How did you get started in the industry? Growing up I worked on weekend jobs with some really talented and enthusiastic amateur gardeners and fell in love with horticulture.
What advice would you give to others starting out? Be enthusiastic, don’t be afraid to ask questions and be passionate about everything.
What does your typical day involve? I have responsibility for many areas of procurement at Johnsons so my day is usually very varied and it also depends on the time of year. On a typical day during the season I’ll check my emails first thing and then deal with day-to-day operational issues, attend meetings with suppliers, work with the sales team and look at contract growth. I keep in regular contact with our suppliers and, as we get into late spring and summer, I try to get out and visit the nurseries we work with as well as potential suppliers.
What has been your biggest achievement at work? I am most proud of achieving MCIPS (member of the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply) while juggling the demands of a career and family life.
What are you working on at the moment? It is mostly day-to-day operational tasks at this time of the year.
What is the best aspect of your job? I get particular satisfaction from working on a large project and bringing it in on budget.
And the worst? It can be frustrating having to deal with issues caused by external sources that affect our customers.
What are your plans for the future? I want to continue maximising the benefits that strategic procurement can bring to our business.
How do you unwind after a hard day at work? I spend as much time as I can with my family. I love spending time in the garden, pottering in the borders or lying on the lawn in the sun. To keep a clear mind, I spend as much time as I can on my bike.
