B. Braun partners with H&Z for global procurement transformation
In an international roll-out program, H&Z Management Consulting supported global medical technology company B. Braun with the successful transformation of its procurement operations into a more modern, globally integrated function.
The initiative, dubbed ‘Procure One’, addressed B. Braun’s complex procurement landscape, which involves over 60 countries and more than 40,000 suppliers, previously suffering from regional inconsistencies and untapped value potential.
B. Braun faced significant challenges with various indirect procurement processes, which fueled inefficiencies and made responsibilities unclear. The company sought a comprehensive solution to standardize operations and enhance the performance of its procurement function.
To address these issues, the medical technology company brought H&Z Management Consulting on board and worked with the consultancy firm to develop a new global operating model for indirect procurement, defining clear roles and governance, establishing regional and global category management frameworks, and streamlining policies and processes.
The program also aimed to build shared capabilities and foster a global procurement community through regular communication.
The benefits
The transformation yielded great results. B. Braun now operates with a globally integrated indirect procurement function that is better structured and better governed. That means more efficiency, transparency, and collaboration across all regions. The procurement function’s value contribution to the wider business has enhanced, and team engagement has increased.
“What really stood out was how H&Z Management Consulting 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,” said Christian Brüggemann, senior vice president of indirect procurement at B. Braun.
The success of Procure One establishes a foundation for long-term impact, with measurable progress already evident and a clear path for continued transformation. H&Z Management Consulting meanwhile continues its advisory role with B. Braun on procurement strategy, sustainability, cost and value engineering, and training.
“It’s been great working with the team at B. Braun. There is such a positive energy,” said Maximilian Marks, partner at H&Z Management Consulting. “People are really engaged and already asking ‘what’s next?’ With that kind of drive, I’m confident that this collaboration will make a lasting impact.”
B. Braun is a prominent global healthcare company specializing in medical technology and pharmaceutical products. Headquartered in Melsungen, in central Germany, the company is recognized for its commitment to innovation, clinical partnerships, and sustainable healthcare delivery. It has over 65,000 employees and reported revenue of €8,755 million in 2023.
Procurement is one of the core areas of expertise for H&Z Management Consulting. The firm is recognised for its track record in the field in several countries, including in home base Germany and in the United Kingdom.
