On this episode of Talent Talks, Samuel De Frates, Kathryn Thompson and Bilal Shaykh discuss the transformative role of AI in procurement, exploring its potential to enhance supplier selection, risk management, and overall efficiency. 

They delve into the challenges faced by procurement professionals, the risks associated with AI implementation, and the importance of addressing resistance to change. 

The conversation also highlights the evolving skills required for procurement professionals in the age of AI and the future trends that will shape the industry.

Takeaways

• AI can significantly improve supplier selection and risk management.
• Using AI as a co-pilot rather than an autonomous decision maker is crucial.
• Automating simple tasks can free up resources for more complex challenges.
• Choosing the right technology to implement is critical for success.
• Fixing basic processes is necessary before adopting new technologies.
• Talent and skills gaps are major impediments to AI adoption in procurement.
• The future of procurement will heavily rely on AI technologies.
• Procurement professionals need to focus on relationship management.
• AI will enable procurement to concentrate on value creation rather than mundane tasks.

Chapters

00:00 AI's Impact on Procurement

02:52 Challenges in Procurement

06:06 Risks of AI Implementation

08:56 Navigating Change in Procurement

12:12 Future Trends in AI and Procurement

15:00 Skills and Competencies for the Future

17:49 The Evolving Role of Procurement Professionals

21:01 Conclusion

On this episode, Martin Smith interviews John Butcher, the Procurement Director at Just Eat Takeaway. 

John shares his journey of building a procurement team from scratch, the challenges he faced, and the importance of hiring the right talent. 

He discusses the evolving procurement landscape, the importance of emotional intelligence, and the impact of technology, particularly AI, on the industry. 

John emphasises the need for agility in procurement and offers valuable insights for aspiring leaders in the field.

Takeaways

Building a procurement team requires a blend of internal and external talent.

Cultural fit and attitude are crucial in talent acquisition.

Procurement can add value beyond just cost savings.

Emotional intelligence is becoming increasingly important in procurement roles.

Delegation is essential for effective leadership.

Technology, including AI, is transforming the procurement landscape.

Continuous learning and adaptation are necessary for success in procurement.

Leadership involves pushing boundaries and extending influence.

Chapters

00:00 Building a Team from Scratch

09:46 The Importance of Talent

19:59 Procurement in 2024

23:52 Leadership Insights

In this episode, Martin Smith interviews James Ball, Associate Director at Infosys Portland.

James discusses the differences between working in industry and working in consultancy in the procurement field. 

James shares his insights based on his 25 years of experience in procurement, with 15 years in industry and the last 10 years in consultancy. 

He discusses the differences in thought processes, responsibilities and timeframes between the two roles, and explores the concept of adaptive procurement transformation and the evolving role of procurement in organisations.

This episode of Talent Talks covers…

●      Working in industry and working in consultancy in procurement have significant differences in thought processes, responsibilities and timeframes.

●      In industry, procurement professionals focus on long-term strategies, team well-being, stakeholder engagement, policies, processes and category plans. In consultancy, they focus on project-based work, specific work streams, and achieving outcomes for clients.

●      Procurement is evolving to become its own profit centre, with a focus on adding value to the business and digitalisation.

●      The skills required for modern-day procurement professionals include adaptability, business partnering, technology proficiency and a learning mindset.

●      Consultancy in procurement has experienced double-digit growth and continues to be in demand, with organisations using consultancies for transformation projects and as a flexible resource.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background of James Ball

01:25 The Differences Between Working in Industry and Consultancy in Procurement

11:46 Adaptive Procurement Transformation: Making Procurement Relevant

16:36 The Evolving Role of Procurement in Organisations

32:01 The Growth and Demand for Consultancy in Procurement

Are you looking for work in the procurement or supply-chain industry? In the midst of the coronavirus crisis the future is uncertain and job markets unstable. Martin Smith, founder of Talent Drive created this latest episode of the Talent Talks podcast to provide support and guidance to those wanting to stay ahead of the employment market.

He welcomes Alice Fewings, LinkedIn Trainer and Social Media Strategist to provide advice and guidance on building an online profile to improve your personal brand to appeal to recruiters and potential employers. Alice runs through the importance and value of Linked In, how to attract and engage your target audience, how to pull people through to your personal profile and how to get discovered on the platform. 

This episode of Talent Talks covers:

• Why LinkedIn is a really valuable tool for us to use right now
• How to create a professional profile image and banner image
• Four different ways to create an engaging headline
• Ways to ensure you’re contactable for employers or recruiters
• Keeping your profile up to date and descriptive of your skills

This is the first online webinar recording from the #projectprocurement programme which has been converted into a podcast. #projectprocurement has been created by procurement professionals, Martin Smith, Richard Struthers and Ricky Wallace, to provide support for those looking to get back into work due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Join us at our next webinar by registering on our eventbrite page; https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/talent-drive-30144105948

Links and references at: https://talentdrive.co.uk/category/talent-talks-podcast/

Martin Smith, host of Talent Talks interviews two of the UK’s leading procurement experts whose experience spans across the IT and Technology sectors, leading procurement divisions for brands such as Babcock International, British Airways, IBM, Accenture, Nokia, Virgin Atlantic and KPMG. In this episode, Phil Clark and Matt Man discuss the variety of skills now required in an ever-changing industry to work in IT or Technology procurement, the rise of commercial danger zones, the need to raise awareness of the procurement profession to schools and universities and the impact of emerging technologies including 5G, IoT and AI. This episode of Talent Talks covers: The changing environment of the technology industry, The skill set required within technology procurement, Commercial danger zones, The implications of changes to SAAS and cloud based services, Working with suppliers and colleagues to understand data and privacy regulations, Developing a career within IT & tech procurement, The impact of 5G, IoT & AI, Big Data & Blockchain. Links and references at: https://talentdrive.co.uk/category/talent-talks-podcast/

Martin Smith, host of Talent Talks interviews two of the UK’s leading Procurement Experts whose experience spans across the aviation, retail and banking sectors, leading procurement divisions for brands such as British Airways, M&S, John Lewis, JP Morgan, RBS and The Body Shop. 

In this episode, Amanda Earnshaw-Darg and Roger Davies discuss the key topics they feel need addressing in the procurement world, to help the industry be more aware and agile in 2020 including automation, digitalisation and category management, as well as a number of tips for those looking to progress their career in procurement. 

This episode of Talent Talks covers: Automation & digitalisation. How the future role of procurement is developing. The importance of networking. Advice on career and skills development in procurement. Differing views on category management. The impact of Brexit. Benefits of mentoring and role models. “Cost vs Value Add” and the importance of understanding the overall business strategy

Links and references at: https://talentdrive.co.uk/talent-talks-podcast/challenges-facing-the-procurement-industry-in-2020/

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In this episode, Martin Smith interviews Gavin Boswell, the Director of Procurement at Serco. 

They discuss Gavin’s 10-year career at Serco and the evolution of procurement over the past 30 years and the changing role of procurement professionals. 

They also explore the value proposition of procurement and the different methods used to deliver cost reduction and value optimisation. 

Gavin discusses the challenges and opportunities that come with leading transformation efforts in different organisations and emphasises the importance of creating alignment and appreciating the criticality of leadership in driving successful transformations. 

Gavin also discusses AI and its potential impact on procurement regarding processing activities, such as purchase order and invoice processing, as well as more strategic activities like supplier relationship management, innovation, sustainability and risk management.

This episode of Talent Talks covers:

• Different methods and approaches are used to deliver cost reduction and value optimisation in procurement. 
• Innovation and building relationships with suppliers are key to enhancing competitiveness.
• Procurement should align with the strategic priorities of the business.
• Curiosity leads to a data-driven approach and enables strategic and business-focused procurement.
• Being proud of the profession and the journey of development in procurement is rewarding and fulfilling. 
• AI could play a significant role in procurement, freeing up talent for more impactful activities.

Chapters

00:00

Introduction and Background

02:01

The Value Proposition of Procurement

04:20

Prioritisation and Focus in Different Business Units

06:23

Transformation and Development

08:23

Creating an Environment for Collaboration in Procurement

11:23

The Importance of Alignment

13:35

Challenges of Achieving Alignment in a Complex Business

15:50

Developing a Business Mindset

20:38

The Rewarding Journey of Development in Procurement

21:53

Continuous Learning and Evolution in Procurement

23:51

The Future of Procurement in the Digital Age

24:12

The Role of AI in Procurement

25:15

The Role of Automation in Procurement

25:58

Unlocking Talent through Automation

26:18

Using Automation for Processing and Strategic Activities

26:39

In this episode, Martin Smith interviews Alex Jennings, an experienced procurement and commercial professional who has worked for companies such as GE and Toyota.

They discuss Alex's career journey, his experience in managing teams, and the changes in the procurement profession. 

They also delve into Alex's entrepreneurial journey and the launch of his procurement platform, the Alchemie Network. The platform aims to connect procurement, supply chain, and sustainability professionals and provide them with tools for personal and professional development. 

Alex emphasises the importance of building strong teams, understanding individual strengths and weaknesses, and creating a culture of trust and diversity.

This episode of Talent Talks covers: 

●      Alex Jennings 40 years worth of experience within procurement and commercial roles.

●      The importance of building strong teams that complement each other's strengths and weaknesses.

●    That diversity, both in terms of demographics and thought, is crucial for a healthy and successful team.

●      The need for a culture of trust and an environment where team members feel comfortable challenging each other.

●      The evolution of procurement from a fulfilment-focused function to a strategic role that requires managing supply chain risks and disruptions.

●      Alex introduces the Alchemie Network, a procurement platform that aims to connect professionals and provide tools for personal and professional development.

In this episode, Martin Smith speaks to Tom Hajek, an independent consultant and head of strategic procurement at Checkatrade. They discuss the key ingredients for successful procurement transformation. 

Tom emphasises the importance of aligning procurement with high-level business objectives and applying a framework of people, processes, and technology. Tom also shares his methodology for prioritising transformation efforts and delivering commercial wins. 

He highlights the need for procurement to be perceived as a strategic enabler of the business and offers insights on attracting and developing procurement talent. Tom concludes by discussing the challenges faced by procurement teams and the profession as a whole.


This episode of Talent Talks covers:

1. Align procurement with high-level business objectives to deliver successful transformation.

2. Prioritise transformation efforts based on stakeholder engagement and burning issues.

3. Position procurement as a strategic enabler of the business to elevate its brand.

4. Attract and develop procurement talent with a focus on aptitude, commerciality, and sound judgment.

Summary

In this episode, Martin Smith interviews Brad Mills, the first recruit of Talent Drive, about his experience in procurement recruitment. 

They discuss the challenges and opportunities in the retail and hospitality sector, the market outlook for 2024, and the changes in procurement recruitment over the years. 

Brad shares tips for hiring and emphasises the importance of diversity and agility of thought in the hiring process. They also highlight the value of industry experience in recruitment. Brad provides insights into the current state of procurement recruitment and offers valuable advice for both hiring managers and candidates.

This episode of Talent Talks covers:

1.        The retail and hospitality sector faced challenges in 2023, but there are positive aspects and opportunities for growth in 2024.

2.        Leadership roles are emerging in procurement, creating new opportunities for professionals in the field.

3.        The recruitment process should focus on finding candidates who are a 7 or 8 out of 10, with the right soft skills and potential for development.

4.        Diversity and agility of thought are important in hiring, as they bring different perspectives and ideas to the team.

5.        Industry experience is valuable, but candidates from diverse backgrounds can also bring unique insights and skills.

In this episode, Martin Smith interviews Ben Paynter, Procurement Director of Burberry, about his journey into procurement and the challenges and opportunities in the industry. 

Ben shares his transition from sales to procurement and his passion for bringing non-procurement professionals into the field. He discusses the unique challenges of procurement in the retail sector and the need for skill sets related to ESG and CSR. 

Ben emphasises the importance of competency assessment in hiring and providing comprehensive feedback to candidates. He also addresses the war on talent in procurement and the need for more investment and awareness in the profession.

This episode of Talent Talks covers: 

1. Transitioning from sales to procurement offers new opportunities and a different perspective on negotiation and value creation.
2. The retail sector presents unique challenges in procurement, including the need for agility and the close link to a dynamic marketplace.
3. The industry faces challenges in finding and developing procurement talent, including the lack of investment in training and the focus on specific skill sets.
4. Competency assessment and comprehensive feedback are essential in hiring and developing procurement professionals.
5. Companies and individuals in the procurement field should work together to elevate the profession and create more awareness and opportunities.

In this episode of the Talent Talks podcast, Martin Smith interviews Brian Lombard, a manager at Talent Drive. Brian shares his background and how he transitioned from procurement into procurement recruitment. 

He primarily focuses on the interim market and discusses the current opportunities and trends in UK procurement. They also touch on the impact of IR35 regulation and the hiring activity in different sectors. 

Brian provides advice for individuals looking to enter the interim market and shares tips for hiring interim professionals. Finally, they discuss their plans for 2024 and the growth of their business.

This episode of Talent Talks covers: 

1. Transitioning from procurement to recruitment can be a natural progression due to the similar skill sets required.
2. The interim market in UK procurement is currently strong, with opportunities in various sectors such as public sector, risk, and financial services.
3. The impact of IR35 regulation has settled, leading to more confidence in hiring contractors outside IR35.
4. Networking effectively and showcasing specific strengths are crucial for individuals looking to enter the interim market.
5. When hiring interim professionals, it is important to move at a fast pace, align with market salary expectations, and prioritize smooth onboarding.

“The most critical thing right now is to really develop the relationships with the people you work with, spend time with them understand them really well and form as trusting a relationship as you possibly can”

Tim has had a diverse journey in procurement, working in the industry for nearly 20yrs. He began his career joining Tesco on their graduate scheme and hasn’t looked back, working for various companies in retail, automotive and property both in the UK and internationally. He now heads up procurement for one of the largest UK property services companies, where over the last 3 years he has taken the area from a brownfield space to a mature function.

Tim shares his journey into procurement and discusses the importance of emotional intelligence in the field. He highlights the challenges and opportunities in procurement, particularly in managing time and resources. Tim also explores the evolving talent landscape in procurement and emphasises the need for continuous learning and development. 

He discusses the balance between a cash-driven approach and a business partnering approach in procurement.

Tim and Martin discuss the challenges of prioritisation and uncertainty in procurement. They highlight the difficulty of determining priorities and the unpredictable nature of outcomes. They also emphasise the importance of developing strong relationships with stakeholders to navigate the changing business landscape.

This episode of Talent Talks covers:

1. Emotional intelligence within procurement.
2. Adaptability and being open to change within the industry
3. Focusing on business priorities while striving for continuous improvement
4. Embracing new challenges and experiences.
5. Building strong relationships

“We need suppliers who understand what it's like from underrepresented groups’ perspectives, because those often are the groups that we're looking to speak to.”

Supplier diversity is essential to any good procurement professional’s portfolio, which emphasises the importance of the SRM that underpins everything.

That’s a focus area for one of procurement’s most prominent voices, Coventry Building Society’s Rebecca Howard.

Rebecca joins us on Talent Talks to discuss her very purposeful route into procurement, a growing focus on the social element of ESG goals, and the skills that separate average SRM from great SRM.

This episode of Talent Talks covers:

• Rebecca’s determined entry into procurement
• The two top skills that underpin great SRM
• The amazing work on supplier diversity
• Pros and cons of separating SRM from procurement
• Advice for aspiring procurement and SRM leaders

The Talent Talks Podcast is proudly sponsored by Staverton Consulting.

Staverton Consulting delivers tangible and sustainable cost reduction as well as reducing business risks throughout the supply chain for private equity backed businesses, SME’S and growth companies. For more information please head to https://www.stavertonconsulting.com/.

In this episode, Martin Smith interviews Canberk Incekara, Head of Indirect Procurement at OCS.

Canberk shares his extensive experience in procurement and supply chains, discussing the evolution of the industry, the importance of understanding the end-to-end value chain, and the challenges of navigating external factors like COVID and Brexit. 

He emphasises the need for a balance between globalisation and local support, the significance of soft skills in talent management, and the changing expectations of the new generation in the workforce. 

The conversation also touches on cultural adaptability in negotiations, with Canberk discussing the differences between Turkey and the UK. He also discusses the importance of retaining talent through job satisfaction and growth opportunities.

Takeaways

· Canberk’s journey reflects the interconnectedness of procurement and supply chain.

· Understanding the total cost of ownership is crucial in procurement.

· COVID and Brexit have reshaped procurement strategies.

· Supporting local businesses is essential in a globalised market.

· Procurement is evolving into a more strategic function.

· Cultural adaptability is key in international negotiations.

· Soft skills are increasingly important in talent management.

· Retention challenges stem from new generation expectations.

· Transferable skills in procurement can apply across industries.

· Agility in approach is necessary for success in procurement.


Chapters 

00:00 Journey Through Procurement and Supply Chain

02:23 End-to-End Value Chains

04:42 External Factors in Supply Chain

06:00 Globalisation and Local Support

09:09 The Evolution of Procurement

12:52 Cultural Adaptability

16:17 Talent in Procurement

19:30 Retention Challenges

22:08 Transferable Skills

23:34 Quickfire Questions 

“Really push yourself out there - pushing your comfort zone is where you really feel alive.”

Soft skills in procurement are one thing, but employing them to become one of procurement’s most prominent names on social media is another ball game entirely.

If we’re to elevate the profession, it’s the kind of work that Tom Mills puts into his social following which we need to see more often. 

Tom returns for the second in this two-part episode of Talent Talks to discuss the power of stepping out of your comfort zone, how to stand out, and advice for anyone looking to bolster their confidence.

This episode of Talent Talks covers:

• Tom’s powerful experience dealing with Pervasive Anxiety Disorder
• Advice for those wanting to gain confidence when sharing their voice
• Long term aims for Tom’s overall social media push
• The strength of ‘feeling fear and doing it anyway’

The Talent Talks Podcast is proudly sponsored by Staverton Consulting.

Staverton Consulting delivers tangible and sustainable cost reduction as well as reducing business risks throughout the supply chain for private equity backed businesses, SME’S and growth companies. For more information please head to https://www.stavertonconsulting.com/.

“Everyone should be learning right through their career. It's actually the power of saying very little, and listening.”

Soft skills are an undoubtedly vital part of any procurement professional’s skillset, but it’s such a vague term for something so key.

That’s why Tom Mills’ advocacy for soft skill development makes him the perfect guest on Talent Talks for a two-part discussion around how new professionals can stay a cut above the rest.

Join us for part 1 with Tom, where he covers the specific skills to develop, a comprehensive approach to stakeholder management, and the challenging language pervading the industry.

This episode of Talent Talks covers:

• Why soft skills have evolved to become 10 times more important than before
• Which specific soft skills are best for budding procurement professionals to develop
• Flipping the narrative in stakeholder management
• The language of procurement and whether it clouds the understanding of how essential soft skills can be

The Talent Talks Podcast is proudly sponsored by Staverton Consulting.

Staverton Consulting delivers tangible and sustainable cost reduction as well as reducing business risks throughout the supply chain for private equity backed businesses, SME’S and growth companies. For more information please head to https://www.stavertonconsulting.com/.

“Procurement has been really effective in seeing growth opportunities and saying ‘Let us manage this, we can look after this’.”

While Will Bowley’s route into procurement may not be conventional, his pedigree in the industry matches the impact delivered as Director of Staverton Consulting.

With a unique perspective on the industry, Will joins us on Talent Talks to discuss the biggest challenges facing startup procurement consultancies, procurement’s evolution as a commercial facilitator, and much more.

This episode of Talent Talks covers:

• Positioning procurement for executive visibility
• The ‘seat at the table’ happening organically, not being forced
• Breaking the stigma surrounding consultancies
• Will’s journey into business ownership & taking the plunge
• Procurement’s evolution as a commercial facilitator
• Leaders & CPOs seizing opportunities and leading agendas

The Talent Talks Podcast is proudly sponsored by Staverton Consulting.

Staverton Consulting delivers tangible and sustainable cost reduction as well as reducing business risks throughout the supply chain for private equity backed businesses, SME’S and growth companies. For more information please head to https://www.stavertonconsulting.com/.

“It’s not hard to find bodies if you want bodies, but the best people have options. You’ve got to be approaching them.”

When good procurement people have the power to choose their path, it takes proactivity to create a quality team - as Sermet Baykaner has done proficiently through his career to date. 

With names like Carnival and Unilever under his belt, Sermet - Bourne Leisure’s Group Procurement Director - is this week’s fantastic guest on the Talent Talks podcast.

Join us as we touch on attracting talent in a competitive market, convincing the C-suite to support the procurement agenda, and integrating sustainability business-wide.

This episode of Talent Talks covers:

• Building sustainability into the overall strategy
• How to attract talent when good people have options
• Solving the C-suite’s needs, rather than focusing on what you can deliver
• What’s evolved in procurement and how Sermet has adapted to that

The Talent Talks Podcast is proudly sponsored by Staverton Consulting.

Staverton Consulting delivers tangible and sustainable cost reduction as well as reducing business risks throughout the supply chain for private equity backed businesses, SME’S and growth companies. For more information please head to https://www.stavertonconsulting.com/.

“We have all these other things that we can do, but the end game that the Chief Executive wants is the value that you're giving them.”

The procurement industry is ever-evolving with shifting skillsets, constrained talent pool and a new age of technology & automation - it’s on us to evolve with it. 

We hosted an incredible Talent Talks Live event at Landsec in September, where we delighted in a panel with Visa’s S-J Aldridge, Specsavers’ Carl Ferrand and AWE’s Jonathan Patrick.

Join us for this live podcast episode where they touch on reframing our value, strategy vs tactical operating, and ChatGPT’s role in procurement’s future.

This episode of Talent Talks covers:

• Our value in procurement, and whether we need to reframe/market that value better
• Crafting procurement as a more strategic function, shedding transactional activities
• How the talent pool has shifted, particularly post-pandemic
• The balance of technical skill vs commercial skill
• AI’s uses in the future of procurement

The Talent Talks Podcast is proudly sponsored by Staverton Consulting.

Staverton Consulting delivers tangible and sustainable cost reduction as well as reducing business risks throughout the supply chain for private equity backed businesses, SME’S and growth companies. For more information please head to https://www.stavertonconsulting.com/.

“The challenge is finding somebody with a really good set of soft skills, and that transcends both public and private sectors.”

When it comes to recruiting exciting new procurement talent, good apprenticeships can be the perfect combination of experience and learning.

Emma Law’s sustained efforts to create such apprenticeship opportunities are becoming fruitful, alongside her already stellar decade at Orbis Partnership.

We’re joined by Emma on Talent Talks to discuss the major challenges facing public sector procurement hiring, why we need to push harder on ESG, and AI’s role in procurement’s future.

This episode of Talent Talks covers:

• The main challenges with recruiting new talent into the public sector
• How public scrutiny affects decision making
• Which skills transcend the divide between public and private sectors
• How early we should bring procurement language into education
• AI’s role in the future of procurement, and the time it’ll free up for strategic thinking

The Talent Talks Podcast is proudly sponsored by Staverton Consulting. 

Staverton Consulting delivers tangible and sustainable cost reduction as well as reducing business risks throughout the supply chain for private equity backed businesses, SME’S and growth companies. For more information please head to stavertonconsulting.com.

“Procurement was once the gatekeeper to the marketplace. Technology speeds up how we do things, and brings the external market to internal stakeholders.”

The one defence we have against extinction of any kind is adaptation. It might be drastic to suggest procurement is on the brink of extinction, but it certainly needs to adapt…

Whether it’s in the attraction of new talent or moving away from gatekeeping suppliers, Thames Water’s David Wylie has seen first hand the power of shifting focus and making changes.

David joins us for Talent Talks this week to share key learnings from roles in TfL & Centrica, how to deliver meaningful social value, and the three most important words in procurement.

This episode of Talent Talks covers:

• How the procurement industry needs to shift to stay relevant
• Evolving observations in procurement talent
• The power of bringing ‘relentless insight’ into your business
• Operating in environments with very different regulatory challenges
• Delivery of social value at Thames Water

“Marketing, arguably more so than other categories, needs to be seen as an investment for growth, not a cost to be cut.”

There’s a boldness that roles in Nike, Danone and Reckitt would give anyone, and Stuart Dunk has funnelled that boldness into a business that’s now over 3 years strong.

Stuart’s specialism is in marketing procurement, an area which he believes to lean further towards value over cost than almost any other category.

Having experienced landmark roles in huge brands, and now growing his business, Don't Forget to Look, his experience makes for a fascinating perspective on the marketing procurement landscape in this week’s Talent Talks.

This episode of Talent Talks covers:

• Stuart’s work on London 2012 and subsequent career with Nike, Reckitt & Danone
• How to increase engagement with procurement through intuitive buying processes
• Stakeholder management being a near-universal skill
• Marketing’s status as an investment in growth
• Attracting and retaining marketing procurement talent
• How Stuart used the confidence of prior roles to start his own business as a ‘poacher turned gamekeeper’

“Build yourself a great team, and build a team that challenges you. You can't do it all yourself, you're only as good as the people around you.”

With huge, long-spanning roles at Diageo and Compass Group, Oliver Cock has developed the blueprints for successful procurement change, fulfilling leadership, and introducing category management from scratch.

Oliver is an incredibly experienced procurement leader, and now CEO of Zircon Consulting, which makes him wonderfully placed to weigh in on the virtues of great leadership, empathy, talent management, and so much more.

This episode of Talent Talks covers:

• Oliver’s long and illustrious career through CPO, MD and other leadership roles
• Introducing category management from scratch by focusing on quick wins in core areas
• Working with key stakeholders for greater buy-in from the wider business
• Recruiting new talent with attitude over aptitude
• Empathy and clarity of direction being essential in procurement leadership

“There’s a hidden cost - the cost of bad deals because you don’t choose to use interim resources.”

Since 2021’s reforms, IR35 has been a major factor in the channels through which procurement resource is found, and Mark Coulson has become a guiding light through the confusion.

Having spent many years specialising in IR35, he’s perfectly placed to share with us on Talent Talks how to navigate the main sticking points around contractors and interim staff.

We also break down how the specialist knowledge of interim procurement professionals can save thousands through the simple power of subject expertise.

This episode of Talent Talks covers:

• An overview of IR35 and the precedents set by case law
• Simplifying how to spot what should lie within IR35
• Avoiding scope creep
• The powerful use cases where interim procurement is invaluable
• How interim resource can prevent the potential added cost of bad deals

On this episode of the Talent Talks Podcast, Martin sits down with Nikki Wright, Director of Operations at 10X Banking, as she shares her extensive experience in procurement and operations across various industries, particularly in the banking sector. 

She discusses the complexities of navigating procurement within a heavily regulated environment, the balance between compliance and agility, and the evolution of procurement roles. 

Nikki emphasises the importance of diversity, soft skills, and the need to rebrand procurement to overcome negative perceptions. 

She also highlights the commitment of 10X Banking to sustainability and its status as a B Corp certified organisation. 

The discussion also touches on the evolving landscape of procurement, the impact of inflation on supplier relationships, and the necessity of digitalisation in procurement processes. 

Nikki shares personal insights about her career journey, inspirations, and the importance of taking ownership of one's career path.

Takeaways

Procurement often involves navigating complex regulations, especially in finance.

Procurement roles are evolving to include more operational responsibilities.

Diversity in procurement is improving but still has a long way to go.

Soft skills are essential for success in procurement roles.

There is a need to change the negative perception of procurement.

Procurement functions as a bridge between the company and suppliers.

10X Banking is committed to sustainability and is B Corp certified.

Job titles in procurement need consistency to attract diverse talent. 

B Corp accreditation is crucial for demonstrating commitment to ESG.

The decisions we make today impact future generations.

Change in large organisations is often slow and challenging.

Risk mitigation is essential in today's supply chain management.

Digitalisation is necessary for effective procurement decision-making.

Career ownership is key to professional growth.

 

Chapters

00:00 Introduction

02:48 Procurement in the Banking Sector

06:13 Compliance in Procurement

09:06 Procurement Roles

12:12 Diversity

14:54 Soft Skills

18:09 Negative Perceptions

20:52 Sustainability

23:48 B Corp Accreditation

27:04 Financial Sector

30:18 Challenges in ESG

34:27 Procurement Challenges

40:05 Personal Inspirations and Career Reflections 

“I love seeing people grow and flourish. It’s fulfilling and quite humbling that you've been part of someone else's success and growth..”

Bringing together the best of both worlds is a powerful procurement strategy for those with private and public sector experience - Divyesh Lad combines those in a challenging utility sector.

The Head of Commercial Services for United Utilities joins us on episode 76 of Talent Talks as we consider the skills gap in today’s market, how to manage teams & help them flourish, flexing your communication style, and much more.

This episode of Talent Talks covers:

• Challenges and opportunities unique to the utilities sector
• Filling the skills gap in the market
• Transferable skills throughout the profession & combining experiences
• Learning how to manage people effectively, and help them to evolve and flourish

“We should always remember opportunity cost - sometimes time itself is much more valuable and important than a potential monetary saving.”

Across a career that’s spanned THG, Sky and now Epos Now, Isabella Moise has thrived in her roles with an ability to marry the needs of stakeholders with wildly conflicting ideas of success.

Now in a Head of Procurement role early in her career, Isabella’s insight into the importance of understanding culture and delivering confidence in negotiation comes from a fascinating, unique perspective.

Isabella joins Martin this week on Talent talks to discuss her stellar path in the profession, and offers her shrewd advice for young, female procurement leaders in the making.

This episode of Talent Talks covers:

• Juggling the needs of conflicting stakeholders
• Bringing confidence into a negotiation scenario
• Why the negotiating process relies on more than simple messaging
• Opportunity cost and the value of time vs money in procurement
• Overcoming challenges to become a role model in D&I
• The need to return to goals around CSR and sustainability

“As a consultant I had direct access to the chief executive. As a secondee, to go anywhere near the chief executive wasn’t going to happen.”

The procurement consultancy world has its draws, from intense and varied experiences to, at times, greater access within the business.

That said, Daniel Abda has worked on both consultancy and in-house teams, currently with Efficio and previously leading an Asset Management programme for the London Olympic Games.

This week on Talent Talks, Daniel takes us through the distinctions between consultancy and in-house, how to handle intense & strict external deadlines, and whether AI could have procurement functions cutting jobs to make new savings…

This episode of Talent Talks covers:

• Daniel’s work on the procurement organisation strategy for the London 2012 Olympic Games
• How to respond to being given unrealistic targets
• Consultancy procurement experience, and how it stacks up against being part of an in-house team
• Managing rising energy costs and sustainability goals
• AI tools, and whether it could cut jobs in the industry

“Procurement’s relevance depends on our ability to embrace technological change.”

Greenfield procurement presents an opportunity that most procurement professionals would relish, a chance which Robert Jones has taken with open arms at Community Fibre.

Currently Senior Procurement Manager in a function that he’s helped to grow since roles at The AA and Johnson & Johnson, Robert joins Martin Smith on Talent Talks to discuss the growth of procurement and how technology is core to staying relevant.

We also take a look at who’s responsible for the sustainability agenda, managing stakeholder expectations, and consider the value of CIPS qualification in the future.

This episode of Talent Talks covers:

• How to get a greenfield procurement function started and making impact
• Addressing expectations of procurement and potential pushback by working to solve stakeholders’ challenges
• How useful the CIPS qualification can be in the day-to-day, real world
• Procurement’s responsibility for sustainability agendas vs the rest of a company

This episode of Talent Talks is sponsored by 4C Associates – a leading European procurement and supply chain consultancy, who work collaboratively with forward-thinking clients to deliver real business value across a wide range of transformation and cost optimisation service offerings. Visit https://www.4cassociates.com/ for more information.

“This is actually a great time to be in procurement, because it's a time to shine.”

Andrew Smith’s career has taken him from huge roles in Royal Mail to international leadership with Avis Budget in Copenhagen, an industry forced recently to rapidly evolve.

As a result of such impressive experiences across several decades, Andrew has a keen eye on what it takes to create impact while respecting the various stakeholders one might have.

Andrew joins us on Talent Talks to discuss how he grows a relatively immature function, builds relationships, handles hurdles, and why now is a fantastic time to be in procurement.

This episode of Talent Talks covers:

• The route to grow from a small function into one with global reach
• Understanding an organisation’s culture before implementing change
• Utilising industry-wide issues as an opportunity to evolve
• Shifts and trends towards localisation and quality of supply

This episode of Talent Talks is sponsored by 4C Associates – a leading European procurement and supply chain consultancy, who work collaboratively with forward-thinking clients to deliver real business value across a wide range of transformation and cost optimisation service offerings. Visit https://www.4cassociates.com/ for more information.

“People make the world go round. If you ever have a problem, it's often the people that you've won over who will back you up or help you out.”

Whether it’s through his own procurement leadership roles or rich experience in consulting and training, Oliver Jones knows the key to presenting procurement’s value.

Return on investment extends beyond numbers, and when it’s time to get people on board, Oliver’s emphasis on people is not to be overlooked…

The Managing Consultant with Elixirr joins us on Talent Talks to discuss C-suite engagement, ‘keeping the exec out of jail’, winning over stakeholders, and how tech can’t solve all our future challenges.

This episode of Talent Talks covers:

• How procurement’s ROI should be measured more holistically
• Key differences between sectors, and the need to adapt your style of communication
• The power of winning over key stakeholders to become your ambassadors
• Taking people on your procurement transformation journey
• IQ vs EQ in leadership roles

“It comes back to innovation: what could we do differently to get ourselves through this difficult period?”

Whether you’re among the largest corporations in the world, or the bustling startups growing through adversity, innovation needs to be at the heart of your procurement function.

Applying that principle at both ends of the spectrum with Coca-Cola and Mum & You, David Cowell is the perfect guest on Talent Talks to weigh in on building a successful function from scratch, and retaining your top talent.

Tune into this week’s episode for a look at how David handled a function spanning over 13 countries, whether centralised procurement trumps decentralised procurement, and offers invaluable insight for professionals ready to move up the ladder.

This episode of Talent Talks covers:

• David’s several decades’ experience in huge, multinational companies such as Coca-Cola and Nestle
• How to recruit and retain the best talent through methods beyond remuneration
• Taking on the challenge of setting up a supply chain from scratch
• Weighing up the advantages of centralised vs decentralised procurement functions
• Invaluable advice for aspiring procurement leaders

This episode of Talent Talks is sponsored by 4C Associates – a leading European procurement and supply chain consultancy, who work collaboratively with forward-thinking clients to deliver real business value across a wide range of transformation and cost optimisation service offerings. Visit https://www.4cassociates.com/ for more information.

“Ultimately, the challenges for a procurement function are very similar, but going into a different environment helps you grow.”

There’s no substitute for the level of depth and breadth of experience that Tracey Williamson has developed over the course of her illustrious career as a procurement leader.

From roles in several major blue chip organisations like Nissan, Tesco, Vodafone and many more, she’s cracked the key to creating transformative change in any procurement function.

We dive into her focus on good data, the conscious effort to diversify skills and sectors, and how diversity and inclusion has evolved throughout her time in the industry.

This episode of Talent Talks covers:

• Why you should broaden your experience rather than strive to just climb the ladder
• The nuances of public sector roles
• Managing and using spend data to create transformation
• The key attributes of successful procurement professionals
• How everyone can better support the growth of diversity and inclusion across the board

This episode of Talent Talks is sponsored by 4C Associates – a leading European procurement and supply chain consultancy, who work collaboratively with forward-thinking clients to deliver real business value across a wide range of transformation and cost optimisation service offerings. Visit https://www.4cassociates.com/ for more information.

“If you are purely doing procurement and commercial on paper, the paper doesn't stand the litmus test,”

Victoria Cope’s career roles are supremely varied and her credentials numerous, so she serves as a perfect example of how wide ranging experiences can aid procurement leaders in succeeding at the highest level.

With an Aeronautical Engineering background, over 20 years in the Defence & Security sector, and several awards for her contributions to the industry, she’s now the Commercial & Category Director for the UK Health Security Agency.

Such an array of knowledge inevitably led to a fascinating discussion on Talent Talks this week, covering the delicate balance between public service and commerciality, necessary steps to boost diversity, why strong relationships beat procurement on paper, and so much more.

This episode of Talent Talks covers:

• Victoria’s route into procurement, being a chartered Aeronautical Engineer by background
• Procurement’s biggest relationship lessons learned from the pandemic
• The successful evolution and further advancements needed within diversity and inclusion
• Balancing the health of the nation with maintaining her function’s commerciality
• The growth of social value and ESG

“We often create a list of 12 things, but if you focus on the one thing that makes the biggest difference, you’ll be more successful than having a big shopping list.”

ITV, Sky, Starbucks, Serco and Nestle may not share much in terms of sector, but all are huge brands that Jonathan Patrick has at one point called home.

His ability to instigate successful transformation at the highest level is beyond doubt, and as Transport for London’s CPO he’s continuing to create a staggering procurement legacy.

We hear from Jonathan on Talent Talks this week as he shares the measures of successful transformation, how to firm up against 2023’s impending pressures, and how his work on I’m a Celeb changed how he evaluates each business’ true challenges.

This episode of Talent Talks covers:

• How to deliver transformation at the highest level
• The barometers for success to keep top-of-mind
• 2023’s big challenges, and how they’ll likely affect risk management
• Jonathan’s biggest learns from his work with ITV, Sony, Serco, Sky, and more huge brands

This episode of Talent Talks is sponsored by 4C Associates – a leading European procurement and supply chain consultancy, who work collaboratively with forward-thinking clients to deliver real business value across a wide range of transformation and cost optimisation service offerings. Visit https://www.4cassociates.com/ for more information.

In this episode, Martin Smith interviews Carl Ferrand, Head of Procurement at Specsavers. 

Carl shares his journey into procurement, emphasising the importance of people in leadership and the need to stand out when applying for positions.

He discusses the evolution of procurement, highlighting the increasing responsibilities and skills required in the field, and offers valuable advice for aspiring procurement leaders, encouraging curiosity and consistency in their careers. 

The conversation also touches on the role of LinkedIn in professional identity and community building within procurement.

Takeaways

• Carl Ferrand's journey into procurement was a conscious choice.
• Leadership in procurement should focus on people and their well-being.
• The evolution of procurement has led to increased responsibilities and skills.
• Aspiring leaders should embrace curiosity and enjoy their work.
• Building relationships is crucial for success in procurement.
• Consistency in performance is key to career advancement.
• LinkedIn serves as a valuable platform for community and professional growth.
• Taking time for self-care can enhance productivity and mental health.
• Saying yes to opportunities can lead to personal and professional opportunities.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction

08:32 Leadership Philosophy

11:47 Resilience in Procurement

20:48 Evolution of Procurement

25:37 Advice for Aspiring Leaders

36:19 LinkedIn 

“We had to stay absolutely core to our principles around collaboration, relationships and partnerships. In the supply chain arena, the strength of those came to the forefront.”

It’s hard to deny that one of the most affected industries from the pandemic has been air travel, so how has the industry’s supply chain stayed strong in preparation for its return?

The value of strong, long-lasting relationships is paramount to NATS’ CPO, Tim Bullock, who joins us on Talent Talks to discuss how the lengthy groundwork in building bonds will pay dividends, whether soft skills trump technical knowhow, and updating practices to better integrate with the business’ objectives.

This episode of Talent Talks covers:

• The quest for talent, and where EQ and soft skills might trump technical skills
• Balancing service function obligations with being the conscience of a business
• Dividends paid by building relationships that NATS could rely on throughout the pandemic
• The value of collaboration and partnerships in long-term industries

Links and references at: https://talentdrive.co.uk/

“You need to become the commercial architect, as opposed to the person that sends out the RFP and spends hours on Excel trying to analyse the responses of those prices.”

As procurement professionals venture further into becoming commercial leads looking to drive value, the skillset sought from those entering the role is ever-shifting.

Amassing a huge arsenal of skills throughout his illustrious career with John Lewis, PepsiCo, and now Amazon Fresh, Rob Turner is well positioned to observe that evolution.

Rob joins us on Talent Talks this week to consider how to successfully incorporate stakeholder needs, the growing divide between tech-driven & non-tech-driven businesses, whether remote roles can create effective teams, and much more.

This episode of Talent Talks covers:

• How Rob’s curious mind aided him throughout his varied career journey
• The importance of being flexible and open to change
• Becoming a commercial architect with more high-level considerations
• The evolution of essential skills with growth of tech-driven procurement
• Barriers and opportunities in the procurement market
• Whether you can fully achieve buy-in from your team in a fully remote role

This episode of Talent Talks is sponsored by 4C Associates – a leading European procurement and supply chain consultancy, who work collaboratively with forward-thinking clients to deliver real business value across a wide range of transformation and cost optimisation service offerings. Visit https://www.4cassociates.com/ for more information.

Links and references at: https://talentdrive.co.uk/

“I'm not here to cut costs, I'm just here to add value. However you want to dress that word of value, it's totally up to you.”

The next generation of bright procurement prospects bring with them a focus on understanding what they’re procuring in a way that we haven’t seen before.

We can only continue this trend of value and ROI, however, if we overcome the barriers to entry for school leavers and graduates. Two such future procurement leaders, Williams Racing’s Olivia McNamara and Reckitt’s Julie Katz, join Martin this week on Talent Talks.

We discuss the shift away from ‘baseball bat cost-cutting’, giving the rest of the business a better understanding of procurement’s strategic role, and the need for greater awareness of the profession.

This episode of Talent Talks covers:

• The creative difference between direct and indirect procurement
• Focusing on value, and moving away from cost-cutting alone
• Top skills needed in the modern procurement profession
• New generations wanting to truly understand what they’re procuring
• How to better present procurement’s role to the wider business

This episode of Talent Talks is sponsored by 4C Associates – a leading European procurement and supply chain consultancy, who work collaboratively with forward-thinking clients to deliver real business value across a wide range of transformation and cost optimisation service offerings. Visit https://www.4cassociates.com/ for more information.

Links and references at: https://talentdrive.co.uk/

“If something doesn't look exciting enough for something they're going to do for the next 40-50 years in their career, why are they going to bother even trying to get into that profession?”

When the senior procurement professionals end their careers, we need a rich talent pool to whom they can entrust all that experience and expertise.

Who better to ask about the current barriers impeding the introduction of fresh, smart and passionate professionals than those fresh from the process?

On Talent Talks this week we continue our discussions with future procurement leaders around essential skills, barriers to entry, the future of the carbon vs cost equation, data’s prevalence in the profession, and more with 4C Associates’ Celia Downie and Frasers Group’s Arron Woodland.

This episode of Talent Talks covers:

• Ideal skills for success in today’s procurement industry
• Embracing an attitude of transparency and collaboration with suppliers
• How to attract new talent at an earlier stage in their career
• Procurement’s role in leading ESG initiatives going forward

This episode of Talent Talks is sponsored by 4C Associates – a leading European procurement and supply chain consultancy, who work collaboratively with forward-thinking clients to deliver real business value across a wide range of transformation and cost optimisation service offerings. Visit https://www.4cassociates.com/ for more information.

Links and references at: https://talentdrive.co.uk/

“The single biggest barrier to entry for getting young people into procurement is a lack of knowledge of what it even is.”

Young professionals entering today’s procurement world will be leading our industry into an age led by sustainability & social value, so what’s the experience like for future CPOs, and how does it need to improve?

To answer this key question, Martin is joined this week by three of the brightest new procurement professionals, Tesco’s Lead Procurement Manager, Josh Banks, England Rugby’s Procurement & Supply Chain Lead, Sophie Morton, and Procurement Officer at Wellcome Trust, Olivia Donovan.

This episode of Talent Talks covers:

• Current routes into procurement, and barriers to entry
• The variety that makes the profession so rewarding
• Skills needed to thrive in a successful procurement team
• PR and image issues with the industry
• Sustainability’s growing prominence as a factor that’ll appeal to talented new procurement professionals

This episode of Talent Talks is sponsored by 4C Associates – a leading European procurement and supply chain consultancy, who work collaboratively with forward-thinking clients to deliver real business value across a wide range of transformation and cost optimisation service offerings. Visit https://www.4cassociates.com/ for more information.

Links and references at: https://talentdrive.co.uk/

“I think we don't always realise that we have a reputation with our suppliers, just like a company will have a consumer brand.”

Consumer branding is a standard aspect of any business that’s well documented - lesser considered but equally important, however, is the prospect of your supplier branding.

Presenting yourself to potential suppliers for a partnership is a skill, one in which Cameron Holder is highly proficient. 

Having recently departed his role as Head of Commercial & Procurement at Nando's, Cameron joins Martin this week to share their approach to supplier relationships, how to win over pickier suppliers, and how to nurture a relationship that works for everyone.

This episode of Talent Talks covers:

• How supplier branding plays a huge role in the partnerships you can make
• Ways to win over the suppliers who may be in demand, and are more picky about who they work with
• Nando's’ journey to taking a more consistent baseline approach to engaging with suppliers
• The human element of procurement, and avoiding the conflation of being nice with being ‘soft’

Links and references at: https://talentdrive.co.uk/

“In general when you're buying services, it won't have such a complex supply chain. But in terms of what you're buying, it's infinitely more complex.”

Pinpointing the value of procured services on more metrics than pure cost is an issue worth solving, given the trillions in annual global spend that go towards services procurement.

Zivio are leading the way with their SaaS platform - their CEO Jonny Dunning is our guest on Talent Talks this week discussing how technology is altering the procurement landscape.

We dive into digitisation attracting talent, automation allowing higher level strategies to be employed, why data is power, and much more.

This episode of Talent Talks covers:

• Trends in perception of procurement, currently seen as a relatively young function
• Growing sophistication in the design of procurement roles
• The talent shortage, and how candidates recognise digitisation regardless of category
• Consistent demand for automation, visibility and control
• The evolving landscape of procurement, with its increasing focus on data

This episode of Talent Talks is sponsored by Nutral. Through their neutral vendor managed service, Nutral offers an easier, streamlined way to achieve better fulfilment, improved quality, 100% visibility & control of expenditure, less risk, and bottom-line savings. They place the interests of customers first when selecting suppliers – every time. Find out more at https://nutral.uk/ or https://www.linkedin.com/company/nutralsolutions/

“The common element is very similar between organisations. What you need to understand is the environment you're working within, the stakeholders that you have and their agendas.”

Between impressively varied roles at Fulham FC, Harrods & and Allianz, Nick Brazier is evidence that when you understand your environment, third party management demands a similar skillset.

Having now set up a third party management function at Close Brothers, Nick joins us on Talent Talks to break down the fine balance between risk management and agility, the need for a properly structured team, and how our industry can act to improve the talent pool.

This episode of Talent Talks covers:

• Balancing risk management with agility and entrepreneurialism
• Creating a 3rd party management framework with buy-in across the organisation
• The need for a properly structured team, making the most of everyone’s skill sets
• Talent acquisition, and what the industry can do to attract more great candidates

This episode of Talent Talks is sponsored by Nutral. Through their neutral vendor managed service, Nutral offers an easier, streamlined way to achieve better fulfilment, improved quality, 100% visibility & control of expenditure, less risk, and bottom-line savings. They place the interests of customers first when selecting suppliers – every time. Find out more at https://nutral.uk/

Links and references at: https://talentdrive.co.uk/

“How do you make sure that sustainability is not a compliance play, it's not a nice-to-do and a tick box? Put it right in your business strategy.”

From Simon King’s eventful early career, to his hugely influential endeavours in the sustainability world now, he’s amassed experiences to inspire us all to embrace the green agenda.

Whether it’s making the huge leap in efficiency through electric vehicle use, or promoting sustainability throughout your supply chain, this week’s episode of Talent Talks has tips for us all to make that essential change.

Find out why it’s more important to roughly understand your impact than spend time on the minutia, how ‘Do, Lead, Deliver’ drives Mitie’s approach, and more in this 2nd part of a fascinating conversation with Simon.

This episode of Talent Talks covers:

• The key differences between sustainability & ESG
• How a sustainable links into attracting talent
• Mitie’s ‘Do, Lead, Deliver’ approach to sustainability
• Promoting a green approach through to suppliers
• How EVs can massively improve a fleet’s end-to-end efficiency

This episode of Talent Talks is sponsored by Nutral. Through their neutral vendor managed service, Nutral offers an easier, streamlined way to achieve better fulfilment, improved quality, 100% visibility & control of expenditure, less risk, and bottom-line savings. They place the interests of customers first when selecting suppliers – every time. Find out more at https://nutral.uk/

Links and references at: https://talentdrive.co.uk/