Inside Zip: Diane Neuroth on simplifying procurement for all

At Zip, we know that procurement transformation isn’t achieved through technology alone—it requires deep expertise, and a commitment to guiding each customer’s unique path to peak performance.

This is why we’re proud to introduce our team of seasoned leaders, each bringing decades of procurement experience from industry giants like Apple, NASA, Discover Financial, and more.

Our team of experts have dedicated their careers to understanding and overcoming the toughest challenges in procurement, and now they’re here at Zip to do the same for you. From pioneering strategic end-user workflows to demonstrating process efficiencies gained through cutting-edge orchestration, Zip’s team of procurement leaders embody the spirit of smarter spend.

Meet Diane Neuroth 

Role: Senior Customer Success Manager at Zip

Former Top Role: Procurement Manager at Wheels, Inc. 

What inspired you to join Zip and contribute your expertise?

Two main reasons brought me to Zip. 

First, having held nearly every role in procurement—from creating POs to direct procurement and customer-facing positions—I’ve seen how consistent the challenges are across companies: around visibility and getting business stakeholders to follow policies at the right time. I was determined to find a better approach to these issues, and that’s when I found Zip.

Second, in the last three years of my career in procurement, I was focusing on direct procurement and worked closely with customers. Since procurement often serves as a bridge between internal customers and external vendors, the role comes with unique challenges. If I can help make the work of procurement professionals a bit easier, I know it makes a huge impact. 

Here at Zip, my background in procurement allows me to understand the day-to-day challenges, and helps me better support our customers.

Can you share a memorable success story of an impactful project from your time in procurement?

I remember I had a vendor consistently underperforming in a customer-facing role representing my company, which was significantly impacting our customer satisfaction. 

I  worked closely with them to create a process improvement plan, renegotiated the contract to include stronger KPIs and financial remedies for missed targets, and brought in a secondary supplier to both ease constraints and encourage competition.

Within four months, we saw a 32% improvement in performance—raising satisfactory delivery rates from 54% to 75% and continually improving from there.

What advice would you give to companies looking to elevate their procurement strategies today?

It’s all about clear expectations and business buy-in! Everything starts from there.

What sets Zip apart in the market from your perspective as a procurement expert?

Zip stands out for its customizability and our customer support—and yes, I might be a little biased! 

You can’t simply adjust workflows with a few clicks in tools like Coupa, nor do you have access to support through Slack or biweekly calls. Zip offers flexibility and a dedicated support experience that’s hard to find elsewhere.

Which skills or focus areas are going to be most important for the future leaders of procurement?

Strategic thinking and adaptability, full stop. 

Procurement has evolved from a tactical function to a strategic one, and is integral to achieving corporate objectives. Leaders need to align procurement goals with organizational strategy, continuously adapt to market changes, and think proactively about risk management, compliance, and sustainable sourcing.

Ready to work with us?

It's time to find out how Zip can transform your procurement processes. Connect with our expert team to learn more.