Young Leaders in Procurement: Jennifer Francis

The Procurement Conversation

In this episode, Rich speaks to Jennifer Francis, Category Manager for Indirects at Thames Water.
Jennifer shares her journey into the procurement field, expressing her love for the diverse challenges and opportunities it offers, from building supplier relationships to formulating business strategies and negotiating commercial terms.
Jennifer talks about how she found her calling in procurement and discusses the daily dynamics of her role, the strategic importance of procurement in business, and the challenges faced within the field, such as stakeholder alignment and the evolving focus beyond cost savings to building strategic supplier relationships.
Jennifer emphasises the importance of integrity, ethical decision-making, and critical thinking as key skills in procurement. She reflects on her growth and achievements within her career, particularly her pride in becoming MCIPS qualified.
Looking ahead, Jennifer sees procurement playing a central role in business decisions and believes AI will enhance rather than replace procurement roles. She aspires to be recognised as a rounded procurement professional, capable of leading significant projects.
Jennifer offers advice to those considering a career in procurement, highlighting the importance of a supportive environment, effective management, and professional development through certification and continuous learning.