United Site Services: Procurement Progression

With their digital evolution underway, the portable sanitation powerhouse is rethinking their approach to procurement and sourcing - and change management is just one key to its success

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The last time we spoke with United Site Services (USS), the country's foremost provider of portable sanitation equipment, we looked at how digitization can lead to success in niche service businesses. Since the June 2023 issue they've added 20 new national sites and have continued to experience steady growth. Clearly, they're doing a lot of things right. These days they've set their sights on revamping their procurement and sourcing operation, and once again have actionable insights to share about strengthening their effectiveness in companies that are outside the high-tech sector.

With 150 branches in the continental U.S., USS manages nearly 400,000 assets that range from porta potties to super stylish portable restrooms and everything in between, including handwashing and shower trailers, temporary fence, and roll-off dumpsters. From worksites and disaster zones to festivals and posh galas, USS is synonymous with five-star portable sanitation services.

In her new role as the company's VP of Strategic Sourcing and Procurement, Amanda Vieira, CPOE, is reworking the department in alignment with the organization-wide digital transformation efforts. Prior to her arrival, procurement's major concern was with USS's fleet. "We have a big fleet, so understanding what the trucks were and when we'd need to buy new ones was the primary focus. That left everything else on the table without much focus," she explained. "Figuring out what's working well and what isn't and building a new process is where we are right now."

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