What term describes the group of suppliers that a buyer actively manages through contracts?

The term that describes the group of suppliers that a buyer actively manages through contracts is "supply network." This term encompasses the interconnected relationships and arrangements that a buyer has with their suppliers to ensure a steady flow of goods and services. It emphasizes the active management aspect, wherein the buyer not only connects with suppliers but also engages in ongoing relationships, contractual agreements, and performance monitoring to optimize the supply chain's effectiveness.

In a supply network, buyers are concerned with how each supplier fits into the broader logistics and operational strategies, enhancing collaboration, efficiency, and responsiveness to market changes. This perspective goes beyond merely listing suppliers; it involves strategically managing those relationships for mutual benefit, which is a key focus in supply chain management.

The other options do not capture this specific active management aspect. The term "supply chain" generally refers to the entire sequence of processes from raw materials to final products but lacks the specificity regarding the management of supplier relationships. "Procurement group" typically refers more to the internal teams responsible for acquiring goods and services rather than the management of external supplier relationships. "Vendor pool" might imply a collection of suppliers but does not convey the active management relationships that define a supply network.