DIAGNOSING PROCUREMENT WITH PRECISION
Karthik Rama
on Transformation, Technology, and Trust
With nearly two decades of global procurement experience across industries ranging from high tech and pharmaceuticals to maritime and real estate, Karthik Rama has earned the nickname “The Procurement Doctor” and for good reason. As the CEO of Procurement Doctors, Karthik leads a team of specialists delivering strategic, people-first procurement transformations across more than 15 countries. In this insightful conversation, he shares his journey, the inspiration behind the ‘doctor’ moniker, and his vision for helping organisations build agile, resilient, and future-ready procurement functions. From contract management to digital evolution and bridging finance-procurement gaps, Karthik offers a masterclass in diagnosing the root causes of procurement pain and prescribing practical solutions that stick.
Career Journey
Can you share your career journey and what led you to establish Procurement Doctors? What experiences have most influenced your approach to procurement transformation?
My procurement journey spans nearly two decades and covers a wide range of industries, including high tech and semiconductors, consumer goods, chemicals and pharmaceuticals, automotive, logistics and transportation, discrete manufacturing, real estate, oil and gas, and maritime and ship repairs. What drew me to procurement early on was its dynamic nature, no two days are ever the same.
I began by handling foundational tasks like converting requisitions into purchase orders and invoices, managing contracts, negotiating multi-million-dollar deals, and establishing offshore centers of excellence along with policies and procedures. Over time, I transitioned from working inside Fortune 300 companies, some with over 200 years of legacy, to consulting, motivated by a desire to deliver more strategic and impactful value.
That drive led to the founding of Procurement Doctors in 2021. Now four years strong, we are a team of nearly 35 professionals and have successfully delivered procurement transformations across more than 15 countries. Our work is rooted in practical insights, enabling us to tailor solutions that are both effective and grounded in real operational challenges.
Inspiration Behind ‘Procurement Doctor’
You are known as the ‘Procurement Doctor.’ What inspired this moniker, and how does it reflect your approach to diagnosing and treating procurement challenges?
People often ask me about the story behind “Procurement Doctor,” and honestly, it’s one of my favourite stories to tell. I was working with a client and had prepared a report that mapped out their procurement challenges using analogies like vital signs, pulse checks, and diagnosing underlying conditions. During the presentation, the client said, “Wow, you’re like our Procurement Doctor!”
It was a lightbulb moment. The analogy fit perfectly, procurement problems often mirror medical conditions. Symptoms can mask deeper issues, and effective solutions require a proper diagnosis and tailored treatment plan.
The metaphor helps keep things clear and engaging, allowing clients to understand their procurement health in simple, relatable terms. More importantly, it reflects my core philosophy: don’t just treat the symptoms, identify and resolve the root cause.
For anyone that doesn’t know, you are not alone
Is it true you have a strong team of Procurement Doctors alongside you?
I often joke that Procurement Doctors isn’t a one-man clinic and it’s absolutely true. We’re a team of specialists, each bringing unique skills and experiences to the table. Much like a great medical team, every one of our Procurement Doctors contributes a different area of expertise, whether it’s category management, digital procurement, contract management, data management or change leadership.
What makes our team truly stand out is that we’re all procurement professionals first. Many of our experts come from traditional procurement backgrounds and have expanded into complementary domains like data analytics, technology, or change management. This means we speak the language of procurement—and more importantly, we understand the real-world challenges our clients face.
With nearly 35 talented team members based across the USA, the Middle East, and India, we combine global reach with local insight. This diversity allows us to tailor solutions that are not only technically sound but also culturally and regionally relevant.
Our collaborative approach ensures that we see the full picture, nothing important gets missed. Clients value the fact that they’re not just receiving one person’s perspective; they’re tapping into the collective expertise and insight of a highly experienced, globally connected team. That’s the strength of Procurement Doctors, and it’s what allows us to deliver real, lasting value to organisations around the world.
Procurement Transformations
With over 2 decades of experience, what common challenges do organisations face during procurement transformations, and how do you assist them in overcoming these obstacles?
Having seen countless procurement transformations over the years, I can say with confidence that the challenges tend to follow familiar patterns: resistance to change, unrealistic timelines, misaligned expectations, and a lack of stakeholder buy-in. It’s a bit like trying to run a marathon without the proper training, you’ll struggle and likely quit halfway through.
At Procurement Doctors, our first step is always to assess whether the organisation is truly transformation-ready. We set clear expectations from the outset, work to secure stakeholder alignment, and apply targeted change management techniques to support adoption. By diagnosing readiness gaps early, we’re able to build personalised transformation roadmaps that address specific challenges and internal dynamics.
One key belief that underpins our work is that transformation isn’t just about technology or process, it’s about people. That’s why we always put people at the centre of the change. This people-first approach not only makes transformations smoother but also ensures that the results are sustainable. What sets Procurement Doctors apart is the depth of our expertise across four critical pillars: procurement processes, data, technology, and people. All of these elements must work in harmony for a transformation to be truly successful and we ensure that they do.
Contract Management Expertise
Having managed over 40,000 contracts, what key lessons have you learned about effective contract administration, and how do you apply these insights in your consulting practice?
Having managed over 40,000 contracts, I’ve learned one vital truth: clarity beats complexity every single time. Contracts shouldn’t require a legal team at every review. I like to compare contracts to the circulatory system of a business, if the arteries are clogged or unclear, the entire system suffers. In procurement, that translates to bottlenecks, risks, and inefficiencies caused by vague or poorly managed contracts.
At Procurement Doctors, we guide our clients to simplify contract language, clearly define roles and responsibilities, and implement automated tools for compliance tracking. It’s remarkable how much efficiency and governance improve when contracts are no longer viewed as burdens, but as clear, strategic tools aligned with business goals.
We’ve also developed a tried-and-tested methodology for conducting bulk contract reviews, particularly useful when organisations are sitting on a legacy contract database that hasn’t been properly maintained. Our approach helps extract real value from contracts that might otherwise go underutilised, ensuring alignment with commercial objectives and reducing risk. In short, effective contract management isn’t about complexity, it’s about making contracts work for the business, not the other way around.
Digital Transformation in Procurement
How is digital transformation reshaping procurement processes, and what strategies do you recommend for organisations to adapt successfully?
Digital transformation is undeniably reshaping procurement but technology alone isn’t a magic fix. Just like sophisticated medical equipment requires trained professionals to use it effectively, digital tools in procurement only deliver value when paired with the right skills, processes, and mindset.
At Procurement Doctors, we advocate for balanced transformation, leveraging technology while equally investing in people and process maturity. We often encourage clients to begin with small, targeted digital interventions that deliver quick, measurable wins. This builds momentum and confidence across the organisation.
Setting realistic expectations, preparing teams thoroughly, and ensuring strong data readiness are all essential to making digital transformation both practical and sustainable. Technology must serve the business, not the other way around.
Ultimately, the future belongs to organisations that know how to blend tech-driven insights with human judgment. It’s that combination that creates lasting, strategic advantage in procurement.
Bridging Finance and Procurement
What strategies do you employ to align procurement functions with finance departments, ensuring cohesive operations and mutual goals?
Procurement and finance are like two vital organs in a body, they must function in harmony to maintain the overall health of the organisation. Too often, though, they operate in silos, leading to inefficiencies, misunderstandings, and missed opportunities.
At Procurement Doctors, we bridge that gap by facilitating transparent communication, aligning objectives through joint KPIs, and ensuring clarity around shared goals. We establish structured processes such as regular joint meetings, collaborative budget reviews, and cross-functional planning sessions to foster alignment from the ground up.
When procurement and finance begin to view each other as partners rather than separate units, it fosters trust, accelerates decision-making, and boosts overall performance. It’s not rocket science, but the impact is profound. Cohesion between these functions can truly elevate the effectiveness and agility of the entire organisation.
Global Procurement Trends
What emerging trends do you see in global procurement, and how should organisations prepare to adapt to these changes?
Globally, procurement is evolving at a rapid pace. Key trends like sustainability, AI-driven analytics, and proactive risk management are no longer optional, they’re essential. It’s a lot like preventative medicine: the goal is to anticipate and manage issues before they become serious.
At Procurement Doctors, we advise clients to embrace these shifts proactively. Embedding ESG goals into procurement strategy, leveraging AI for predictive insights, and strengthening supply chain resilience through continuous risk assessment are now core practices for future-ready organisations.
Success in the coming years will depend on staying agile, informed, and responsive to change. Those who anticipate and adapt early won’t just survive, they’ll thrive in an increasingly complex and fastmoving global environment.
Advice for Aspiring Procurement Professionals
What advice would you give to individuals aspiring to build a career in procurement, and how can they develop the necessary skills to succeed?
If you’re entering procurement today, my top advice is simple: be curious and stay flexible. This field is evolving fast, so a commitment to continuous learning is essential. Yes, analytical thinking and negotiation are key, but so are emotional intelligence, relationship-building, and adaptability.
Procurement isn’t just about buying, it’s about solving problems and connecting people. Embrace a wide range of experiences, ask questions, and seek out mentors who challenge and inspire you. Don’t shy away from digital tools either, procurement’s future is firmly rooted in data and technology.
The most successful procurement professionals I know are those who blend strong technical capabilities with a genuine ability to build trust and influence outcomes. That balance is your secret sauce for a rewarding, long-term career in procurement.
Future Vision for Procurement Doctors: What are your future aspirations for Procurement Doctors, and how do you plan to continue delivering value to your clients in the evolving procurement landscape?
Our vision for Procurement Doctors is to remain a trusted, strategic partner for organisations navigating the growing complexity of procurement. Much like leading healthcare providers evolve to offer cutting-edge treatments, we’re committed to continuously enhancing our services. This includes deepening our digital transformation expertise, expanding our capabilities in sustainable procurement, and staying ahead of emerging global trends.
But growth isn’t just about more services, it’s about staying true to who we are. We’ll continue to prioritise clarity, practicality, and strong client relationships. Our mission remains the same: diagnose procurement challenges precisely, prescribe the right solutions, and deliver measurable results. By staying rooted in our diagnostic philosophy and continuously adapting, we’re confident in our ability to help clients build healthy, resilient, and future-ready procurement functions.
Procurement Doctors is a global consultancy firm specialising in procurement transformation, digital transformation, and procurement technology implementations. With dedicated teams based in the UAE and India, they cater to a diverse client base across North America and the Middle East. Just like skilled doctors diagnosing ailments and prescribing precise treatments, Procurement Doctors meticulously diagnose procurement challenges, addressing each issue holistically through our integrated framework of People, Process, Data, and Technology.
Karthik Rama Founder