Agile Manifesto for Procurement – A New Way to Lead in Change

Agile thinking has transformed software development — but its principles have a lot to offer procurement and category management as well. In this blog, I’ll explore why procurement needs its own Agile Manifesto, what values and principles it includes, and how they can be applied in practice.

This isn’t about a method, but a mindset — one that helps procurement respond faster, act more flexibly, and deliver more value to the business.

🔍 What is the Agile Manifesto – and Why Does Procurement Need One?

The original Agile Manifesto was created in 2001 for software development. It introduced a new way of thinking that emphasized individuals, collaboration, quick response, and continuous learning. Since then, it has helped countless organizations shift from rigid processes to more agile and customer-oriented ways of working.

Procurement operates in a world of rapid change, growing data volumes, and the constant need to support business goals. Yet many procurement models still rely on static, linear processes and long-term planning. That’s where an Agile Manifesto for procurement offers a fresh direction — not as a rigid model, but as a shared framework for thought and dialogue.

💎 The Core Values of Agile Procurement

The Agile Manifesto for procurement is built around four key value pairs. They define a shift from traditional models toward more agile, value-driven procurement. Each pair encourages teams to reflect on where their focus is — and where it should be.

We value:

• Iterative learning over detailed, one-time planning

• Cross-functional collaboration over siloed expertise

• Flexible, transparent supplier relationships over rigid contracting and control

• Rapid experimentation and feedback over long planning cycles without real-world testing

🛠️ 12 Principles – What Does Agile Procurement Mean in Practice?

Alongside values, agile procurement includes clear principles that bring the mindset to life. These help teams recognize how value is created, how collaboration happens, and how to stay responsive.

1. Delivering value to the business is our highest priority.

2. We welcome change — even late in the process.

3. We deliver value frequently and in small increments.

4. Business and procurement work together daily.

5. Teams are motivated and self-organizing.

6. Conversation is more valuable than documentation.

7. Supplier collaboration is based on transparency and learning.

8. Value is measured by impact — not process perfection.

9. Simplicity is a core principle.

10. The best results come from empowered, self-directed teams.

11. Teams regularly reflect and improve.

12. Data and metrics guide actions in real time.

    
    

📌 How Can You Use the Manifesto in Practice?

The Agile Manifesto for procurement can serve many roles — as a strategic compass, a team development tool, and a guide for internal communication. It helps establish a common language and understanding of what agility means for your organization.

• Start the conversation: Use it as a way to explore what agility means to your team.

• As a diagnostic: How well do we align with these values? Where are we strong? Where can we improve?

• As a design tool: Build your backlogs, sprint cycles, and team structures based on this framework.

• To support culture change: Encourage experimentation, trust, and collaboration.

👉 I also offer facilitated Agile Procurement workshops to help your team apply these ideas in real situations.

🧠 What Capabilities Does Agile Procurement Require?

Agile procurement and category management require new capabilities — not just new tools, but new ways of thinking and acting. Above all, it requires a mindset shift and a commitment to continuous learning.

• Mindset shift: Embrace iterative progress over perfection

• Collaboration skills: Work across functions and with suppliers

• Agile methods: Use sprints, backlogs, and retrospectives

• Data and decision-making: Act on timely insights

• Customer and business focus: Make value visible

• Curiosity and learning: Learn through experimentation, feedback, and reflection

🎯 Benefits for Procurement Teams and the Business

Agile procurement isn’t an end in itself — it’s a tool. It becomes especially valuable when you need to accelerate response, deepen collaboration, and create meaningful impact.

✅ Faster response to change

✅ Less waste of time and resources

✅ Better collaboration across teams

✅ Clearer business alignment

✅ Smarter testing, learning, and scaling

✅ Stronger team and supplier engagement

🧩 Summary

The Agile Manifesto for Procurement isn’t a predefined model — it’s a mindset that enables smarter, more responsive, and value-oriented procurement. It helps procurement take a more strategic role, stay in sync with business rhythms, and create practices that are adaptive, evolving, and human-centered.

It’s not just about speed — it’s about strengthening procurement’s role as a business enabler through trust, insight, and collaboration.

📖 Read the original Agile Manifesto here: https://agilemanifesto.org/

📣 Let’s Talk

Interested in bringing agile thinking into your procurement? Let’s talk. I offer sparring sessions, workshops, and support to help you get started.

📅 Book a free consultation – no strings attached, just ideas and new directions.🌐

Warm regards,

Lauri Vihonen

Writer of the Agile Manifesto for Procurement

I've written over 150 blogs on procurement transformation, roles, and opportunities — based on real-world experiences, mistakes, and successes.

If you're considering developing your procurement or facing challenges in your organization, I invite you to explore my writings. You’ll find practical insights and ideas across industries and situations.

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