Operations & Supply Chain

Supplier Development Programmes

Instead of switching suppliers, many organisations get better results by developing them. This course covers supplier development: selecting suppliers for development, capability assessments, joint improvement projects, technical support and training, incentives, measuring results and building strategic partnerships including local supplier development.

5 days Classroom or live online English

Smart Horizon Certified - Global Leadership Consultants

Take the course details with you.

Download the full standard outline: why attend, methodology, objectives, audience, competencies, the daily outline and current plans.

Download course PDF

Why attend

From knowledge to real-world impact.

A capable supply base is a competitive advantage. You will learn to raise supplier performance in a structured way.

Workplace challenges

Professional Problems This Course Is Designed to Solve

The programme explores practical approaches to the following challenges. Results depend on how the learning is applied in your organisation.

Difficulty translating subject knowledge into practical workplace decisions.
Inconsistent approaches to the activities covered in the course outline.
Lack of a structured plan for applying and reviewing new skills.

Course methodology

How you will learn.

Assessment exercises, programme design workshops, case studies of supplier development and role plays.

Course objectives

What you'll take away.

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

Explain supplier development objectives
Select suppliers for development
Assess supplier capabilities
Plan joint improvement projects
Provide support and incentives
Measure development outcomes

Target audience

Who should attend.

This course is suitable for:

Supplier development managers
Procurement and quality managers
Supply chain managers
Local content officers
Category managers

Target competencies

Capabilities you will build.

Participants will develop competencies in:

Capability assessment
Improvement planning
Collaboration
Supplier coaching
Outcome measurement

Course outline

Your learning journey.

A focused, practical outline with time to explore, apply and reflect.

Day 1Supplier Development

09:00–10:08Why develop suppliers
10:08–11:00Programme types
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Programme types (continued)
11:45–12:53Risks
12:53–14:00Exercise

Day 2Selection and Assessment

09:00–10:08Selection criteria
10:08–11:00Capability assessment
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Capability assessment (continued)
11:45–12:53Gap analysis
12:53–14:00Workshop

Day 3Improvement Projects

09:00–10:08Joint project planning
10:08–11:00Lean and quality support
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Lean and quality support (continued)
11:45–12:53Training suppliers
12:53–14:00Exercise

Day 4Incentives and Partnership

09:00–10:08Incentives
10:08–11:00Governance
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Governance (continued)
11:45–12:53Local supplier development
12:53–14:00Case study

Day 5Measuring Results

09:00–10:08Metrics
10:08–11:00Reviews
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Reviews (continued)
11:45–12:53Scaling the programme
12:53–14:00Action plan

The timings provided are estimates and may vary depending on the number of participants and the discussions taking place during the sessions. They are indicative only and do not constitute a binding commitment.

Dates & venues

Find a session that works for you.

Confirmed dates accept registration requests. Tentative dates are enquiry only.

Good to know

A few things to know.

How is the course delivered?

Our classroom programmes combine facilitated discussion, case studies, exercises and reflection. The precise format will be confirmed before enrolment.

Can you deliver this programme for our team?

Yes, you can enquire about a tailored programme. Share your goals, group size and preferred dates with our learning team.

Will I receive a certificate?

Participants who complete the programme receive a Smart Horizon certificate of attendance. Smart Horizon programmes are not externally accredited and do not award a professional qualification, licence or designation. Where a course title or outline refers to a professional certification (for example, AACE International's Certified Cost Professional), the programme supports learning and preparation only; the credential itself is awarded solely by the relevant professional body under its own application and examination requirements.

What should I confirm before booking travel?

Please confirm the session, exact venue, accessibility arrangements, fees and any visa requirements with the team before arranging travel. Tentative dates are not confirmed sessions.

Keep exploring

Your next horizon awaits.

All courses

The full course agenda and dates are available above. Use the session links in Dates & venues to choose a session. Registration and quotation forms require JavaScript; you can also contact our learning team directly.