How can Procurement Leaders Build a Resilient Workforce

In an era of rapidly evolving workforce dynamics, Innovative Employee Solutions (IES) stands out as a pioneering force in contingent workforce management. Kara Hertzog, President of Innovative Employee Solutions at IES has been at the forefront of global employment solutions for 50 years.

Speaking to Procurement Magazine, Kara explores the critical role of strategic workforce planning, technology integration and compliance in modern procurement – sharing insights into how IES supports organisations in building resilient, flexible workforce strategies that can adapt to changing business landscapes, ultimately driving operational efficiency and competitive advantage.

Please introduce yourself and your role.

My name is Kara Hertzog. and I am the President of Innovative Employee Solutions (IES), a globally recognized leader in contingent workforce solutions, including Employer of Record (EOR) and Agent of Record (AOR) services. IES is one of the few remaining family-owned businesses in this industry, and I am proud to be a third-generation member of the team.

I joined the company in 2006 as a Client Services Representative and have had the opportunity to take on various roles throughout my career. In 2018, I became the Chief Operating Officer, and in 2019, I was honoured to step into the role of President.

Could you tell us a little bit about Innovative Employee Solutions? 

Innovative Employee Solutions (IES) is a leading provider of remote and contingent workforce solutions, offering specialised services in global Employer of Record, Agent of Record and Independent Contractor Compliance across more than 150 countries.

Established in 1974, IES is a woman-owned and operated business, proudly certified by WBENC and WEConnect. With a focus on both U.S. and international markets, IES partners with organisations to deliver compliant employment solutions that empower people's lives.

How can procurement leaders build a resilient contingent workforce programme? 

To build a resilient contingent workforce programme, procurement leaders must align workforce strategies with overarching business objectives by accurately forecasting demand and ensuring the flexibility to adapt to evolving needs.

Utilising advanced technologies, such as Vendor Management Systems (VMS), enhances visibility, streamlines operations and provides data-driven insights that support informed decision-making across the organisation.

Effectively managing contingent workforce spend involves continuous monitoring of performance, optimising supplier relationships and ensuring cost efficiency, all while upholding quality and compliance standards.

Additionally, a strategic approach involves collaborating with suppliers to cultivate a pool of pre-vetted contingent workers who can be quickly mobilised during peak seasons or to address urgent project requirements.

This not only enhances flexibility in responding to immediate business needs but also delivers more agile and efficient solutions for the organisation.

Why is doing this so important for modern procurement? 

Aligning workforce strategies with business objectives, leveraging technology, ensuring compliance and effectively managing external spend are essential components of modern procurement.

These strategies empower organisations to remain agile, cost-efficient and competitive in an increasingly dynamic business landscape. As companies navigate rapid technological advancements, shifting market demands and economic uncertainties, a well-managed contingent workforce offers the flexibility to scale operations swiftly and access specialised skills without the long-term commitment of permanent hires.

Technology streamlines processes, enhances data visibility and supports more informed decision-making, while a focus on risk mitigation safeguards compliance and reduces exposure to legal and financial risks.

Efficient management of external spend enables organisations to control costs and maximise value, positioning procurement as a strategic driver of business outcomes and a key contributor to achieving overarching organisational goals.

How is Innovative Employee Solutions helping to do this?

IES supports procurement leaders in several key ways:

• Leveraging either our proprietary technology or a Vendor Management System (VMS), we can help organisations build a pre-vetted pool of contingent workers. This approach allows companies to quickly access skilled talent, ensuring they can address urgent project needs or seasonal fluctuations with agility. For organisations already using a VMS, we can seamlessly integrate with the system to accelerate the onboarding process as new job postings arise. Additionally, we provide real-time status updates and compliance metrics through the VMS, ensuring full transparency and streamlining the entire workforce management process.
• We also seamlessly integrate with clients' existing technologies, such as VMS, to streamline the management of contingent workers. This improves visibility, enhances operational efficiency and empowers data-driven decision-making, enabling procurement leaders to optimise workforce allocation and manage external spend effectively.
• IES further aids procurement teams by reducing costs through the efficient use of pre-identified talent, ensuring compliance with labour laws and regulations. This approach not only controls expenses but also mitigates legal and financial risks.
• By ensuring the availability of a flexible, high-quality contingent workforce, IES enables organisations to scale operations swiftly and adapt to evolving market demands. This flexibility is critical for companies striving to maintain a competitive edge in an ever-changing business environment.

What does the next 18 months look like for Innovative Employee Solutions and yourself? 

This year, IES proudly celebrated its 50th anniversary, a significant milestone in our industry. Looking ahead to the next 18 months and beyond, we remain committed to staying at the forefront of evolving legislation and emerging industry trends to ensure we continue delivering the most competitive Employer of Record and Agent of Record services at affordable rates.

To support the ongoing growth and scalability of IES' global presence, it will be essential to leverage advanced technologies, including AI, to drive greater efficiency for our clients, workers and internal teams. Our focus is to provide a seamless and efficient employment experience while giving our clients confidence that we are maintaining compliance and fostering a positive work environment for the talent they engage.

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