How B. Braun Transformed its Procurement Operations

B. Braun ranks among the world's leading healthcare organisations, with expertise in medical technology and pharmaceutical solutions.

The company maintains operations across more than 60 nations with a workforce exceeding 65,000 employees, and is recognised for its commitment to innovation, clinical collaborations and environmentally responsible healthcare provision.

Tackling complex global procurement challenges

This large operation brings a complex procurement landscape. With more than 40,000 suppliers worldwide, the company's indirect procurement processes were drastically different from region to region prior it its transformation. This provided challenges, including making effective collaboration difficult across these global teams.

Speaking on H&Z's website Christian Brüggemann, SVP Indirect Procurement, B. Braun, said: "Procurement must be a crucial global function in our organisation."

The company's previous approach to procurement was leading to inefficiencies, a lack of clarity in roles and responsibilities, untapped value potential and challenging collaboration across global teams.

In 2023 B. Braun sought a comprehensive global transformation to unify its procurement operation and create consistent performance across the world.

Building a unified operating model through partnership

B. Braun partnered with H&Z to unify and modernise its indirect procurement. Through the Procure One programme, the pair created a single operating model, streamlined processes and laid the groundwork for a more efficient, transparent and high-performing global function.

H&Z was able to do this with its deep procurement expertise and a hands-on, collaborative approach to co-create Procure One with B. Braun.

Together, the pair:

• Developed a new global operating model for indirect procurement
• Defined clear roles, responsibilities and governance structures
• Established regional and global category management frameworks
• Streamlined procurement policies and processes
• Built shared capabilities across teams and regions
• Fostered a global procurement community through regular town halls and open knowledge exchange

Christian added: "With Procure One we have seen real tangible progress. We now have well-defined responsibilities, smarter governance and a clear global and regional category management structure, giving everyone greater clarity and confidence in their roles.

"Collaboration has also taken a big step forward. We have built a true global, indirect procurement community through regular town halls, creating space for open exchange and shared learning."

H&Z says this was not a typical engagement for its consulting services, as it worked side by side with B. Braun teams across functions and levels, embedding sustainable practices and practical solutions tailored to the organisation's real-world needs.

Delivering measurable results and lasting impact

Christian added: "What really stood out was how H&Z partnered with us—not just as consultants, but as true co-creators. They worked hand in hand with our teams across functions, countries and levels to make this transformation real."

Through the programme H&Z, alongside B. Braun, helped to deliver:

• A globally integrated indirect procurement function with unified structure and governance
• Significant improvements in efficiency, transparency and collaboration
• Clearly defined responsibilities and operating procedures across all regions
• Enhanced value contribution from procurement to the wider business
• Stronger team engagement and momentum, with employees energised and invested in what's next
• An ongoing partnership with H&Z as a trusted adviser across procurement strategy, sustainability, cost and value engineering, and training

The achievements of Procure One have established the groundwork for sustained influence—demonstrating quantifiable improvements and providing a defined pathway for ongoing transformation.