3 February 2011 | Sarah Ellis

Sarah Ellis, procurement director at BAA Airports, on the importance of understanding business needs.

My big break 

After a number of years in sales at Mars, I wanted to develop my commercial skills on the other side of the table. Mars was very supportive of this. I became a services buyer at the Pedigree Petfoods division of Mars. My big career break came when I joined the BBC as head of commodity and services procurement.
 
The day job  

At BAA I am responsible for the department’s strategic direction and its business deliverables. I manage 41 people and more than £1 billion procurement spend.

Biggest career achievement

Attaining CIPS Gold Accreditation for the BBC. On a more personal level, being made a CIPS fellow in 2007. It’s a great honour to be recognised by one’s peers.

How I work with internal departments to reshape procurement 
Internally the team is more aligned to understand business needs to enable us to be a more intelligent client. For example, I now have a dotted line to our chief operating officer Nick Cullen.
Objectives and targets are agreed with the stakeholder and both parties sign up to these for shared responsibility.

How I work with suppliers to innovate in the supply chain 
Incentivise contracts – we are now looking towards award fees, whereby we financially reward good supplier performance.

Best careers advice

Aim high and you may get there, aim low and you definitely will.

Where I see the procurement function in five years?

More fully integrated into the organisation – helping to drive change rather than solely enacting it. Broader metrics being used to demonstrate procurement value – including revenue generation.

CV: Sarah Ellis

Job history

2010-present: Procurement director, BAA Airports
2005-2010: Head of sourcing, BBC
2001-2005: Head of commodities and services procurement, BBC
1999-2001: Procurement manager, Visa International (became procurement lead in 2000)
1987-1999: Various roles, Mars UK, including foodservice sales manager, services buying manager and franchise development manager

Education

BA English and Philosophy, University of Leeds

MBA in Strategy and Procurement

Favourite film: Shadowlands
Favourite TV show: Strictly Come Dancing
Guiltiest pleasure: Sampling new cocktails
Most treasured possession: My new wedding and engagement rings (lost the originals swimming)