Supplier Relationship Management: Insights from a Procurement Specialist

Sheryl Chico shares her experience as an on-site Procurement Specialist at Nexus, shedding light on the significance of effective supplier relationship management in a dynamic market.

Can you describe a typical day in your role at Nexus?

Most mornings start a review of any overnight updates—emails from suppliers, internal messages, or shifts in market conditions that could impact our supply chain management. From there, my day usually moves into reviewing reports, responding to requests, and keeping a close eye on procurement data to ensure everything stays on track.

A big part of my role is building and maintaining strong supplier relationships. That could mean coordinating quality control checks, exploring potential new vendors, or making sure all documentation aligns with regulations. Every piece matters when it comes to ensuring our clients get what they need—on time and up to standard.

Transitioning into an on-site procurement role was a game-changer for me. The engineering world is incredibly dynamic, and it’s challenged me to think more strategically and creatively. I’ve learned that consistent, clear communication is at the heart of successful supplier relationship management. My focus is on continuously improving the purchasing process—whether through smoother procedures, better negotiations, or smart, alternative sourcing strategies.

What are your primary responsibilities as a Procurement Specialist?

My key responsibilities include purchasing, expediting, quality assurance, and managing supplier relationships. Purchasing entails issuing purchase orders, negotiating pricing, and overseeing the logistics of material delivery to the client’s warehouse. Quality assurance is critical for operational success, so I collaborate closely with the quality control team to verify that all materials meet the client’s specifications and pass inspections.

What challenges do you typically encounter in your role?

The market can be unpredictable, leading to supply chain disruptions. Prices may fluctuate rapidly due to geopolitical factors, necessitating agile responses and strategic decision-making to mitigate risks and secure favorable agreements for our clients.

Negotiations can be challenging but are essential for aligning client needs with budget constraints. This is where our team’s strong negotiation skills, market insight, and robust supplier relationships are crucial for achieving optimal outcomes in our transactions.

Equally important is our proactive approach to supply chain management—we don’t just respond to issues as they arise; we anticipate and address potential challenges early to minimize disruptions, maintain momentum, and keep projects on time and within budget for clients.

What’s the most rewarding part of what you do day-to-day?

One of the most rewarding parts of my role has been how much I genuinely enjoy the relationship-building side of procurement. At Nexus, we pride ourselves on quickly identifying obstacles and delivering innovative, high-quality solutions for our clients—but it’s the people behind the process that really make the difference.

Over time, I’ve built strong, lasting connections with suppliers, engineers, contractors, and clients. Those relationships aren’t just nice to have—they’re essential. A solid vendor network means we can move fast, find creative solutions, and make sure our clients get what they need, when they need it.