How We Think

Imagine this. You’re at a barbeque. And someone asks – So, who’s your CDMO? You say – Our what? What’s a CDMO? Your new BBQ mate says – Ah… CDMO stands for Chief Data Minimisation Officer. Doesn’t your company have one? You respond – Ah, no... So, what exactly does your CDMO do? With a bemused look, your BBQ friend replies – Well, they manage our data assets, review data inventories and ensure that any data, if it hits its use-by-date, gets destroyed, or temporarily stored in low-cost encrypted platforms. 

This article explores how AI could reshape the role of the procurement professional—not by replacing them, but by expanding their purpose. We consider three possible shifts: the evolution of procurement as a strategic function, the partnership between humans and machines, and the challenge of embedding ethics and trust in AI-enabled processes.

At Synergy Group, we’re known for delivering impactful solutions to government. Our 25-year legacy is underpinned by bringing in consultants with deep domain expertise. Mark Bainbridge, a Partner in our Melbourne office, is the perfect example of our people having a strong grasp on the sector in which they are working. Before stepping into consultancy, Mark spent his career in the Australian Army, climbing the ranks to become a distinguished military leader in the special forces.

It’s Thursday and you’re looking forward to an hour of kayaking on the weekend – and that’s after an estimated 17.6 hours of ferrying kids to part-time jobs, catchups and parties. Instead, you’re hit with ‘Propulsion Failure.’ This isn’t a euphemism, but rather a warning light telling you to glide your car to the curb. Cut to: Wednesday. You’ve forgone the kayaking, but the child ferrying continues apace. Many thanks to the parents-in-law for the loaner, but you’re still without a replacement car.

It’s a rare employer who supports their newly admitted solicitor to take a sabbatical overseas— to explore new professional opportunities, work on their own business, and return with fresh insights and renewed purpose. But that’s exactly what Bobbi Campbell and the team at Synergy Law did for me.

Not only is the Commonwealth Government a big spender, but it has an almost incalculable number of suppliers and stakeholders across a diverse range of activities – from purchasing submarines and warships for the ADF, art for the National Gallery and underwriting massive infrastructure projects. The list could go on and on – considering the Federal Government awards about 70,000 contracts annually, valued at between $50 billion to $70 billion.