I joined Smiths in June 2022 as a Procurement Category Manager looking after Technology contracts. In September 2022 I was promoted to Head of Procurement. As well as managing a great team of procurement professionals based in Rowan House, I have the opportunity of visiting our DC’s regularly. Each day can look very different depending on the projects we are focussing on at that time.
I regularly attend Steering Committee and Programme Board meetings to understand upcoming requirements that may involve our suppliers and to ensure the appropriate contractual arrangements are in place. I am responsible for tendering and placing more complex or high-value contracts, such as those relating to our Warehouse Management System.
A significant part of my role involves negotiating with suppliers on commercial terms, legal conditions, and pricing, while also building and maintaining strong, trusted relationships. Our team works closely with every function across the business, and maintaining effective internal partnerships is just as important as managing our external supplier relationships.
In particular, I work closely with our Legal team and Finance Business Partners. Together, we help ensure that internal governance processes are followed and support stakeholders across the organisation to engage the right teams at the right time throughout the contracting process.
