Fourth Episode of the Procurement Initiative Leaders Podcast with Paul Howard

The Procurement Initiative Leaders Podcast

Join Richard and Martina as they sit down with industry leaders and experts to uncover the latest trends and insights in procurement, from exploring the transformative power of technology, data, digitization, and AI, to unravelling the complexities of leadership, competencies, and talent management. Discover strategies for cost reduction and value creation, gain a deeper understanding of the impact of inflation, the economy, and geopolitics, and learn how to build resilient supply chains while effectively managing risks. We also delve into the crucial topics of ESG and the circular economy, exploring their implications for procurement leaders.

Tune in to the Procurement Initiative Leaders Podcast to unlock the knowledge and expertise you need to stay at the cutting edge of the industry and drive meaningful change within your organization.

This podcast is available on Apple Podcast and Spotify.

About Paul Howard

Paul Howard serves as the Director of Global Indirect Procurement at National Grid, where he helms a team tasked with managing procurement for indirect services across both the UK and US sectors of the business. With a robust background in procurement, his experience is notably marked by a previous role as Chief Commercial Officer for the New Zealand Defence Force. This position highlighted his proficiency in overseeing intricate supply chains and cultivating strategic supplier relations on a global scale. Prior to these roles, Paul had a distinguished tenure within the UK civil service, ultimately leading procurement at the Department for Culture, Media and Sport. His approach is distinguished by a focus on strategic supplier management, risk mitigation, and the integration of ethical standards into procurement practices.

About the Host

Richard McIntosh, Partner at H&Z Management Consulting, has spent over 23 years helping procurement leaders succeed. Richard is an avid rugby fan, and a children's rugby coach, with a passion for helping children to become their best selves through sports. He spends his time outside of work with his wife and children.

Summary of Episode 4:

• Risk Identification and Mitigation: Discover how to pinpoint and address potential risks in your supplier relationships.

• Cybersecurity in Procurement: Gain insights on safeguarding procurement data from emerging cyber threats.

• Building Resilient Supply Chains: Understand the importance of and methods for developing strategic supplier partnerships and robust supply chains.

• Contingency Planning: Learn how to prepare effective contingency strategies for critical suppliers.

• Leadership in Procurement: Explore the skills necessary to lead modern procurement teams successfully.

• Enhancing Team Collaboration: Hear about the benefits of fostering a collaborative environment across procurement functions.