20. The Evolution of ProcureTech w/ Stephen Day, CPO at Kantar.

This episode, we’re joined by Stephen Day, CPO of Kantar and an accomplished international executive with expertise in operations management, supply chain purchasing, and multi-country transformation and change. Stephen shares with us the lessons that he’s learned in his 30-year career in Procurement at organisations such as Rolls Royce, Phillips, T-Mobile, and Vodafone, and how he’s witnessed the evolution of ProcureTech and its impact on creating end-to-end value for businesses.

(01:59) - What exactly does Sourcing & Procurement mean to you?

(02:35) - Is Procurement & Sourcing always valued in the business as a value-adder?

(03:17) - Any tips for someone starting out in a leadership position in Procurement?

(05:35) - What made you decide to work in Procurement?

(08:20) - How does your role at Kantar differ from your previous roles in Procurement?

(12:08) - Have you seen Procurement technology shift during your career?

(14:00) - What’s something you know about ProcureTech today that you wish you knew earlier in your career?

(15:53) - How can a Procurement leader best encourage an org to adopt new technology?

(20:00) - What’s the process of going from a new business without any ProcureTech in place to where you are today?

(22:26) - What was it like to implement Procurement transformation during the COVID-19 pandemic?

(23:30) - Steve on diversity in Procurement and the Growth Mindset

(24:35) - Steve on the lessons he’s learned as a Procurement leader

(27:14) - How did your team face the challenges of maverick spend and redundant suppliers?

(29:20) - Have you seen a shift in diversity & inclusivity within Procurement? And has this resulted in more inclusive spend?

(32:28) - Steve’s Kodiak Moment quick-fire round