In our latest edition of Women in Procurement, we’re excited to spotlight Nikki Rowbottom, a procurement leader with over 20 years’ experience across major construction projects, the Civil Service, and now consultancy. Having “fallen into” the profession after studying Economics and Management, Nikki has since helped deliver landmark infrastructure schemes and driven transformation across multiple government departments.
In this blog, Nikki shares her journey from London to North Yorkshire, her experiences balancing motherhood with a full-time career, and how supportive leadership and flexible working have shaped her path. She also reflects on the progress of gender diversity in the industry and why procurement remains a rewarding, relationship-driven career for women.
Can you tell us about your journey into procurement and how you got started in the industry?
Like many procurement professionals, I didn’t set out to build a career in the field – I fell into it. After completing an Economics and Management degree, I quickly realised that banking wasn’t for me, so I began applying for a wide range of graduate schemes in general management. I ultimately accepted a role with the Supply Chain team at Carillion, a major construction company – which still involved playing with numbers, just in a different context!
Over the following years, I moved between a number of large construction organisations and was fortunate to work on several flagship projects, including the M25 widening, the Olympic Park in Stratford, and Heathrow Terminal 5. I was surrounded by inspirational people who shaped not only my understanding of procurement, but also my leadership style, relationship-building, and people management skills.
When my husband and I relocated from London to the beautiful North Yorkshire countryside, I joined the Civil Service and began focusing on procurement transformation. During my time in public service, I worked across three major departments and agencies, leading teams through Covid, regulatory changes, implementation of category management, major construction procurements, and the introduction of social value into contracting. I helped move teams from competent to high-performing and truly came into my own as a leader and change-advocate.
In 2021, I transitioned into consultancy – and I haven’t looked back. I now apply my 22 years of procurement experience to help clients who need strategic insight and fresh thinking around spend, suppliers, policies, and operating models.
Have you faced any specific challenges as a women in procurement?
I’ve been very fortunate in being able to balance motherhood with a full-time career – something that remains one of the greatest challenges any parent will face. The post-Covid shift toward flexible and hybrid working has made this considerably easier.
Like many women, I have faced sexism and misogyny along the way. I choose not to dwell on those experiences, but to focus on what they taught me: that my voice matters, and I can use it constructively to challenge, influence, and advocate for better working cultures.
Do you feel the industry has changed in terms of gender diversity over the years?
Overall, yes – particularly in terms of visibility of senior women in procurement roles. That progress has been more pronounced in the public sector, which generally offers more family-friendly policies.
When I began my career, every Head-of and Director-level role I observed was held by a man. Today, I work alongside a mix of genders at senior levels, which is encouraging progress. However, I still see highly capable women hesitating to pursue promotions due to the additional workload and how it may conflict with responsibilities at home.
Are there any specific initiatives or networks that have supported you as a woman in procurement?
Interestingly, some of my strongest advocates have been male leaders who genuinely supported me as a working parent – never questioning when I needed to leave promptly or adjust for family commitments. That trust and flexibility fundamentally changes a parent’s ability to thrive professionally.
The public sector also provides excellent diversity networks. I helped establish the Defra Women’s Network in York because I felt returning mothers needed stronger support – especially while navigating sleep deprivation, childcare challenges, and reintegration into demanding roles.
Outside of work, I’m fortunate to have a solid support system. My husband shares the load equally, and my parents – despite living at the opposite end of the country – have always stepped in during holidays or periods when both of us needed to travel for work. Those models of shared responsibility deeply influenced how I approach career and family balance.
Why should women choose procurement as a career path?
There are so many reasons! The skills required in procurement – influence, empathy, strategic thinking, relationship-building – are incredibly transferable and valuable in all aspects of life.
Whether negotiating a multimillion-pound contract or bedtime routines, the same principles apply: preparation, emotional intelligence, communication, and collaboration. Procurement is fundamentally a discipline of relationships and trust – and women often naturally excel in these areas due to strengths in interpersonal connection and emotional insight.
It is a field where skill, not stereotype, shapes success – and one where women have immense potential to lead with impact.
We’re proud to feature Nikki in our Women in Procurement series – a space to share real experiences, celebrate female leadership, and inspire the next generation of procurement professionals.
Be sure to connect with Nikki on LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikki-rowbottom/
The views expressed are Nikki’s own and are not those of Talent Drive Ltd.
