18 March 2010 | Steve Johnson
Steve Johnson, head of global procurement and supply chain management at Prosafe Offshore, is fired up by his job
Using my skills
At Prosafe Offshore [an oil rig company] I am overseeing the
newly centralised contracts, procurement and logistics functions. It involves mixing my academic background with practical experience. It’s no good being able to quote the material structure of a pair of laces if you can’t even tie them together.
Give something back
I have been working with Oil & Gas UK, CIPS and skills organisation the Oil & Gas Academy (OPITO) on a training infrastructure for people who work, or want to work, in supply chain management in the industry.
The sector needs to make it straightforward for people in or considering the profession to find out where they are, where they want to be and how they can get there. The industry is changing and we need to keep up.
Changing perceptions
The procurement function is becoming more integrated with the commercial and logistics functions in the oil and gas industry. It is satisfying to see the penny drop when people realise that these functions are not just about placing orders and moving boxes.
The worst piece of advice I have ever been given is ‘don’t move into procurement or logistics because it is boring and there are no prospects’.
Listen more, talk less
The biggest mistake I made was forgetting to involve the end user in a procurement decision-making process. Every part of my career
has served a purpose, even the mistakes. All experience counts from the shop floor to the boardroom - learn as much as you can about the job you do.
I have learnt to listen more and talk less because we are there to provide a service and do the best for our internal client and business.
CV: Steve Johnson
Career history:
2010-present:
Head of global procurement and supply chain management, Prosafe Offshore
2007-2010:
Supply chain manager, Bibby Offshore
2006-2007:
Procurement and logistics manager, Sonsub
2003-2006:
Various consultancy and supply management roles
Education:
MSc in purchasing and supply chain management
Hobbies: Amateur dramatics, golf
Favourite film: Shawshank Redemption
Favourite TV show: Only Fools and Horses
Guiltiest pleasure: Nobby’s Nuts
Most treasured possession: My late father’s wedding ring
