Name: Lauren Robinson
Position: Furniture Framework Manager
How long have you been working for YPO? 12 years
What do you like the most about YPO?
I like that YPO feels like a big family, especially with the support given to its employees.
I was 19 when I started at YPO, I started out working in the customer services team answering the phones and placing orders. I then progressed into a procurement assistant role which enabled me to study for CIPS. I am now fully MCIPS qualified and have progressed to my current role which I’ve always wanted to be in, and this is all thanks to the support YPO has given me.
What are your main responsibilities?
I currently look after the Office Furniture framework at YPO. My main responsibilities are to manage the framework through the procurement cycle which includes assisting customers who are using the framework through our added value service. This involves conducting mini competitions on their behalf from writing the document to evaluation, providing contract/product advise, helping with evaluating tenders and suppliers, drafting and proof-reading documents, writing clarification responses, award letters and contracts.
I also market the framework including prospecting for new customers and working in partnership with my suppliers, to ensure increased framework exposure.
What is the most challenging part of your job?
The most challenging part is understanding that all customers’ requirements are different dependant on many factors, and ensuring that I give the best advice to the customer that delivers the outcome they would like to achieve.
Describe your role in three words
Rewarding, exciting, challenging.
How did you get involved in procurement?
When I joined YPO I started in the customer services team, answering calls and placing orders. This enabled me to learn about furniture products to which I then progressed into a procurement assistant for furniture. Shortly after this I went on to become an assistant buyer.
I started helping the business manager and furniture buyer with tenders, producing the following year’s catalogue products and attending supplier meetings. I particularly loved the supplier management and tenders’ part of the job and knew I wanted to progress up the procurement ladder.
I am now a framework manager for a large YPO framework and I love that every day is different!
Tell us a bit about your procurement experience
Much of my procurement experience has been working in trading, assisting my business manager and buyers to produce catalogues and source products.
Working with my business manager and buyers who are knowledgeable and enthusiastic has helped me to develop my own procurement skills and get me to where I am now.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
I love to spend time with my husband and young daughter, going on weekends away and jetting off on holiday.
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