Marijn Overvest

A Word From Marijn Overvest

Hello, I’m Marijn Overvest, the founder of Procurement Tactics. My educational background includes a Master of Science in Business from the VU University of Amsterdam.  The skills I learned from my master’s equipped me with the right attitude and skills in the field of procurement.  I have spent over 10 years in the world of procurement and negotiations.

Working in procurement is exciting and fun because it allows us to make a lasting impact on organizations and other procurement professionals. It’s a field that suits those who love critical thinking, numbers, and streamlining processes, as well as those who appreciate the human side of work, involving interaction, communication, and creativity. Procurement engages both sides of the brain, making it a profession I am passionate about and will continue to love.

With over 10 years of experience in procurement and negotiations, including eight-plus years within the commercial department of a major global retailer, I’ve handled all three crucial steps in any procurement process:

1. Preparation of Negotiations & Tenders
2. Strategy Formulation for Negotiations & Tenders
3. Negotiations & Tender Execution

I started my career in Procurement as a Procurement Analyst. In this role, I provided strategic, actionable insights and advice to senior procurement managers.  My responsibilities included the implementation of a unified negotiation preparation process, preparing negotiations with A-brand suppliers, creating tooling for insights, and acting as a sparring partner for procurement managers in developing negotiation plans.

In the role of a Strategic Procurement Manager, I shaped the retailer’s overall Own Brands’  procurement strategy, incorporating innovative procurement tactics and executing synergy procurement-saving programs.

As a Procurement Manager, I successfully negotiated with over 500 suppliers on various fronts, including purchase prices, promotions, and commercial, legal, financial, and logistical conditions. I managed negotiations exceeding €500 million and oversaw the annual procurement plan, supplier management, and contract management.

As the founder of Procurement Tactics, based in Utrecht, the Netherlands, I focus most on these areas in procurement:

• Negotiations
• Sustainable Procurement
• Using ChatGPT in Procurement
• Procurement Strategy

Recognizing that I want to share with other professionals what I learned from my experiences, I founded Procurement Tactics to help procurement professionals grow and excel in their careers. Our mission is simple: empower professionals with the tools, strategies, and knowledge they need to upskill in this dynamic field.

We’ve had the privilege of working with a diverse range of businesses, including Fortune 500 companies. Many clients return to us, highlighting their satisfaction and establishing Procurement Tactics as a trusted partner globally.

Through Procurement Tactics, I have also built a global personal brand in procurement. I now have over 50,000 followers on LinkedIn, where I actively share practical insights, frameworks, and lessons to help procurement professionals grow. This allows me to influence and support thousands of professionals worldwide, while contributing to thought leadership that helps elevate the procurement profession.

In addition, I am the author of the book Artificial Intelligence in Procurement, which helps procurement professionals start their journey in understanding, using, and leveraging AI within their procurement processes. The book bridges the gap between theory and practice and shows how AI can be applied in real-world procurement scenarios.

I am also a lecturer at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, where I contribute to the Procurement and Supply Management course at the School of Business and Economics, sharing real-world procurement experience and helping equip the next generation of procurement professionals with practical knowledge and skills.

As a guest speaker at conferences worldwide, I share insights, strategies, and lessons learned to support the professional development of procurement experts. These engagements create valuable opportunities for professionals to expand their skills and thrive in their roles.

With a proven track record and a strong commitment to continuous improvement, Procurement Tactics is a reliable resource for those looking to excel in procurement. I am enthusiastic about continuing to share knowledge and contribute to the growth of procurement professionals worldwide.

I look forward to sharing all the lessons that I have learned with you.

A Quote From Marijn Overvest:

“What I love the most about procurement, is the fact that you never stop learning. That’s why I think I will always love procurement”

Marijn Overvest’s Contact Details:

1. Schedule a call in my calendar
2. Send me an email at marijn@procurementtactics.com
3. Call me at +31643109217
4. Contact me on WhatsApp