In the session on the Procurement Manager's Forum at BW Hotelier's Second Indian Hospitality Summit and Awards at The Leela Ambience Gurugram, moderator Sourish Bhattacharya focussed on the various changes that have occurred over the last three decades. The dialogue was on getting effective communication channels in place. The panelists mentioned the importance of the role played by the procurement department, wherein Nitin Nagrale, VP (Materials), Foodlink Restaurants, Naresh Kumar, General Manager of Purchase & Materials Management, Lemon Tree Hotels and Surjeet Chopra of Purchase Manager, Taj Palace were present.
The panelist mentioned that three decades back, every official record was done manually. Not only the procurement department, but the staff in hospitality and every vendor included in this trade, had to record everything manually. Every department was required to be vigilant to what is procured in this department.
When asked about the difference of having worked in the procurement department of a hotel and restaurant, Nitin Nagare stated that the procurement chain of five star hotel and restaurant is completely different. In a restaurant, the modus operandi may be completely organised with a prior set menu and in a hotel, each day exclusive standards are set. While stating an instance he mentioned, how a client recently demanded the delivery of miniature champagne bottles within an hours' time.
Procurement is also included within the model of education in hotel management institutions. As part of every food production module, the methods of procurement are taught in universities. Though chefs are the superstars of an organisation, the staff of the procurement departments are striking a balance between consumer demands of qualitative aspirations and price demand of the organisation.
When asked about the importance of chefs, the panelists mentioned that chefs try to protect the interest of the organisation. They show creativity and bring international products within the Indian scenario. Here it is important to know the equation between the buyer and the product, whereby the procurement department plays an important role.
In a conclusive message, the leading managers noted that they hope to see the purchasing managers becoming the general manager of operations of the resorts and hotels.
