COVID-19 pandemic woes put the words “supply chain” at the forefront of the news cycle, but have issues in procurement ceased with the end of lockdowns and production pauses? Carsten Bernstiel, VP of Procurement OGC at Kiewit, isn’t afraid to talk about the big challenges in supply chain in the EPC industry— and he’s ready to embrace new technology to bring procurement professionals into the digital age. Talking points include how tariffs change projects, where AI might predict supply chain issues, and what’s on the horizon for young professionals in procurement roles.

Key Insights & Timestamps:

• [00:00]: Podcast begins
• [03:05] Supply Chain Day-to-Day: Understanding the vital role of procurement in every project
• [09:37] Best Partnerships for EPC Companies: Productive, reliable & sustainable
• [16:49] Tariffs vs Supply Change: Challenges in pricing & procurement
• [30:58] Pandemic Procurement Woes: Lessons learned from lockdown delays
• [37:47] Advice for Young Professionals: Gaining exposure & experience
• [44:33] Challenges & Solutions with Piping Technology: Finding the tech to tackle tough projects

Guest Spotlight:

Carsten Bernstiel:

International successful Senior Procurement Manager with long project management experience in large scale projects and a global environment. Strong General Management capabilities and entrepreneurial mindset, systematically planning and realizing project and enterprise targets. Proven ability in strategy development and execution, restructuring organizations and business processes.

Leading of international teams by clearly communicated key performance indicators and with intercultural sensitivity. Self-confident and verifiable successful leader in high value and complex negotiations of project specific demands.

Key Takeaways:

• What About Tariffs? American trade policies have shaken supplies and procurement professionals on a global scale, with uncertainty and lack of clarity adding extra layers of complications to the supply chain. For Carsten and his team at Kiewit, tariffs make cost estimations harder and can lead to increased costs for EPC companies and their partners.
• Does AI Have a Role? AI data centers are a primary project in the EPC industry, but artificial intelligence and machine learning also have a role in the actual procurement process. Carsten believes that as AI continues to evolve, procurement teams will be able to use this technology to better predict and prevent supply chain disruptions.
• Stay Curious, Young Professionals! For up-and-coming procurement professionals, Carsten believes that they should get as much exposure as possible to different supply chain companies. Internships at companies across different industries will prepare the next generation of workers to adapt and respond to emerging issues that impact companies and projects of all sizes.

Resources Mentioned:
Kiewit | kiewit.com, Kiewit OGC | kiewit.com/markets/oil-gas-chemical

Connect with Carsten Bernstiel:

• LinkedIn

For More Information:
Produced by Speakerbox Media. Visit PipingTech.com to learn more about Piping Technology & Products.

Connect with Rakesh Agarwal, CEO of Piping Technology & Products:

• LinkedIn

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