Episode show notes
“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:
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- 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 stavertonconsulting.com.
Episode highlights
“I think procurement was interesting for me, because I was looking at firms that would give me an opportunity to travel. That combination of working at British Airways in procurement, I knew that I’d have lots of suppliers and stakeholders in different locations around the world.” – 2:35 – Rebecca Howard
“On the SRM side, there’s probably more data analysis involved, because the market landscape is very volatile.” – 9:00 – Rebecca Howard
“Our diverse suppliers give us access to communities and viewpoints that we may not already have. When we’re looking to reach out into those new areas, we need the suppliers who understand what it’s like from the underrepresented groups’ perspective, because those often are the groups that we’re looking to speak to.” – 14:05 – Rebecca Howard
“If we’re thinking about expanding to a certain location, and what are the planning implications, do we need to consider our carbon footprint to make sure that we can reduce mileage, or use electric vehicles to access those locations – the local suppliers are really outstanding in that space.” – 25:00 – Rebecca Howard
“Having SRM separate from procurement can almost be a relationship reset. SRM re-energises and brings a new impetus to the relationship.” – 31:10 – Rebecca Howard
“Regardless of whether you’re early-career or a seasoned supply chain professional, you’ve got to know your organisation’s strategy and priorities.” – 36:10 – Rebecca Howard
Links & references
Rebecca Howard – https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebeccahowardprocurementleadership/?originalSubdomain=uk
Martin Smith, Founder & Director of Talent Drive – https://www.linkedin.com/in/martinsmith2009/
