Procurement

Why we are here

Our vision is to elevate the status of procurement within organisations and capture its untapped potential to drive strategic value, innovation and sustainable growth across all sectors globally.

Lean Procurement is the company that provides essential training for managers and their teams so they worry less and can make a bigger difference and impact during their careers.

We do this by breaking complex procurement and supply chain concepts down, believing that every individual can make a difference, discovering ways how to do more with less for the world’s increasing demands.

Lean Procurement exists to improve individual performance from sharing knowledge and experiences, providing continuous development and care to our learners as they progress through their educational journey.

Simply - we want to change how procurement works.

The challenge

·  70% of procurement leaders prioritise cost reduction, but only 38% meet their targets (Gartner).

·  64% of leaders see a talent shortage as a major barrier (Deloitte).

·  72% view digital transformation as essential, but only 30% have a digital strategy (McKinsey & Company).

·  53% struggle with effective supplier relationship management (ISM)

·  55% of organisations face challenges in insuring compliance with ethical sourcing standards (CIPS)

What we offer

Since its inception in 2016 Lean Procurement has developed and delivered courses cross sector: including modular, multiple professional certified qualifications and in-house programs. However, since 2022, Lean Procurement decided to focus solely on the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply qualification for these reasons:

·  Provides a comprehensive one-stop shop of structured training created from industry feedback

·  Aligned with industry needs to deliver the most relevant skills and knowledge

·  Offers a pathway for career ladder progression within organisations

·  Increases professional credibility by studying a globally recognised qualification

·  Allows flexibility for Lean Procurement to innovate on their own learning methods within the extensive syllabus

Lean Procurement firmly believes that the CIPS qualification is the best learning method to achieve the company vision.

What Is CIPS?

The Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS) is a global professional body dedicated to promoting excellence in procurement and supply chain management. CIPS provides education, training, and certification to individuals and organizations involved in procurement and supply chain roles, helping them to develop the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in this critical field. CIPS provides a comprehensive pathway of qualifications ranging from foundation to advanced, catering to individuals at different stages of their careers.

 

CIPS Level 4

The entry Diploma level is where most learners start their CIPS journey and has been accredited by Ofqual, appearing on the Register of Regulated Qualifications. Each module has an examination to be completed as per our schedule. This level covers eight core modules highlighted below. 

Further information on the modules is enclosed in your proposal email.

Level 4 Alignment to Organisational Needs  

In the most recent Hays Salary and insights Survey, the most sought-after procurement industry skills were highlighted below with Tactical and Operational levels sitting at the same stage a

 


Mapping these Industry requirements to Level 4 Modules:


·   Communication – L4M1, L4M4, L4M5, L4M6 and L4M8

·   Supplier Relationship Management – L4M1, L4M6 and L4M8

·   Contract Management – L4M3 and L4M8

·   Raising the Profile of Procurement – L4M1

·   Financial Analysis and Report – L4M4 and L4M8

·   Sourcing - L4M1, L4M4 and L4M8

·   Internal Stakeholder Management – L4M1, L4M4, L4M6 and L4M8

·   Negotiation – L4M5

Level 4 provides the extensive foundation for learners and covers nearly all the key skills required to undertake their procurement role more effectively.

 

  • Communication – L4M1, L4M4, L4M5, L4M6 and L4M8

  • Supplier Relationship Management – L4M1, L4M6 and L4M8

How We Deliver Level 4


·  The classes take place each Tuesday on a live platform between 6pm and 9pm UK time.

·  Each 12-credit module (essay type examination format) has at least seven sessions

· Each 3 evening classes (multiple choice type examination format) has at least three sessions

·  Classes are very interactive using electronic whiteboards, online quizzes and breakout rooms.

In 2023, we introduced our own LMS (Learning Management System) to provide a better learning experience to our students. This provides categorisation and structure of our learning materials, recordings of sessions and integration with Microsoft Team. Learners are also provided with their unique ‘LEAN Student’ email address, similar to other educational institutions such as Universities and Colleges.

 

Level 4 Expected commitment and learning process


Our learning process has been fine-tuned and consists of pre-work, attending classes and completing tasks before the next session. The layers of learning have been crafted in a way to not overwhelm learners, but steadily increase their knowledge stack in preparation for examination.


A total commitment of SIX hours per week is strongly recommended, consisting of three hours during the weekly classes and an additional three hours for activities inbetween.

 

Level 4 Schedule

For the more examination timetable please see CIPS link below

https://www.cips.org/students/exam-success/exam-schedules


Start of next module, L4M3, is on Tuesday 24th September 2024

Level 4 Costs


Lean Procurement takes the effort away from the learner and their Organisation and provide a comprehensive package that includes all costs for the student to complete their Level 4 qualification; this includes CIPS examinations, published material and CIPS membership, these are all charged at cost with zero mark-up.








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The added value of Lean Procurement Ltd

·  Training partner approach with advice and support given to procurement departments throughout

·  Lean Procurement has on average 15% higher pass rates than the global average of 62%

·  Student support ‘on tap’, especially leading up to examinations

·  CIPS Study Centre of Excellence, top grading from CIPS, achieved early 2024

·  For CIPS students weekly ‘surgeries’ available for 1-2-1 with students to discuss any challenges that may be impacting their studies

·  From research, Lean Procurement Ltd is the CIPS Study Centre that provides the highest number of tutoring hours in the UK, over 120 hours per level

·  WhatsApp support groups provided for all our students

·  Lean Procurement Ltd is the only study Centre in the UK that have all their tutors and support staff both FCIPS and Masters qualified

.  All tutors and support staff have extensive practitioner knowledge and previous experience teaching across sectors

Testimonials and photos

Khalid Al Otaibi

Associate Procurement Director at Red Sea Global

Lean Procurement’s delivery of the CIPS qualification was both practical and impactful. The training was engaging, aligned with real procurement challenges, and gave me the confidence to apply best practices at work. It not only enhanced my performance but also strengthened our team’s strategic approach. Highly recommended for credibility and capability.

Hana Liptakova

Lead Contracts PSR Corporate at Equinor

Completing my CIPS Level 4 with Lean Procurement has been a transformative experience. The structured learning and practical insights helped me turn contracts from a weak area into a strength—directly contributing to my new role as Lead Contracts at Equinor. I highly recommend Lean Procurement for anyone serious about advancing their procurement career.

Bryan Robertson

SCM Sub Contracts Specialist at​

Subsea 7

CIPS played a key role in helping me secure my first procurement role. Its teachings on stakeholder management and supply positioning gave me practical tools to excel in a complex environment—enabling me to manage internal relationships and prioritise procurement activities strategically and effectively.

A Peterson Company

At 80:20 Procurement, we are delighted with the various CIPS training courses offered by Lean Procurement.
The training has proven instrumental in enhancing our staff members' grasp of essential procurement concepts, significantly improving their understanding and skills.

Laurie Fleming

Senior Buyer at One Subsea

After years of deliberation, I began my CIPS journey with Lean Procurement in August 2023, following a colleague’s recommendation—and it exceeded expectations. Colin made the return to learning enjoyable and engaging, and the supportive environment made weekly sessions something I truly looked forward to. I’m excited to continue my journey with Lean Procurement.

Chris Adam

Strategic Sourcing Lead at RSE

I highly recommend Lean Procurement and Colin McIntyre to anyone pursuing the CIPS qualification. The structured yet engaging remote learning made even complex topics easy to absorb. Colin’s interactive approach, regular tasks, and comprehensive resources kept me motivated and on track. The support—from exam prep to post-assessment feedback—was outstanding. I look forward to continuing my CIPS journey with them.

Scott F

Global Procurement Senior Buyer, Subsea Line Pipe & Coating at TechnipFMC

Colin and Dimitra at Lean Procurement have been incredibly supportive throughout my first CIPS Diploma module. Their timely, detailed feedback—even during evenings and weekends—made a real difference. The inclusive and engaging remote sessions kept the learning productive and enjoyable. I highly recommend Lean Procurement to anyone looking to grow their career in supply chain.

Simon Ogg

Lead Procurement Officer at NHS Grampian

Completing my CIPS Diploma through Lean Procurement played a key role in securing my new procurement role at NHS Grampian. CIPS was highlighted in the job ad and discussed during the interview, and the qualification gave me a solid foundation to transition from the oil and gas sector into healthcare. I highly value the CIPS program for both professional growth and personal development.