On this episode, Ben Farrell MBE, discusses his journey from a 23-year military career to becoming the CEO of CIPS. 

He shares insights on leadership, the importance of emotional intelligence, and the challenges and opportunities in the procurement profession. 

Ben emphasises the need for CIPS to evolve and better represent procurement professionals globally, while also highlighting the importance of creating a supportive environment for career development in procurement. 

They explore the challenges and opportunities facing procurement professionals today, particularly in the context of global supply chains and the integration of AI. Additionally, the conversation touches on Ben’s involvement with the Invictus Games Foundation.

Some of the key moments during this podcast include:

Ben Farrell joined CIPS to drive change in procurement.

Human emotion plays a crucial role in leadership effectiveness.

Transitioning from military to civilian life can be challenging but rewarding.

CIPS has the potential to be a global leader in procurement.

Ben aims to make CIPS more inclusive and relevant to all stages of a procurement career.

The future of procurement requires adapting to changing global dynamics. 

Marketing the procurement profession is crucial for attracting new talent.

Procurement must shift from a process-oriented mindset to a strategic one.

Global supply chains require resilience and adaptability in the face of disruptions.

The Invictus Games Foundation supports the recovery of wounded servicemen and women.

Talent in procurement is about finding the right fit for individuals.

Continuous improvement is essential for professional bodies to remain relevant.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Ben Farrell

01:15 Early Career and Military Background

04:37 Leadership Lessons from the Army

08:00 Transitioning from Military to Civilian Life

12:17 Experiences at John Lewis

15:33 Becoming CEO of CIPS

18:40 Global Perspectives on Procurement

20:17 Challenges and Opportunities for CIPS

25:26 Marketing the Procurement Profession

30:11 The Future of Procurement

34:22 Navigating Challenges in Procurement

38:50 Global Supply Chains

43:01 Invictus Games Foundation

45:58 Defining Talent in Procurement

In this episode, Martin Smith interviews Richard Evans, Executive Commercial Director for NHS Supply Chain. 

Richard shares valuable insights from his extensive career in procurement, discussing his transition from consultancy to the NHS, the importance of purpose in his work, and the challenges faced by the NHS Supply Chain. 

He emphasises the need for collaboration, effective team management, and the evolving landscape of procurement, particularly in the healthcare sector. 

Richard also reflects on his career and the skills he values in procurement talent, concluding with quickfire questions about his inspirations and views on the future of procurement.

Takeaways

Collaboration and people management are key to successful procurement.

Integrating previously separate organisations into one cohesive unit has been a challenge for the NHS Supply Chain.

Value-based procurement is essential for improving patient outcomes.

Richard advocates for a people-first approach in leadership.

Adaptability and agility are crucial in the ever-changing landscape of healthcare.

The future of procurement is pivotal, with a focus on innovation and technology.


Chapters

00:00 Introduction

02:55 From Consultancy to NHS Supply Chain

05:49 Purpose in Procurement

09:10 Challenges in NHS Supply Chain

12:05 Team Management

15:02 Change in the NHS

17:52 Qualities in Procurement Talent

21:13 Future of Procurement

24:02 Reflections on Career

26:47 Quickfire Questions

On this episode, Fraser McBeth, Procurement Director at Volta Trucks, shares his journey from working in established OEMs to leading procurement in a startup environment. 

He discusses the unique challenges faced during the transition, particularly during the company's bankruptcy, and how he navigated these difficult times while maintaining team morale and supplier relationships. 

Fraser emphasises the importance of building a high-performance culture, adapting to technological changes, and fostering open communication within the team. 

He reflects on the lessons learned throughout this journey and offers insights for others considering a similar path in the startup world.

Takeaways

Startups require a different mindset and approach than established companies.

Navigating cash flow is crucial in a startup environment.

Building strong supplier relationships can provide access to valuable technology.

Creating a high-performance culture involves continuous improvement and engagement.

Transparency with the team fosters trust and resilience.

Adapting to technological advancements is necessary for competitiveness.

Flexibility in work arrangements can enhance talent acquisition.

Leadership during tough times requires a balance of support and accountability.

Learning from experiences in a startup can shape future career paths.


Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Volta Trucks

02:46 From OEM to Startup

06:08 Bankruptcy

11:51 Leadership in Crisis

17:57 Building a High-Performance Culture

24:00 Supplier Relationships

30:07 Reflection and Future Outlook

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 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 

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 

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 

On this episode of the Talent Talks Podcast, Martin talks to Jonathan Wharfe, Director of Procurement and Commercial Operations at Transport for London.

Jonathan shares insights from his extensive career in procurement. He emphasises the importance of building communities, listening to stakeholders and fostering a culture of trust and collaboration. 

Jonathan discusses the evolution of procurement practices, the impact of AI and the need to address geopolitical challenges. 

He also highlights the significance of talent management and the necessity of changing the narrative around procurement to attract new talent.

Takeaways

·       Listening is crucial for building trust in teams.

·      Culture should be developed collaboratively with teams.

·      Dyslexia can be a unique advantage in problem-solving.

·      AI will enhance procurement processes and decision-making.

·       Procurement must adapt to geopolitical challenges.

·       The narrative around procurement needs to be improved.

·      Mentorship plays a vital role in career development.


Chapters

00:00 Building Communities in Procurement

02:53 The Importance of Listening

06:12 Cultural Transformation

08:56 Career Transitions and Mentorship

12:12 The Evolution of Procurement Practices

14:56 AI

17:48 Geopolitical Challenges in Procurement

21:08 Talent in Procurement

24:01 Changing the Narrative

26:48 Advice for Aspiring CPOs

On this episode of the Talent Talks Podcast, Martin speaks with Suzanna Hinnell, Operations and Marketing Director at 4C Associates, about B Corp and its impact on sustainable business practices. 

They discuss the certification process, the importance of ethical business, and how B Corp helps attract talent and engage clients.

Suzanna shares her personal passion for sustainability and how businesses can implement sustainable practices to help create a better future.

The Key Areas of Conversation in this Podcast Episode with Suzanna Hinnell were;

+ B Corp certification focuses on sustainable and responsible business practices.

+ 4C Associates aims to be a force for good in the consultancy space.

+ The certification process requires significant documentation and policy implementation.

+ Sustainable travel practices are essential for reducing carbon footprints in consultancy.

+ Engaging employees in sustainability initiatives enhances team cohesion.

+ B Corp certification helps attract talent who are passionate about sustainability.

+ B Corp certification provides a framework for ethical decision-making.

+ The future of B Corp may depend on evolving legislation and societal expectations.

Chapters
00:00 - Introduction to B Corp
02:49 - The Importance of B Corp
06:05 - B Corp Certification Process
08:50 - Sustainable Travel Practices
12:10 - Sustainability and Ethics
15:02 - Attracting Talent with B Corp
17:52 - Competition in Consultancy
21:08 - Client Engagement in Consultancy
24:04 - Challenges and Opportunities of B Corp Certification
26:56 - Future of B Corp

In this special episode of the Talent Talks podcast, we have a new host, Warren Munson, founder of Evolve and The Evolve to Succeed Podcast interview our normal host Martin Smith, about his journey as an entrepreneur and running a recruitment group of businesses. 

Martin shares his early experiences in recruitment, the challenges he faced during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the growth of his company, Talent Drive. He discusses his aspirations to be a market disruptor and his passion for the procurement community. 

Martin also talks about the expansion of Talent Drive into the accountancy and finance sector with the launch of Talent Finance. He reflects on the growth and success of Talent Drive over the past four years. He emphasises the importance of focusing on the quality of people and building a trusted and valued team. 

Martin discusses the future of the recruitment industry, highlighting the need for adaptability to technology and the rise of ESG and sustainability. He also shares insights on fostering a positive culture and transparent communication within a remote business. He envisions the future of Talent Drive as a growing international presence with a focus on diversification and a one-stop-shop service offering.

Here are the key takeaways from this episode of the Talent Talks Podcast:

• Starting a recruitment business can be challenging, but with perseverance and a competitive spirit, it is possible to succeed.
• During the COVID-19 pandemic, Talent Drive faced significant challenges, but by pivoting their approach and doubling down on marketing, they were able to overcome the obstacles.
• Talent Drive aims to be a market disruptor in the recruitment sector by focusing on building relationships, providing thought leadership, and championing the procurement community.
• The expansion of Talent Drive into the accountancy and finance sector with Talent Finance allows the company to diversify its revenue stream and better serve clients in the procurement community. 
• Focus on the quality of people and building a trusted and valued team.
• Foster a positive culture through trust, transparency, and open communication.

Chapters

00:00 - The Journey of an Entrepreneur

10:02 - The Itch to Start Something Myself

19:15 - Scary, Exciting, and Fun: Early Days of Talent Drive

23:24 - Being a Market Disruptor: Building Relationships and Providing Thought Leadership

25:49 - Expanding into New Horizons: Talent Drive's Venture into Accountancy and Finance

26:18 - Building a Trusted and Valued Team

27:47 - Opportunities and Potential in Finance

29:41 - Shifting Focus from Numbers to Quality of People

30:05 - Creating a Great Business that Serves Customers

33:26 - Balancing Work and Personal Life

35:24 - Being Present and Grounded

37:17 - Thriving in the Recruitment Industry

41:37 - Adapting to Technology in Procurement

42:59 - Emotional Intelligence in Recruitment

43:56 - Fostering a Positive Culture in a Remote Business

48:42 - The Future of Talent Drive: International Expansion and Diversification

50:58 - Defining Success: Working with People Who Want to Work with You

In this episode Martin Smith interviews Emir Allen, the Managing Director of Talent Finance. 

They discuss Emir's background in the accountancy and finance world, the challenges and opportunities in the profession and the current landscape of the market. 

They also touch on the importance of embracing technology and focusing on value-add, as well as the role of ESG in business. 

Emir provides advice for hiring managers and shares the plans for Talent Finance in 2024.

Takeaways

●      The accountancy and finance profession offers both challenges and opportunities in the current market.

●      Embracing technology, such as automation and AI, can improve efficiency and effectiveness in the industry.

●      ESG should be a vital part of businesses, attracting investors and employees.

●      Hiring managers should prioritize the hiring process, assess gaps in their teams and prioritise attitude over technical ability.

●      Talent Finance plans to partner with clients in the finance landscape to support their needs and add value.

In this episode of the Talent Talks Podcast, our host Martin Smith speaks to Shifa Nasir, a procurement recruitment consultant at Talent Drive. 

Shifa discusses the power of networking and the current trends in the real estate and property market. 

Shifa shares her insights into the procurement industry and offers advice for candidates looking for new roles. 

She also discusses the importance of branding and marketing oneself in the procurement field.

Takeaways

• Networking is a powerful tool for building connections and staying up to date with industry trends.
• Candidates should focus on creating a strong CV and building their presence on platforms like LinkedIn to stand out from the crowd.
• Procurement professionals should consider hosting events and participating in podcasts to amplify their voice and share their knowledge.
• The real estate and property market is seeing opportunities for technology integration, supply diversity and localization of suppliers.
• Hiring managers should have a clear idea of the role they are hiring for and involve relevant team members in the interview process.

To learn more about Talent Drive, visit their website on www.talentdrive.co.uk

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

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/.

“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/.