPG), how does the program fit into your consulting and training philosophy?

IPG: "Our philosophy is to take a holistic approach to transformation. This applies to both digitalization and sustainability, which we see as a twin transformation. In HUND and Wogas, we have gained two strong partners who ensure local anchoring. We contribute our international expertise in methods, best practices, and change management. Together, we enable participants to immediately transfer practical knowledge to their companies. The program's unique selling point is the integration of theory and practice, supported by real-life case studies and simulations."

Question 3: What are the main areas of focus in terms of content in the PSM-EP?

HUND: "The program has a modular structure. We cover classic topics such as strategic sourcing, supplier management, and negotiation, but also future topics such as digital tools, AI in purchasing, and sustainability strategies. The aim is for participants to work more efficiently in operational terms and also become strategic value-adding partners for their companies."

IPG: "The international perspective is also important. Many companies are integrated into global value chains. That's why we include topics such as supply chain resilience, risk management, and international compliance standards. The program prepares participants to make purchasing competitive not only locally but also internationally."

Question 4: How do companies benefit specifically from the PSM-EP?

WOGAS: "For companies, the program means that procurement teams become more efficient, professional, and aligned. Practical training accelerates processes, reduces mistakes, and creates a shared understanding of best practices. This not only improves day-to-day collaboration but also lays the foundation for lasting organizational development."

HUND: "Members benefit in several ways. First, they receive customized training modules that precisely cover their practical needs. Second, they have access to a network of international and local experts—a real added value for the exchange of experience. Thirdly, companies that send their employees to the program are not only better positioned in the short term, but also develop a more resilient, efficient, and sustainable purchasing organization in the long term. The PSM-EP thus becomes a driver for the professionalization of purchasing in Croatia and the entire region."

Question 5: How does the PSM-EP differ from other training programs?

HUND: "The PSM-EP is deliberately designed as a continuous development platform. We offer follow-up sessions, mentoring programs, and peer learning groups. We also want to launch pilot projects and implementation initiatives with companies that show how what has been learned can be applied in everyday work. For us, success does not mean that a participant receives a certificate – success means that companies achieve measurable improvements through the program."

IPG: "The difference lies in the depth and structure. We combine state-of-the-art methods from international consultancies with the local roots of HUND and WOGAS This means that participants do not receive standard seminars, but rather a tailor-made program that ranges from the basics to high-end topics such as AI in purchasing. In addition, we work extensively with interactivity, simulations, and transfer tasks so that what has been learned can be immediately applied in everyday work."

Question 6: How is the success of the program measured?

HUND: "We rely on a certified tiered model that documents learning progress. Participants not only receive a certificate, but also individual feedback. This allows companies to understand the added value that continuing education has brought."

IPG: "Companies benefit on several levels: increased efficiency, cost reductions, better supplier relationships, greater innovative strength, and stronger ESG compliance. We ensure that participating companies ultimately receive KPIs and scorecards so they can measure the impact in their own everyday work. This is particularly important to us: transformation must be quantifiable."

WOGAS: "In addition, we focus on implementation within the company. For us, it is crucial that knowledge translates into real improvements. We know how valuable it is when procurement delivers measurable business results and tangible impact. That is why we offer  optional coaching and advice beyond the classroom, ensuring the effect goes far beyond training"

Question 7: What role does the international dimension play?

HUND: «Procurement today rarely operates within purely domestic boundaries. Most organizations rely on international suppliers, logistics and markets. Education that integrates this international dimension equips learners with the skills to manage risks, cultural differences, trade regulations, sustainability standards and ethical concerns across borders. Local procurement associations as HUND with their partners ensure that their members remain competitive and aligned with widely recognized standards.»

Question 8: Finally, what is your common goal with the PSM-EP?

HUND: "We want to raise purchasing in Croatia to a new professional level."

WOGAS: "We want participants to see themselves as active shapers within their companies and to recognize their role in shaping the future of procurement."

IPG: "Our goal is to empower companies to master the transformation – digitally, sustainably, and strategically."

Conclusion

The PSM-EP is much more than a training program – it is a platform for transforming procurement in Croatia and the entire region. The combination of international expertise, local roots, and practical implementation creates a unique offering that aims to professionalize procurement in Croatia, make it internationally competitive, and prepare it for future challenges. For companies, this means better processes, greater efficiency, and a stronger strategic role for procurement throughout the entire value chain.

Read interview on LIDER MEDIA