“Once you have a job keep learning and be curious about other roles in the organisation that you might enjoy”
Your Loughborough Story
- Can you tell us about your memories of your time at Loughborough Grammar School?
Lots of fond memories – 500 year anniversary trip to London, French trips, Mr Wietzel’s maths lessons, Geography with Mr Griffiths, volunteering.
2. How did your time at Loughborough Grammar School influence your life and career?
It gave me the confidence and the transferable skills to excel in the workplace over the last 30 years.
4. How would you describe school in three words?
Enjoyable, challenging and memorable
Alumni Career Wisdom
- What led you to choose your career path?
My economics degree and then summer placement with Boots. I was then successful getting on a graduate trainee programme with Peugeot.
- Could you provide an outline of your job role?
I lead the hospitals cost saving programme (£99.1m 26/27). This involves working with colleagues across the hospital to help find cost savings and opportunities to improve the way we work.
- What are your career highlights?
My progress from a graduate trainee in procurement at PSA Peugeot Citroen to running procurement teams at Severn Trent and then in the NHS. I have particularly enjoyed working at the University Hospitals of Leicester and for the last ten years leading one of the largest, and most successful, cost saving programmes in the NHS.
- What’s one piece of advice you would give to current pupils thinking about entering a similar role to yourself?
Procurement is generally an under-rated yet fascinating profession. It offers scope to work across totally different sectors and I have personally enjoyed the variety and challenge it has offered.
It has helped me progress in to my current productivity role, however there are also lots of other routes into NHS management, including the NHS Graduate Trainee programme. I have however also seen colleagues progress to very senior roles from simply joining in admin and clerical roles and proving their worth.
- What job search tips would you give to pupils looking for a career in your industry?
The NHS provides a wide variety of opportunities for students. There is the graduate trainee route however failing that there are plenty of opportunities to join the NHS and progress to very senior roles.
- What are the key skills you need for your job role/to work in your industry?
Transferable skills – teamwork, problem solving, communication and resiliance.
Good analytical and IT skills (including excel, word and PowerPoint).
Basic to good financial awareness.
Final notes
- What ambitions would you still like to realise?
I have recently become trustee of the Healthcare Supplies Association and would like to become a Non Executive of an NHS Trust in the future.
- Do you have any advice for current pupils/graduates who don’t know what to career path to follow?
Not to panic, try a few roles and learn what you enjoy / don’t enjoy at work. Once you have a job keep learning and be curious about other roles in the organisation that you might enjoy. It is often easier and safer to move and develop in your existing organisation than to leave.
3. Do you have any hobbies that keep you busy in your spare time?
Football, family history and writing – I have just written my first book!
