There are no simple answers to complex questions, so don't believe anyone who tells you that to cut costs, improve capabilities, overcome staffing issues, ... in your back-office functions you "just need to outsource it", "only have to create some shared service centres" or any other shoot-from-the-hip statements.
At HR T.O.P. we believe that we can only advise you properly if we understand your goals, what sets your company apart from the competition and how back-office functions can contribute to the success of the whole company. That requires us to build on your corporate and function strategies so we can jointly blueprint a sourcing strategy.
We think that a sourcing strategy should be much more than a high-level boardroom pitch. It should be easily understood by any employee, at any level. Meaning that it will need to present both strategic and tactical elements of the future-state back-office function and will require holistic and analytic thinking to draft it. Which is exactly what we bring to the table.
Once the sourcing strategy is laid out, the focus must be on the building blocks to make it real. We will cement these shoulder-by-shoulder with you.
Sourcing Strategy
So many optimization ideas, such big ambitions, but what is realistic and how to get there?
Is not having the answers to these questions holding you back from jumping into action?
Ambition without action is fantasy (as cited by Bryant McGill), please let us help you make a start.
Action without vision is only passing time (as cited by Nelson Mandela), so first define a strategy.
Perhaps you just need some guidance and advice on what is feasible and affordable.
Maybe you did your research and you already decided to go for it.
Your business and organisation are unique, you don't want cookie-cutter answers but bespoke advice?
Then we would be honoured to co-create your tailored sourcing strategy,
so that you can swiftly start your journey towards successful optimization of your services.
Service Delivery & Target Operating Model
OK, now we've set out the future strategy.
So what will the future service delivery look like?
Together we define clear future roles & responsibilities.
We agree which parts we want to build versus buy.
We elect strategic locations for centralised internal services.
We define people, process and technology requirements.
And eventually we will agree the choices with the business and the functions.
This is how we will secure company-wide buy-in,
so that we can ensure that change management can kick-off early.
Business Case Development
It's not only about money ... but much of it is right?
To calculate what we can save, we first collect current spending.
We use our modelling output to specify right-sized teams.
Then we roughly calculate the to-be internal and external costs,
using benchmark numbers from HR T.O.P.'s rich experience.
We do this both for the one-off investments and the recurring costs,
which will result in the development of the business case.
Finally we will present the financial picture to the senior key stakeholders,
so that we can seek approval for the execution of the sourcing strategy.
Partner Search & Selection
Would you agree that strong partnering is key to sourcing success?
Both for outsourcing and shared services initiatives?
In that case, HR T.O.P. knows which providers are qualified and will deliver.
Whether it's services, technology, consulting or a combination of these.
We only propose accomplished providers with the right credentials to you.
The output gathered above becomes input to assess the providers.
Level playing field assessments and objective scoring will lead us towards selection.
At the end of the go-to-market process we select the ideal provider,
so that we can invite the winner for due diligence and contracting.
Due Diligence & Contracting
Arguably the most critical step towards successful partnering is due diligence.
Any assumptions made by the provider should be cleared up before negotiations start.
We profoundly challenge and test the proposals and assertions from the winning provider.
Drafts of commercial contract exhibits are prepared by HR T.O.P. and the provider.
HR T.O.P. helps you to seek the right external legal advice for the legal contract exhibits.
A strong negotiation strategy becomes the basis for a successful agreement.
Together with your functional experts and category buyer we negotiate the commercial exhibits.
The contracting process is laid down in a detailed day-to-day plan,
so that we can agree a good, fair, sustainable and safe contract in the right time for you.
Remediation & Renegotiation
Partnerships are meant to last but sometimes hit rough waters.
If things start going south, it's better not to wait too long to call on a remediator.
An unbiased, empathic, investigative and observant approach is key to mending a broken relationship.
HR T.O.P. advisors take pride in re-establishing confidence and respect between buyer and provider.
Often interpretation of the agreement is a source of the dispute and distrust.
Deep knowledge of your provider's organisation is imperative to finding a break-through.
Senior levels both from provider and buyer side need to step in to clear the air.
Renegotiation of a running agreement can only start when the air is clear again.
So that we can find a breakthrough and reset to the initial intent of the partnership.