Head of Procurement Review

I currently oversee the Procurement team for Goods not for Resale. This involves issuing tenders, supplier management, contract negotiation. I look after a spend of £150m. My day to day work involves researching the market, comparison of tender bids, supplier meetings, ensuring we are getting the services we are paying for.

I have learnt a lot of new skills. Crafting organisational strategy was the biggest learning. I am currently undertaking the financial module and that has take me a lot about financial ratios and how to read financial statements to see if a supplier is in good financial health. The creating value module taught me how to map out changes which I have now used in my day to day job

I have really enjoyed it. I was dreading the financial module but the tutors have made it interesting and engaging so I have learnt a lot. I was expecting this module to be dry as it was a lot of maths but I can see how the learning from this will apply and help me in my day to day job

The modules by the individual tutors are well organised but the behind the scenes admin is not very well organised. We get information issued late, students are having to chase. I believe a lot of it is down to the high number of cohorts on the course and the university not having the resources to cope.

My line manager is very good and sets time aside for me to go through my learnings. I get one day off a week to concentrate on my MBA and work are flexible with me on my study days. If I have an assignment due, then I am allowed for this to take priority over work

As per my previous answer, the individual module tutors are very good but I have found when I have asked the support team additional questions, then haven't been as helpful. Again it is down to the excessive number of cohorts on the course so they haven't got the time to support you as they had for previous years

It has given me more tools and skills to apply to my day to day and review areas taking into account the bigger picture. The financial module has allowed me to interpret supplier financials in a better light to help understand if they are financially sound or whether we need a back up supplier as they are high risk

Yes as I work for a Coop we do a lot in the community. I am also an Ambassador for our Regional Community group and I look after the grants for the area. Work did offer sports activities but due to my disability I cannot take part in this. We also work with Business in the Community and Charity Partners

Yes

The Midcounties Cooperative puts the wellbeing of their colleagues as the upmost importance. They offer flexible & agile working. They take the time to ensure colleagues are supported. The live by their values and you get to support the community. They have varied trading groups (food, travel, childcare, funeral, healthcare, utilities) so you gain lots of experience in a variety of fields.

To be yourself. The colleagues are at the heart of the company. To learn the coop values and research the different cooperative societies. I would also suggest you understand the wider community impact and what the Society does with the profits. A coop society is very different to a plc.