Skip to content

Supplier Relationship Management and Development

Once a contract is signed the real work of extracting value begins, and this is where supplier relationship management earns its place. This course moves beyond transactional buying to build structured, collaborative relationships with key suppliers, including how to segment the supply base, run joint improvement plans and develop smaller local suppliers. Examples are drawn from South African enterprise and supplier development contexts.

What you will be able to do

  • Segment the supply base to focus effort on strategic and critical suppliers.
  • Build governance structures that keep supplier relationships on track.
  • Run joint business reviews that align supplier and buyer objectives.
  • Develop supplier improvement and capability building programmes.
  • Manage supplier risk, dependency and relationship conflict constructively.
  • Measure the value delivered through stronger supplier relationships.

Course outline

  1. 01From Transactional Buying to Relationship Management
  2. 02Supply Base Segmentation and Prioritisation
  3. 03Relationship Governance and Review Structures
  4. 04Joint Business Planning and Value Creation
  5. 05Supplier Development and Capability Building
  6. 06Managing Supplier Risk and Dependency
  7. 07Handling Conflict and Difficult Supplier Conversations
  8. 08Measuring Relationship Value and Outcomes

Who should attend

This course suits procurement managers, supplier development officers, category managers and buyers who own ongoing relationships with important suppliers.

Dates, venues and fees

DatesVenueDaysFeeCalendar
17 to 21 Aug 2026Durban5R18,000
24 to 28 Aug 2026Johannesburg5R18,000
7 to 11 Sep 2026Mauritius5US$1,800
14 to 18 Sep 2026Dubai5US$1,800
21 to 25 Sep 2026Lagos5US$1,800
28 Sep to 2 Oct 2026Harare5US$1,800
5 to 9 Oct 2026Kampala5US$1,800
12 to 16 Oct 2026Dar es Salaam5US$1,800
19 to 23 Oct 2026Pretoria5R18,000
26 to 30 Oct 2026Cape Town5R18,000
9 to 13 Nov 2026Online5US$900
16 to 20 Nov 2026Mozambique5US$1,800
23 to 27 Nov 2026Cairo5US$1,800
30 Nov to 4 Dec 2026Accra5US$1,800
7 to 11 Dec 2026Lusaka5US$1,800
14 to 18 Dec 2026Kigali5US$1,800
21 to 25 Dec 2026Nairobi5US$1,800

Fees are per delegate. South African venues are priced in rand; other locations and online in US dollars. Fees exclude 15% VAT where applicable. Group bookings of three or more delegates from the same organisation qualify for a reduced rate; contact us for a quotation.

Related courses in Purchasing and Supply Chain

Purchasing and Supply Chain

Strategic Procurement and Supplier Management

Move your buying function beyond order processing into a source of measurable commercial advantage. This programme covers category...

Next session
31 Aug to 4 Sep 2026
Venue
Mozambique
5 day programme
FromUS$900
Purchasing and Supply ChainNew

Public Sector Supply Chain Management

A practical programme for officials who must procure lawfully, defensibly and on time. It works through demand planning, bid committee...

Next session
31 Aug to 4 Sep 2026
Venue
Cape Town
5 day programme
FromUS$900
Purchasing and Supply Chain

Contract Management and Negotiation for Buyers

Value promised at signature is only realised through disciplined negotiation and active contract management. Delegates practise preparing...

Next session
31 Aug to 2 Sep 2026
Venue
Kampala
3 day programme
FromUS$900
See all Purchasing and Supply Chain courses