Author: Paula Page

Breaking Barriers, Building Futures: Women in Procurement

Posted on by Paula Page

Procurement is no longer just about numbers, contracts and negotiations, it’s about strategy, leadership and breaking new ground. Women in procurement are shaping industries, driving innovation and redefining what it means to be a leader in a traditionally male-dominated space. That’s exactly why I created Levelling Up – A podcast about Women in Procurement! A platform to share the stories of the women who are pushing the boundaries of what is possible in procurement.

Through conversations with incredible women from various industries, this podcast uncovers the realities, challenges and triumphs of procurement professionals. Whether it’s navigating complex pharmaceutical supply chains, leading sustainability initiatives, or leveraging technology for procurement transformation, each episode brings powerful insights from those who have paved their way in the field.

One of the recurring themes in these conversations is strength. Take Sarah Allison, for example, who shared how precision and compliance define pharmaceutical procurement, where balancing regulatory demands with supply chain efficiency is a daily challenge. In a different but equally demanding space. Claire Humphreys highlighted the evolving world of print procurement, emphasising adaptability in an industry undergoing digital transformation. Meanwhile, Amy Myres spoke about the housing sector, where procurement plays a critical role in community-driven projects and sustainable building initiatives.

Savita Mace brought a fresh perspective in procurement, discussing the importance of navigating uncertainty in global supply chains. She highlighted how staying agile and proactive is key to mitigating risks and ensuring smooth procurement operations. Similarly, Natasha Brown underscored the significance of supplier diversity and inclusion, emphasising how procurement professionals have the power to drive equity and social impact through responsible sourcing.

Another key takeaway is the importance of relationships. Rebecca Howard reinforced that procurement is not just about transactions, it’s about partnerships. Trust, collaboration and ethical sourcing are essential to creating long-term success. Karen Julien also explored this theme, sharing how strategic alliances and cross-functional teamwork enhance procurement’s impact across business functions.

Sustainability and innovation also took centre stage. Kate Jay made it clear that responsible sourcing isn’t just a trend, it is a necessity. Her insights into integrating sustainability into procurement strategies serve as a guide for professionals looking to make ethical decisions without sacrificing efficiency. Meanwhile, Jenna Wallis addressed the role of technology, from AI-driven analytics to blockchain transparency, in shaping the future of procurement. Staying ahead of digital advancements is no longer optional, it is essential for success.

Leadership and mentorship are crucial in this journey. Paula Merrigan’s perspective on mentorship as a game-changer resonated strongly having the right guidance can open doors and shape careers. Natalia Pickett reinforced this with her insights on procurement leadership, highlighting the vision and influence needed to drive meaningful change. As Elizabeth Matthews pointed out, the future of procurement will continue to evolve with ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) considerations taking a central role.

Hosting these conversations has been both inspiring and eye-opening. Levelling Up isn’t just about sharing stories, it is about fostering a community that supports, uplifts and empowers women in procurement. These leaders prove that when women support each other, challenge norms and embrace leadership, the entire industry benefits.

For those looking to grow in procurement, whether you are starting out or striving for the next level, these stories offer invaluable lessons. Through resilience, relationships, innovation and leadership, we can continue breaking barriers and building a future where women thrive in procurement.

It has been truly humbling to see Levelling Up recognised on James Meads’ list of Top 50 Procurement Podcasts. This acknowledgment is a testament to the incredible women who have shared their journeys with us and the powerful conversations we have had along the way. Being featured among such impactful voices in procurement reinforces our commitment to championing diversity, amplifying female leadership and continuing to break barriers in this ever-evolving field.

Thank you to everyone who’s been part of this journey, we are just getting started.

Stepping into a New Role: A Note to the New Finance and Procurement Leaders

Posted on by Paula Page

Over the last 20 years, I’ve worked closely with procurement teams across industries, helping them build the right resourcing strategies, navigate moments of transformation and drive clarity in times of chaos. As a procurement resourcing specialist, my role goes far beyond resourcing. It is about truly understanding a client’s goals and building solutions that help them gain control and confidence in their procurement practices.

One of the most interesting times in any organisation is when a new leader steps into a senior procurement or finance role. Whether you are a Head of Procurement, Finance Director or CPO, those first few months are filled with both opportunity and pressure. You are trying to get an understanding on what you have inherited, align quickly with business objectives and demonstrate early wins, all while building trust with your new team and internal stakeholders.

But this transition is not always smooth.

What I have seen time and again is that new leaders often walk into roles where supplier management lacks transparency. Contracts are scattered across inboxes and folders, and there is no clear view of supplier performance or risk. You might find expired contracts still in use, suppliers who have not been evaluated in years or even data that lives on spreadsheets but tells you very little. Without visibility, it is difficult to make informed decisions. Yet those are the very decisions expected of you from day one.

Another common challenge is understanding where your procurement function sits on the maturity curve. Is the team strategic or have they been in firefighting mode for too long? Are processes being followed or are people just getting by with workarounds? You may also be surprised to find how disconnected procurement and finance are, especially when it comes to forecasting, savings visibility or spend tracking. These silos only become more pronounced when your systems do not speak to each other.

Another trap I have seen leaders fall into is underestimating the complexity of contracts. It is not just about what is signed, it is also about what is not being monitored. Missed deadlines, non-compliance with clauses, no clear audit trail… all of these can lead to operational risk or legal exposure that sits hidden until it becomes a crisis.

Then there is the external world which is unpredictable, with geopolitical tensions rising and tariffs shifting overnight. Your procurement strategy needs to be agile and your data must support fast decision-making. But when you are sifting through noise instead of insights, agility becomes wishful thinking.

Mistakes in the early days are understandable, but they can be costly. Prioritising cost-cutting over long-term value, delaying digital adoption for the sake of short-term firefighting or trying to fix people issues without first addressing process gaps, these are common and avoidable missteps.

That is where the BuyingStation comes in.

We built BuyingStation with one clear goal: to help leaders bring clarity and control to procurement, faster. It is a tech-enabled platform designed by procurement professionals who understand the realities you are walking into. From day one you gain access to a centralised view of your suppliers, contracts, risk assessments, savings pipeline and spend, all in one place. Whether you are identifying which suppliers are non-compliant or tracking savings against targets, the insights you need are right at your fingertips. This visibility allows you to move with greater agility, respond quickly to challenges and make confident decisions without delay.

The platform does not just give you data. It gives you direction. It helps you understand where your procurement function stands today and what levers you can pull to get to where you want to be. As the geopolitical climate continues to shift, BuyingStation supports agility by standardising processes, simplifying reporting and making procurement easier to manage across regions and teams.

As you settle into your new role, know that you do not have to do it all alone. We are here to be your partners, supporting you with flexible resourcing, strategic insight and a platform that turns complexity into clarity.

Because in procurement, the right start makes all the difference.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion in Action: Insights from Novo-K’s Webinar

Posted on by Paula Page

In the dynamic landscape of the modern workplace, the principles of Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI)  form the essential foundations for cultivating workplaces that are both equitable and progressive. The recent EDI in Action Webinar, that we hosted at Novo-K, brought together a dedicated community of professionals committed to turning words into tangible actions. We discussed the importance for substantial transformations within organisations, emphasising the urgency to create an inclusive workplace that goes beyond lip service, fostering a culture where diversity thrives, and everyone feels valued and empowered.

Our webinar featured insights from thought leaders shaping the landscape of Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion. We were privileged to have Madeleine Joubert, CPO at BDO, Harinder Bansal, Head of Procurement at Motability Operations and Laura Daniel, Head of Procurement at GWR, share their experiences. Their insights and personal experiences highlighted actionable steps for creating a more inclusive workplace, making the journey towards diversity more accessible and impactful for all.

Promoting Openness and Fairness

At the heart of their discussions was a simple yet powerful idea: honesty breeds trust. They stressed the importance of being upfront in job adverts, especially about pay. This transparency, they argued, sets a positive tone and helps tackle inequalities head-on. Additionally, they highlighted the importance of paying people fairly for the value of their work and providing thorough training to foster inclusivity. They celebrated the impact of having diverse leaders, not just for reflecting society but also for bringing fresh perspectives to the table.

Tackling Bias and Building Awareness

Another big topic was biases in the recruitment process. Instead of merely discussing biases, they called for action to confront and overcome them. Advocating for training programmes to help hiring managers recognise and address biases, they also championed the need for fair policies and frameworks to ensure everyone has an equal chance, regardless of their background. They emphasised the value of embracing individuals with disabilities and different perspectives, seeing it as an opportunity for innovation and success.

Leading with Accountability and Action

Accountability and proactive measures were also key themes. They stressed the importance of crafting job descriptions that are inclusive for all and actively seek out diverse candidates. Recognising the need to address the challenges faced by underrepresented groups, they called for educational outreach efforts to nurture diversity and break down barriers.

Navigating Parenthood, Procurement, and Education

Their discussions also touched on the challenges of balancing parenthood with career progression and the importance of spreading awareness in industries less familiar with EDI principles. They spoke about the need for support structures for working parents and the importance of teaching equality and inclusion from an early age.

Towards a More Inclusive Future

In summary, their insights highlighted a shared commitment to creating inclusive workplaces. By prioritising transparency, confronting biases, and taking proactive steps, organisations can pave the way for a future where diversity is celebrated and normalised as part of the everyday culture.

As we embrace these lessons and take action, we move closer to a world where everyone has an equal opportunity to succeed.