The Procurement Conversation Rich Sains

In this episode of the Procurement Conversation, part of the Young Leaders series, Laurie Franquesa, Managing Principal at Argon & Co., shares her journey into procurement from a mechanical engineering background. 

Laurie discusses her career and the dynamic and strategic nature of procurement, her daily activities, and the challenges faced, such as being involved too late in processes. 

She outlines key skills for success in procurement, highlights the importance of continuous learning and feedback, and reflects on her moments of pride and growth. 

Laurie also discusses the future of procurement, focusing on cost efficiency, data analytics, AI, and sustainability. 

She offers advice for those considering a career in procurement and emphasises the need for strategic positioning of procurement alongside spreading awareness about its value beyond cost-cutting.

In this episode, Rich speaks to Jennifer Francis, Category Manager for Indirects at Thames Water. 

Jennifer shares her journey into the procurement field, expressing her love for the diverse challenges and opportunities it offers, from building supplier relationships to formulating business strategies and negotiating commercial terms. 

Jennifer talks about how she found her calling in procurement and discusses the daily dynamics of her role, the strategic importance of procurement in business, and the challenges faced within the field, such as stakeholder alignment and the evolving focus beyond cost savings to building strategic supplier relationships. 

Jennifer emphasises the importance of integrity, ethical decision-making, and critical thinking as key skills in procurement. She reflects on her growth and achievements within her career, particularly her pride in becoming MCIPS qualified. 

Looking ahead, Jennifer sees procurement playing a central role in business decisions and believes AI will enhance rather than replace procurement roles. She aspires to be recognised as a rounded procurement professional, capable of leading significant projects. 

Jennifer offers advice to those considering a career in procurement, highlighting the importance of a supportive environment, effective management, and professional development through certification and continuous learning.

In this episode of our Young Leaders series, Rich speaks to Ed Gamble, Digital Garage Manager at BP, who shares his journey into procurement, the evolving role of technology in procurement, and the importance of emotional intelligence and people skills in the field. 

Ed discusses how his team at BP's 'Garage' seeks innovative tech solutions to improve procurement processes, his accidental entry into the field post-university, and the fulfillment he finds in tackling diverse challenges and collaborating with a wide range of people. He highlights the shift towards digital transformation in procurement, emphasizing the need for investment in technology and the shift towards strategic relationships with suppliers. 

Ed also reflects on his career achievements, the value of graduate programs, and the importance of altering the perception of procurement to attract young talent into the field. 

Finally, Ed shares his approach to continuous learning and development, underscoring the crucial role of emotional intelligence and commercial acumen in procurement's future.

In this episode of the Procurement Conversation, part of the Young Leaders series, host Rich talks with Ann Dhondt, Category Manager at Vodafone Procurement and Procurement Manager at HANNDS'ON. 

Ann shares her journey into procurement, beginning with her creative endeavours in product management and sourcing in Asia. 

She expresses her love for the creativity and variability the field offers, emphasising how procurement isn't just about negotiation but also about fostering relationships, creativity, and dealing with various challenges. 

Ann talks about her optimism about the impact that AI will bring to procurement such as in automating administrative tasks. She also highlights the importance of soft skills and adapting to technology. 

Reflecting on her career, Ann appreciates the growth and challenges she's faced, including those related to gender in the workplace. 

Looking forward, she anticipates technological advancements in procurement and advises those interested in the field to embrace curiosity, value creation, and the dynamic nature of procurement. 

The episode concludes with thoughts on attracting more young people to the procurement profession through education and social media.

This week Rich speaks to Tim Snow, CPO at Inmarsat about enhancing the agility and efficiency of procurement.

Emphasising the importance of procurement taking a proactive and involved role from the onset of strategy development, the conversation highlights the necessity for procurement to be seen as a partner capable of driving quality, pace, and commercial thinking, rather than simply executing processes. 

Key topics include the importance of building meaningful stakeholder relationships, the role of agility in procurement, the balance between speed, compliance, and vendor relationships, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement and innovation within procurement teams. The dialogue further delves into strategic partnerships, the measurement of procurement success beyond cost savings, and the concept of '10x'ing procurement to vastly enhance its contribution to business strategy and outcomes.
00:25 Introduction to Procurement's Speed Challenge
00:46 Interview with Tim Snow: The Importance of Getting Things Done in Procurement
02:26 The Reputation and Agility of Procurement Teams
04:42 Strategies for Accelerating Procurement Processes
07:31 Balancing Speed, Agility, and Compliance in Procurement
15:55 Addressing Common Procurement Bottlenecks
21:14 Fostering a Culture of Innovation and Continuous Improvement
23:22 Leveraging Strategic Partnerships for Better Outcomes
27:00 Evaluating the Success and Impact of Procurement Initiatives
32:32 The Concept of 10x'ing Procurement for Future Success
35:39 Closing Remarks 

Procurement is the best job in the world. I’ve been privileged to work in it for the last 22 years and have loved every minute of it.
I’ve worked on great projects with fantastic people, and The Procurement Conversation podcast is my way of spreading the love and giving back.
I have seen how passionate and innovative teams can change the perception of procurement from an administration function to a visionary function, from obsessing over cost to delivering significant value, and from a systems and process oriented discipline to a human centric one.
And I want everyone to understand how they can also make this change.
On the podcast I speak to inspirational leaders and industry experts to find out what they are doing to advance the profession. In this latest series I am also talking to the CPOs of the future so we can spread the word to the next generation of professionals who may still be in schools or at university.
Please subscribe and give us a rating to ensure that as many people as possible join the mission.
Thank you.