Procurement professionals across Australia are being urged to enter the CIPS Australia Procurement Professional Awards, which recognise best practice in procurement.

The awards, which are in their second year, are being launched earlier in 2008 to give entrants plenty of time to complete their entry form. Nominees will have four months to enter before the August 15 deadline.

The judging criteria for the awards will recognise the broad range of skill areas in which procurement professionals excel, including project management negotiation, supplier management, cost reduction, process improvement, individual initiative and teamwork.

The 2008 Award Categories are:

• Best example of socially responsible procurement
• Best cross-functional teamwork project
• Best people development Initiative
• Best process improvement initiative
• Best supplier partnership
• Most improved procurement operation
• Young procurement professional of the year
• The CIPS leadership award.

For tips on entering and the benefits of the awards see http://cipsa.com.au/~memberinfo/cipsa_offers/awards/ppawards08/