12 October 2010 | Angeline Albert

Guy Allen, vice-president of global procurement at Fujitsu, says procurement needs to continue integrating with the business  

Challenges of the job

Until recently the operation I managed at Fujitsu comprised 700 people. It was a challenge to motivate such a large group, where I had no chance of knowing everyone and the range of motivations was so broad.

Procurement path

I fell into procurement. I looked for jobs using my degree and obtained a role in the supply function at Ford. Once I started, I loved it.

Biggest career achievement

We (at Fujitsu) took the supply chain function from running at 42 per cent capacity (and potential closure), to 115 per cent (it was extended). Not only did we turn it into a successful part of the business, but we helped to secure the jobs of 250 people in the middle of the recession.

Thought for the day 

Take responsibility and fill a  vacuum if you see one. If you  find yourself thinking “why  don’t we do it differently?”, ask  yourself what you can do to  make things change.

Procurement makes a  difference to the organisation because two-thirds of what we buy is on behalf of our customers. If we get it wrong, we affect the pricing and service levels that our customers receive.

Successful buyer qualities   

The three most important  attributes are inquisitiveness, analysis and fortitude.

The future of procurement 

In five years’ time, I see the procurement profession continuing to integrate with the business. It needs to believe in itself and become a valued function in helping the organisation to achieve its strategic objectives.

Career changes

I would like to have met more film and rock stars, and I never did get to score that winning goal at Wembley.

CV: Guy Allen

Job history

2006 – present: Vice-president, global procurement, Fujitsu Services

2002 – 2006: Director, procurement, Abbey National Group

1992 – 2002: Head of purchasing, R&D; purchasing strategy manager, non-production; director of purchasing worldwide purchasing support; director of purchasing, Europe non-inventory; director, global IT procurement; GlaxoSmithKline

1986 - 1991: Roles including logistics planner and senior buyer, IBM UK 

1983 - 1985: Buyer and purchasing assistant, Ford 

Education 

Operational research BSc, Lancaster University

Song that sums up procurement: You Can’t Always Get What You Want - Rolling Stones

Favourite word: Globule, when spoken by Rowan Atkinson

Greatest fear: I am sure I have one but I avoid it by not thinking about it