“If you treat the company’s money like your own, you will have a great career in purchasing”Those were the words my first mentor told me 25 years ago and with that attitude I found myself climbing the ladder. No easy route though, I have had some amazing up’s. Presenting to a board of directors that you have achieved millions in cost savings while maintaining the quality standards we deserve, to having to report that the supplier that I thought I knew, and spent years developing relationships with, goes into administration.It can be tough, but a great challenge.Purchasing has moved on in the past ten years. It’s about relationship building, understanding your supplier & developing your team to be as passionate as you are. What is the point in pushing your supplier and cutting their margins so fine they can’t cope with fluctuating customer demands. Instead of beating them up on price, how about we think more about investing in modern techniques, how we can make product better ensuring we can both share the benefit.I have worked from large corporate companies to a small family business. From having a team of one to a team of ten, my methodology is the same but always ready to listen too. You will find me the quiet one in meetings- not because I have nothing to say (quite the opposite actually) but I will be taking in what everyone is saying. Learning from your peers, listening and developing ways to get better as a team is my ethos. My journey is continuing........