Supply Risk Management - Our New Role

 by Ernest Gabbard, JD, C.P.M., CPCM

How can the contemporary Supply Management professional distinguish himself or herself as truly progressive, and prove their substantial value to the organization?

Organizational executives have become increasingly aware of the implications of supply risk to their organizations.  Therefore, the contemporary Supply Manager must fill a relatively new role in identifying and mitigating any risks in the supply chain, which could impact organizational operation.  This role has become increasingly visible with the current focus on supply risk management.  Unfortunately, many organizations have not yet established a comprehensive process to identify and mitigate such risks in the supply chain.

This refined focus on supply risk presents both a challenge and an opportunity for the Supply Manager who is prepared to comprehensively address this critical subject.  It could also pose a threat to the Supply Manager who is unprepared to accept the challenge.

The speaker will provide a comprehensive review of the process for identifying supply chain risks, and developing long-range, strategic plans to eliminate or mitigate such risks.  This type of effort is what distinguishes us as true “professionals" and adds value to the organization.

Ernest Gabbard, JD, C.P.M., CPCM

Ernest G. Gabbard has over 20 years of procurement management experience and is currently responsible for Corporate Strategic Sourcing at Allegheny Technologies Incorporated (ATI), with an outside spend of over $4 billion.

Ernest Gabbard was previously in senior procurement and contracting management positions with Teledyne Industries and Litton Industries, and was a Contracting Officer with the U.S. Government.  He has conducted business transactions in 34 countries, and resided for over 11 years in Europe, Asia, and Middle East. 

Ernest is a frequent speaker on these subjects at professional organizations such as Institute for Supply Management (ISM) and National Contract Management Association (NCMA).  His articles on procurement and contracting management issues have been published in numerous national publications including the ISM's "Inside Supply Management" and "Contract Management" magazines.  He has several college degrees, including a JurisDoctorate (law) degree.  He is currently on the Supply Management advisory board for Duquesne University.