Optimizing 50+ supplier agreements to save millions for a utility

The utility’s leadership had ambitious goals: modernized customer operations, increased efficiency, and new capabilities to enhance service offerings. Delivering on this vision required the right suppliers—strategically selected and effectively managed.

West Monroe stepped in to guide this effort, leveraging our proven approach to supplier sourcing and governance. We helped the utility define supplier roles, establish clear responsibilities, and structure competitive contracts that ensured accountability. With our expertise, the client could confidently align supplier performance with business objectives—setting the foundation for a seamless transformation.

Navigating a multi-supplier transformation required precision. We worked alongside the client’s teams, hosting workshops to align stakeholders, define supplier management goals, and create governance frameworks. By leveraging our deep CIS and commercial governance expertise, we helped the utility mitigate risks and maintain transparency throughout the project.

Our team facilitated supplier sourcing, selection, and negotiations—ensuring each partner was evaluated and held accountable to clear milestones. Once agreements were in place, we provided ongoing commercial governance support, from managing contract changes to resolving escalations. The result? A structured, efficient process that kept the program on track and optimized supplier collaboration.

Our structured approach delivered measurable impact. By implementing best practices in supplier selection, contract negotiation, and commercial governance, the utility achieved 16% total cost savings, representing multiple millions. Our oversight helped them reach key milestones twice as fast, keeping the transformation on schedule.

Beyond immediate cost and efficiency gains, we empowered the utility’s leaders with commercial governance playbooks—equipping them to sustain supplier accountability and performance long after the engagement ended. Today, the client has a strong foundation to continue its modernization journey with confidence.