Procurement & Vendor Management (LkSG)

Master LkSG compliance in procurement. Learn supply chain due diligence, risk analysis, and vendor management — practical, legally sound, and career-focused.

Procurement & Vendor Management (LkSG)

Course Overview of Procurement & Vendor Management (LkSG)

Imagine this: your company sources textiles from a supplier in Southeast Asia. It later becomes public that child labour is being used there. What happens next? Since 1 January 2023, this can have serious legal consequences for German companies — because the Supply Chain Due Diligence Act (Lieferkettensorgfaltspflichtengesetz, LkSG) is now in force. Procurement & Vendor Management (LkSG) is no longer a purely operational topic. It has become a core compliance responsibility.

The LkSG requires companies above a certain size to identify, assess, and minimise human rights and environmental risks across their entire supply chain. Anyone working in procurement, supply chain management, or compliance now carries more responsibility than ever before. Violations can result in significant fines, exclusion from public procurement procedures, and serious reputational damage. At the same time, EU-level requirements are intensifying — with the CSRD and the planned EU Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD) on the horizon.

This course gives you the knowledge and practical tools you need in this rapidly evolving landscape. You will learn the legal foundations of the LkSG, how to systematically analyse supply chain risks, and how to build and maintain LkSG-compliant procurement processes. The course combines legal expertise with hands-on implementation — ideal for both newcomers and experienced professionals.

Procurement & Vendor Management (LkSG)

Learning Objectives

  • You understand the strategic role of procurement within modern organisations
  • You are familiar with the structure and function of supplier and value chain systems
  • You know which companies are covered by the LkSG and what obligations apply
  • You can systematically identify and assess human rights and environmental risks in the supply chain
  • You integrate LkSG requirements into existing procurement processes
  • You develop legally sound supplier contracts and codes of conduct
  • You conduct supplier audits and establish effective monitoring structures
  • You set up grievance and whistleblower mechanisms
  • You understand the documentation and reporting requirements under the LkSG
  • You are aware of current and upcoming regulatory developments at EU level

Course Curriculum

5 Sections 20 Lectures 5 Hours
  • Strategic Role of Procurement
  • Supplier and Value Chain Structures
  • Procurement Governance in Germany
  • Risk-Based Sourcing
  • Scope and Applicability
  • Human Rights and Environmental Duties
  • Alignment with German and EU Law
  • Enforcement and Sanctions
  • Supply Chain Mapping
  • Risk Analysis
  • Preventive Procurement Measures
  • Remedial Actions
  • Integrating LkSG into Processes
  • Supplier Contracts and Codes of Conduct
  • Monitoring and Audits
  • Grievance Mechanisms
  • Documentation and Reporting
  • Transparency and Reputational Risk
  • Digital Compliance Tools
  • Future Regulatory Developments

Who is this course suitable for?

  • Buyers and procurement managers in companies across all sectors who need to work with the LkSG
  • Compliance officers and legal professionals who are building or reviewing LkSG processes
  • Supply chain managers and logistics specialists who oversee global supply chains
  • Sustainability officers and ESG managers who want to enforce human rights and environmental standards
  • Executives and managing directors who bear responsibility for supply chain decisions
  • Management consultants supporting clients with LkSG implementation
  • Career starters and career changers looking to enter procurement, compliance, or sustainability

Requirements

  • No specific prior knowledge required
  • Basic familiarity with business administration or purchasing is helpful but not essential
  • An interest in compliance, supply chains, and regulatory requirements is sufficient
  • The course is equally suited to professionals and complete beginners

Career opportunities

  • Head of Procurement
    Responsible for the strategic management of the entire purchasing function. LkSG expertise significantly increases the chances of moving into leadership roles.
  • Compliance Manager
    Monitors compliance with legal requirements — including the LkSG, GwG, and other regulations. A highly sought-after function in medium-sized and large companies.
  • Supply Chain Analyst
    Analyses and optimises supply chains with a focus on risk and sustainability criteria.
  • Sustainability Manager (ESG Manager)
    Develops and implements sustainability strategies across the entire value chain — a profession with rapidly growing demand.
  • Supplier Auditor
    Reviews suppliers for compliance with human rights, environmental, and quality standards — either internally or as an external service provider.
  • Management Consultant (Supply Chain / Compliance Focus)
    Supports companies with LkSG implementation, risk analysis, and reporting. Often project-based, with above-average compensation.

Certification information

Upon successful completion of the course, you will receive a Procurement & Vendor Management (LkSG) certificate documenting your knowledge & skills in this area.

Certificate Image

Frequently Asked Questions

01 Does the LkSG also apply to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)? +

The LkSG has applied directly since January 2023 to companies with 3,000 or more employees in Germany, and since January 2024 to those with 1,000 or more employees. SMEs are not directly obligated — but they are increasingly being required by larger customers and business partners to meet LkSG standards. Any company operating as a supplier will find it very difficult to avoid this topic.

02 What penalties can companies face for failing to comply with the LkSG? +

The Federal Office for Economic Affairs and Export Control (BAFA) is the responsible supervisory authority. Violations can result in fines of up to €8 million or up to 2% of global annual turnover. Additionally, companies in breach may be excluded from public procurement contracts — a significant risk for many industries.

03 What is the difference between the LkSG and the EU Supply Chain Directive (CSDDD)? +

The German LkSG was a national pioneer. The EU Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD) goes further: it expands due diligence obligations, enables civil liability claims by those affected, and applies to a broader range of companies. German companies should be preparing for both frameworks now.

04 How must the LkSG report be prepared and submitted? +

Companies covered by the LkSG must produce an annual report on their fulfilment of due diligence obligations and publish it on their website. The report must also be submitted to BAFA. It must document, among other things, the risk analysis, the measures taken, and the grievance mechanisms in place. This course explains the structure step by step.

05 What role does procurement play in LkSG implementation? +

Procurement is at the heart of LkSG implementation. This is where decisions are made about which suppliers are selected, what contract terms apply, and how risks are identified and managed. Without an LkSG-compliant procurement strategy, any compliance effort remains incomplete. This course shows how the purchasing function can become the driving force behind legally compliant supply chains.

06 How does the LkSG relate to CSRD and ESG reporting? +

The LkSG, CSRD, and ESG reporting are complementary. The CSRD (Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive) requires detailed reporting on environmental, social, and governance topics — including supply chain risks. Companies that implement the LkSG well already have a strong foundation for CSRD reporting. Both are part of a company's modern sustainability strategy.

07 What software and tools help with LkSG compliance in procurement? +

A growing number of digital solutions are available for LkSG compliance — from specialist platforms such as EcoVadis, Integrity Next, and Makersite to ERP-integrated modules. This course provides an overview of available tools, explains how they work, and highlights what to look for when selecting one.

Hier beginnt dein Wachstum.

Entfalte dein Potenzial. Lerne jederzeit und überall.

Starte jetzt mit uns