In October, Achieve Partners announced its investment in RiseNow, a leading player in procurement and supply chain services. This partnership aims to address a key challenge in the industry: the critical need for skilled, adaptable talent in an increasingly complex landscape. The solution? RiseTalent—a pioneering program designed to build a new generation of procurement and supply chain professionals. Following up on the official press release and a recent blog post about the need for a talent disruption, we spoke with RiseNow's founder and CEO, Matt Stewart and RiseNow’s COO, Steve Dailey, to get deeper insights into RiseTalent and its game-changing potential for the industry.
What is RiseTalent?
"RiseTalent is our answer to the talent gap in procurement and supply chain," explained Matt Stewart. "We’re facing a huge loss of expertise with approximately 10,000 baby boomers retiring every day, and traditional education has not shown it is able to fill the gap. RiseTalent is an apprenticeship model focused on developing our next generation of supply chain leaders with hands-on, on-the-job training in both technical and functional competencies. Basically, it focuses on developing the skills employers are looking for that are not being taught in schools. For example, perhaps you need a system administrator for Coupa, Tecsys, Workday, JAGGAER, or another key supply chain platform and are struggling to find the right resource. Maybe you need to set up a procurement or supply chain operating model or an entire AP automation function. So many have outsourced these roles to offshore providers. Finally, we have a low-cost, onshore alternative in RiseTalent, which isn’t just about skill-building; it’s about creating career paths for the top 1% of U.S. individuals who are currently being overlooked."
Stewart highlighted that many entry-level roles in procurement and supply chain have been outsourced internationally, leaving fewer opportunities for local talent. "Our focus is on the 52% of people who haven’t had the system work for them—the ones who are either underemployed or unemployed. RiseTalent gives them a real chance to build a sustainable career in an industry that’s only growing more complex and critical," he said.
How RiseTalent Stands Out
So, what makes RiseTalent different? For one, it emphasizes practical, real-world experience over theory. "Unlike traditional internships, where individuals might only get a small glimpse of what a job entails, RiseTalent immerses apprentices in over 500 hours of on-the-job training, which is the equivalent of a year and a half of experience," Stewart said. "They come in prepared to tackle real problems, and they’re fully equipped to make an impact from day one."
Steve Dailey elaborated on the unique structure of the program. "Through RiseTalent, we’re able to bring in cohorts of talent to support our clients in a way that’s cost-effective and immediately impactful," he shared. "Our apprentices don’t just learn the technical skills; they also gain functional expertise and understand the business outcomes they’re working toward. This approach not only helps our clients solve their immediate challenges but also builds a future workforce that’s prepared to grow within the organization."
Dailey emphasized that RiseTalent is not just an add-on to RiseNow's services. "It’s an integral part of how we solve our clients’ problems and create lasting value. By blending technical training with on-the-job learning, RiseTalent provides an immediate return on investment for our clients, while setting apprentices on a path toward meaningful careers."
A New Way Forward for Partners and Clients
RiseTalent isn’t only a benefit to RiseNow’s direct clients—it’s also a game-changer for the company’s technology partners. "Our partners, many of whom are SaaS providers, need skilled professionals to support their platforms and meet customers' evolving needs," Dailey noted. "With RiseTalent, we’re creating a pipeline of individuals who understand both the technology and the business context, which is crucial for driving value."
Dailey explained that this program brings a unique advantage to their partners, enabling them to bridge the gap between technical expertise and business functionality. "Our apprentices come in with one part of the equation already solved—either they understand the technology, or they grasp the business side. We build on that foundation so they can make a meaningful contribution to our clients and partners alike."
Why RiseTalent Matters in Today’s Political and Economic Landscape
In today’s environment, the stakes are high for talent development. With rising demand for skilled procurement and supply chain professionals in the U.S., organizations need to prioritize building a resilient and adaptable workforce. Stewart believes that RiseTalent offers an answer to this challenge, one that’s politically and economically relevant.
"Many companies are still outsourcing roles to other countries because it’s easier than training people locally," Stewart explained. "But that approach isn’t sustainable in the long term. We’re committed to investing in local talent and creating jobs here at home. RiseTalent allows us to build cohorts tailored to our clients’ diversity and geographic requirements, which is something few programs can offer."
Stewart added that the RiseTalent model is designed to help companies retain talent over time. "When organizations invest in training new hires, they often worry about losing them once they’re fully skilled. Our solution tackles that by creating clear career pathways within our clients’ organizations. Our apprentices know there’s room for growth in their career and their income, and that’s a big factor in retention."
A Vision for the Future of Procurement and Supply Chain
As the procurement and supply chain industry continues to grow, the need for skilled professionals will only increase. Both Stewart and Dailey see RiseTalent as a vital part of this transformation.
"The procurement and supply chain sector has long been overlooked as a driver of innovation and growth," Dailey said. "With RiseTalent, we’re not just filling positions—we’re reshaping what it means to have a career in this field. We’re creating a talent pipeline that views procurement as a strategic asset rather than just a cost center."
Stewart echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that the need for adaptable talent will only grow as technologies like AI and machine learning continue to reshape the industry. "In five years, the tools we’re using now might be obsolete. That’s why RiseTalent is about building a workforce that’s ready to learn, adapt, and evolve with the industry. Our clients need people who aren’t just technically skilled, but who are resilient and eager to grow."
The Bottom Line
For organizations looking to navigate the complexities of today’s procurement and supply chain landscape, RiseTalent represents a fresh, forward-thinking approach. By investing in local talent and prioritizing practical, hands-on training, RiseNow is building a new generation of professionals equipped to meet the challenges of an ever-evolving industry.
If you’re ready to tap into the potential of a skilled, resilient workforce and redefine what procurement and supply chain can achieve, RiseTalent might just be the partner you’ve been looking for.
For more details, check out the official press release and RiseNow's latest blog post.
