Rahul Vaswan is a seasoned professional with over 14 years of experience in the Indian Air Force, where he honed his expertise in optimising supply chain processes and public procurement. A firm believer in the words of Peter Drucker, “Efficiency is doing things right; effectiveness is doing the right things,” Rahul has dedicated his career to executing supply chain strategies with precision while aligning every initiative to broader organisational goals. His skill set spans logistics management, resource planning, and data-driven decision-making, enabling him to drive sustainable results and operational excellence. Beyond his professional success, Rahul is a passionate advocate for sustainability, mentorship, and community engagement, with a deep commitment to empowering others and promoting a cleaner, greener India. In this Executive Insight, Rahul shares his journey, insights into leadership, and the principles that guide his success.
What are the key factors you focus on to build strong relationships with suppliers?
Building strong and enduring relationships with suppliers’ rests on three key pillars: trust, clarity, and flexibility. Trust is the cornerstone of any successful partnership, as it fosters mutual confidence that both parties will consistently deliver value and act in each other’s best interests. This foundation encourages collaboration, transparency, and long-term commitment.
Clarity is equally essential, ensuring that requirements, expectations, and terms are communicated clearly. This minimises misunderstandings and establishes a solid foundation for smooth operations. Open, honest communication channels are critical to maintaining clarity and promptly addressing any issues that arise.
Flexibility is vital in recognising the dynamic nature of business relationships. It involves understanding and accommodating each other’s evolving needs, adapting to unforeseen circumstances, and working together to overcome challenges. This adaptability strengthens the partnership and enhances resilience.
Additionally, regular performance reviews, open feedback mechanisms, and a shared focus on innovation and continuous improvement further enrich supplier relationships. By nurturing these practices, businesses and suppliers can build a partnership that drives efficiency, fosters innovation, and ensures sustainable success.
How do you handle conflicts or issues that arise in supplier relationships?
Effectively handling conflicts in supplier relationships begins with identifying the root causes. Most conflicts stem from two primary sources: non-compliance with established procedures and imbalances in the value equilibrium. Recognising these triggers is essential for addressing issues constructively.
Resolving conflicts requires patience, empathy, and a solution-oriented mindset. It’s crucial to engage in open dialogue to fully understand the perspectives and concerns of all parties involved. This approach fosters transparency and lays the foundation for collaborative problem-solving.
Finding a middle ground that respects compliance requirements while addressing the underlying issues is vital. Negotiations should focus on creating mutually beneficial outcomes, ensuring that neither party feels marginalised. Maintaining professionalism and a shared commitment to long-term partnership goals is key to preserving trust and collaboration.
Proactive measures, such as establishing clear communication channels, periodic performance reviews, and predefined conflict-resolution frameworks, can help mitigate the risk of future disputes. By viewing conflicts as opportunities for improvement, both parties can strengthen their relationship and ensure a resilient, thriving partnership.
How do you measure the performance and success of your supplier partnerships?
The performance and success of supplier partnerships can be measured using multiple parameters aligned with organisational objectives. One key metric is the extent to which supplier contributions help achieve strategic goals, such as cost optimisation, timely delivery, and meeting quality standards. Additionally, the frequency and resolution of buyer-supplier conflicts serve as critical indicators; fewer disputes generally reflect strong alignment and effective communication.
Another vital measure is the quality of service provided by the supplier. Consistently high-quality deliverables with minimal defects or rejections are hallmarks of a successful partnership. Reliability in terms of delivery timelines and adherence to agreed-upon standards further underscores the supplier’s performance.
Metrics like on-time delivery rates, defect rates, and cost savings achieved through collaboration offer tangible data to assess success. Establishing a framework for regular feedback and performance reviews ensures continuous improvement. Finally, the willingness of the supplier to innovate and adapt to the organisation’s evolving needs strengthens the partnership and demonstrates mutual commitment to long-term success.
How do you encourage suppliers to contribute to innovation and value creation?
Encouraging suppliers to contribute to innovation and value creation requires creating an open and collaborative environment. Innovation thrives when suppliers have the freedom to explore ideas and propose creative solutions without being constrained by overly rigid restrictions. Establishing a culture of trust and mutual respect is fundamental, as it empowers suppliers to take initiative and share innovative ideas.
Providing clear goals while allowing flexibility in achieving them fosters creativity. Regular brainstorming sessions and co-development initiatives can help align supplier capabilities with organisational objectives, encouraging joint problem-solving and innovation.
Incentivising innovation through performance-based rewards or recognition programs motivates suppliers to go beyond standard expectations. Open communication channels and feedback loops ensure suppliers feel valued and supported in their efforts.
Finally, involving suppliers early in the product development or process improvement stages allows them to contribute meaningfully to value creation. By demonstrating commitment to long-term partnerships and shared success, organisations can inspire suppliers to invest in innovation and deliver solutions that drive competitive advantage.
How do you approach supplier diversity and inclusion in your SRM strategy?
Approaching supplier diversity and inclusion in Supplier Relationship Management (SRM) involves adopting proactive strategies that ensure a balanced and equitable supplier ecosystem. Regular reviews of the registered supplier list, conducted annually or semi-annually, are essential to assess supplier performance and identify opportunities for diversification. This process helps prevent over-reliance on a few suppliers and promotes fairness in order allocation.
Maintaining transparency and fairness in procurement decisions ensures that no single supplier is favored, creating opportunities for a broader range of suppliers to contribute. For new procurement requirements, conducting a comprehensive market survey is critical to identifying the best-suited suppliers, fostering diversity by including vendors from various backgrounds, regions, or capabilities.
Encouraging partnerships with small, minority-owned, or women-owned businesses can also enhance diversity and align SRM strategies with organisational values. Establishing clear guidelines for supplier inclusion and monitoring compliance strengthens accountability.
By fostering a culture of diversity and inclusion, organisations not only broaden their supplier base but also unlock innovative solutions, enhance competitiveness, and contribute to the economic growth of underrepresented communities.
