Episode show notes
“Procurement was once the gatekeeper to the marketplace. Technology speeds up how we do things, and brings the external market to internal stakeholders.”
The one defence we have against extinction of any kind is adaptation. It might be drastic to suggest procurement is on the brink of extinction, but it certainly needs to adapt…
Whether it’s in the attraction of new talent or moving away from gatekeeping suppliers, Thames Water’s David Wylie has seen first hand the power of shifting focus and making changes.
David joins us for Talent Talks this week to share key learnings from roles in TfL & Centrica, how to deliver meaningful social value, and the three most important words in procurement.
This episode of Talent Talks covers:
- How the procurement industry needs to shift to stay relevant
- Evolving observations in procurement talent
- The power of bringing ‘relentless insight’ into your business
- Operating in environments with very different regulatory challenges
- Delivery of social value at Thames Water
Episode highlights
“Procurement was once the gatekeeper to the marketplace. We’ve seen technology speed up how we do things, and bring the external market to our internal stakeholders.” – 2:30 – David Wylie
“I didn’t know anything about trains when I moved to TfL, or boilers when I joined British Gas. With curiosity and inquisitiveness, that can all be learned, but the core skills are the same.” – 8:25 – David Wylie
“What I’ve learned over time is that people have many different ways, and your job really is to be at the back of the boat just course correcting, rather than being at the front of the boat with a drum and a whip.” – 15:45 – David Wylie
“We held a supplier conference actually fairly early on when I joined. You can be the person that says ‘I’ve got no legacy so you can be as honest as you like, just tell me what you think’.” – 25:40 – David Wylie
“Over the last 4-5 years, I get more questions in the interview stage from candidates about social value and ESG. People are more interested in joining organisations that are doing those sorts of things.” – 36:40 – David Wylie
“The three most important words in procurement are ‘Did you know…’ – bringing people insights and things they don’t know is what builds traction.” – 39:05 – David Wylie
Links & references
David Wylie, Commercial & Procurement Director at Thames Water – https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-wylie-a9261b25/
Thames Water – https://www.linkedin.com/company/thames-water/ https://www.thameswater.co.uk/
Martin Smith, Founder & Director of Talent Drive – https://www.linkedin.com/in/martinsmith2009/
