20 January 2011 | Steve Malone
Steve Malone, managing director of CEL Procurement, on the joys of making deals and making a difference to people’s lives.
My big break
I got into procurement while on a graduate training programme with AAH Pharmaceuticals. I found deal making to be the most enjoyable part of my work. This led me to focus on roles with a commercial slant, resulting in a category management position. My biggest career break was moving to Hays Information Management. This brought me into public sector procurement and made me realise the value of a strong and appropriate contract.
The day job
I am responsible for the strategic direction of the procurement services business in two key vertical markets – social housing and healthcare. Around 30 people work within CEL Procurement and we manage in excess of £150 million of spend.
Job satisfaction
I get most satisfaction when I identify how our people can add value to the supply chain and enable our customers to deliver services more efficiently.
Biggest achievement of my career
At Hays I worked with the Department of Trade and Industry to help them improve the quality of their miners’ compensation scheme. This enabled terminally ill miners to gain resolution to their compensation schemes to support their families. It felt amazing to be part of such an important outcome.
How the procurement function can improve
Many organisations have great procurement policies and endless meetings to make sure everything is in place. But often these organisations don’t bank the savings they make because of the challenge of implementing compliant procedures, standard specifications and contract adherence across complex businesses.
Where I see the procurement function in five years
At the top table in board rooms. I believe that organisations will work more collaboratively across sectors. As supply chains become more diverse and global, procurement will require a high skill set to manage and support a business’s competitive edge.
CV: Steve Malone
Job history
2008–present: Managing director, CEL Procurement Services
2007–2008: Head of UK commercial, 3M
2004–2007: Regional managing director for skills, A4e
2001–2004: Public sector contract director, Hays Information Management
1992–2001: Head of category management, AAH Pharmaceuticals
Favourite TV show: Top Gear
Most treasured possession: Golf clubs
Greatest fear: Everton being relegated
