France Lavallière, Director of Procurement at Umano Medical – Inspiring Interview
Written by Claudine Fyfe, President of Fynlam

Are you in procurement and looking to elevate your practices? Or perhaps you’re interested in creating a management approach that is efficient, credible, and transparent? In this podcast episode (french version only), France Lavallière, Director of Procurement at @Umano Medical – an innovative company in the medical equipment sector – shares her top strategies for building teams that excel in transparency and credibility. Her valuable insights could reshape your approach!

Aligning Skills with Needs: A Strategic Shift

Upon joining Umano Medical, France quickly identified an urgent need for restructuring in purchasing management: disorganized teams, unclear roles, and a reactive approach. She undertook a complete overhaul, ensuring each team member had clearly defined responsibilities tailored to the company’s specific needs. The result? Strategic buyers assigned to major projects and a team better prepared to tackle future challenges.

What Sets an Exceptional Supplier Manager Apart

For France, supplier management is about much more than numbers. Excelling in this role requires a mix of communication skills, active listening, trust-building, and the ability to analyze complex situations while negotiating with finesse. It’s this unique skillset that makes a truly effective supplier manager.

The Strategic Role of the Business Analyst

At Umano Medical, business analysts go far beyond data—they are integral to growth strategy, optimizing processes to maximize production without exhausting the teams. France values diverse experience in her team, which fosters innovation and continuous improvement. This adaptability has become an essential skill in modern procurement teams.

Empowering Operational Buyers

Gone are the days of long hours spent on orders! With the addition of business analysts, France has transformed the daily responsibilities of operational buyers: now, they spend less time on repetitive tasks and more on initiatives that add real value.

The Recipe for Credibility: Clarity and Transparency

France introduced internal surveys to assess each team member’s strengths and areas for improvement. This strengthens clarity around roles and responsibilities, ensuring each member can grow at their own pace while sharing a common vision for the team’s goals. In supplier management, transparency is key, and Umano relies on a deep understanding of the market and each supplier’s potential to build strong, lasting partnerships.

Innovation: Moving Forward Together

Innovation is at the core of Umano Medical’s culture. Regular exchanges with suppliers are encouraged for mutual growth. In a market that is becoming more selective, this collaborative approach is essential. France also emphasizes targeted training so each buyer can develop, refine their skills, and stay at the forefront of industry innovation.

My Personal Impressions
From our first conversation, France impressed me with her authenticity and dynamism. Even during our virtual meetings, her energy was contagious! I had previously heard about Umano Medical at a conference, and their innovative approach and the company’s maturity stood out. France, like me, was new to the podcast experience. She was my very first guest, and her extensive expertise in the manufacturing sector made our conversation incredibly engaging.

In a word? Authentic. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to broaden their perspective on procurement. Discover it now on the Fynlam website and all podcast platforms!