You’ve had a feeling that this relationship has been going downhill for months now. It was so exciting when you first met, but recently, the spark has disappeared, leaving you worrying that you’re not an important part of their future anymore.
You decide it’s time for a grand gesture. It’s time to save this relationship by “wowing” them in 2026 and showing them what you’re really capable of.
No, we’re not talking about your romantic relationship (although, if it does need saving, best of luck to you).
We’re talking about procurement’s relationship with your organization’s Chief Financial Officer (CFO), and what you need to do to continue to prove your value in 2026 and beyond.
1. Realign With Your CFO's Priorities
According to a recent Gartner survey, CFOs are “grappling with a tension between short-term cost-cutting imperatives and long-term growth investments for their 2026 top priorities and challenges”.
The survey revealed that 56% of CFOs rank achieving enterprise-wide cost optimization targets in their top five, while 51% of respondents rank improving financial forecast accuracy and quality in their top five.
Make your CFO’s life easier by syncing your strategies to the above.
Focus on cost optimization, such as working capital improvements (like extending payment terms without straining suppliers). Make 2026 the year that you raise procurement data to a higher level of accuracy and trustworthiness.
Other initiatives to align with CFO priorities include embedding ESG criteria in sourcing to dodge future compliance headaches, and quantifying procurement's impact on profitability. Schedule regular check-ins: share dashboards on savings, risks averted, and how you're supporting growth.
Speak the CFO’s language: dollars, resilience, and strategy, and watch that relationship flourish.
2. Embrace the Power of AI in Procurement
Generative AI is rapidly becoming a powerful tool for procurement teams. Start by leveraging large language models (LLMs) to improve communication efficiency: drafting clearer RFPs, summarizing supplier proposals, generating negotiation scripts, or creating stakeholder reports in minutes rather than hours.
These tools can reduce administrative time significantly while improving consistency and quality.
At the same time, look ahead to more sophisticated AI agents that can manage every aspect of the sourcing cycle: identifying potential suppliers, conducting initial outreach, analyzing responses, running scenario-based evaluations, and even supporting contract drafting.
By integrating these advanced capabilities, procurement teams can accelerate cycle times, uncover deeper insights from market data, and deliver measurable cost reductions.
Your CFO will appreciate the tangible impact on efficiency and the bottom line. Begin with targeted pilots to demonstrate value and build momentum for broader adoption.
3. ...But Also Prove That You Can Do More Than a Robot
Lean into AI, but keep procurement human!
While AI handles the grunt work, don't let it make you look replaceable. CFOs want to know procurement brings that human edge: strategic thinking, relationship-building, and big-picture insights no algorithm can fully replicate yet.
In 2026, wow them by using AI as your sidekick to dive deeper into supplier innovation partnerships, sustainability risks, or geopolitical disruptions. Negotiate like a boss on complex deals, foster supplier collaborations that drive growth, and align sourcing with company goals.
Most importantly, get to know your stakeholders better. Become the person in the organization who “knows everyone”, understands their priorities and pain points, and suggests procurement-led solutions. Prove you're the irreplaceable strategist turning data into dollars and resilience.
4. Line Up Some Quick Procurement Wins
Nothing reignites the spark like immediate results. Quick wins are low-hanging fruit that deliver fast savings and build momentum.
This might involve renegotiating contracts, consolidating suppliers, automating administrative tasks, or tackling maverick spend. Aim for 5-10% savings in a category within months. Track them, report them loudly to your CFO, and use the credibility to pitch bigger initiatives.
5. Get Proactive
Ditch the reactive firefighting. Make 2026 about anticipating needs and risks before they bite. Proactive procurement means forecasting demand, monitoring market trends for tariffs or shortages, building resilient supplier networks, and scenario-planning for disruptions.
Collaborate early with stakeholders on upcoming projects, lock in prices ahead of inflation spikes, and shift to regional sourcing for stability. Your CFO will be thrilled when you prevent cost surges or supply hiccups instead of scrambling to fix them. Getting proactive in procurement means “growing up,” from order-taker to forward-thinking partner.
6. Unlock 18-22% Cost Savings (Fast!) by Joining a GPO
If you really want to drop a mic moment, tap into the power of group purchasing. A GPO like Una pools buying power from its members to offer pre-negotiated deals you couldn't get solo across indirect categories (office supplies, shipping, facilities, IT, and more).
Our members often see 18-22% average savings right out of the gate, with zero fees or commitments, ever. Una is quick to join, frees your team from endless RFPs, and delivers immediate bottom-line impact. Show your CFO those numbers, and they'll be wondering why you didn't do this sooner. Relationship saved … and upgraded.
Ready to wow them? Contact our team to get started.
