I’d always wanted to create a unique recruitment business, one that rewarded relationships and set the highest possible industry standards. In October 2012 those dreams became reality and I’m very proud of what my talented team have achieved since then.
In a desire to do things differently and be more customer focussed I set up Procurement Heads in October 2012. I’ve been recruiting since 1998; I’m not saying I’ve been there and done that, but I suppose I’ve seen enough to know the best approach more often than not. Following my degree in History from Bristol University, I spent two years in Market Research – a firm grounding that helped me develop my analytical skills. I then joined a FTSE 250 global recruitment group and spent the best part of 14 years there, progressing to Director. Since 2005 I’ve focused purely on Procurement recruitment, building a detailed knowledge of the industry and some strong, hopefully, life-long relationships. For me, recruitment has always been about enabling businesses to work more effectively and challenging accepted norms.
Typical Procurement roles I recruit include Heads of Procurement and Procurement Directors, as well as Category Leads and Managers and Senior Category Managers.
Outside work I’m often found supporting my son’s sporting and creative endeavours and assisting in my wife’s growing business (where I’m allowed). Myself, I’m passionate about sport, both watching and playing, particularly cycling, rugby, cricket and golf, and try to compete as much as my body will allow. I’m also a great fan of mid-century furniture and travel.
Procure4Peace.org
Who is behind the creation of Procure4Peace and what are the organisation’s aims? Sammeli I will tell you how it started from my perspective but as you will hear later…
Procurement Recruitment Trends In 2021
Recruitment has never been busier. The profile of procurement and supply chain has never been greater. So, for specialist procurement recruiters, the last 12 months have been like shooting fish…
The Power of Retainers
During that time the UK – and the world – have gone through huge challenges, including: 2003 The invasion of Iraq 2008 Global Recession 2018 Brexit 2020 Covid-19 All of…
Latest employment data: Is the UK’s hiring crisis starting to stabilise?
The data, provided by the global leader in software for the staffing industry, Bullhorn, revealed a slight month-on-month dip in the number of new vacancies for both permanent and contract…
Recruitment market insight
How busy is the recruitment market at the moment? I don’t think you need to look too hard to get data that supports the belief that there is a lot…
The Big Interview with Erik Van Kampen
How did you get into procurement? It is quite a long boring story! I needed something to do after getting out of the US Airforce and I didn’t have any…
Candidates changing jobs saw big pay rises in December
The Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC) polled 400 recruitment and employment consultancies and found “substantial increases” in salaries. Hiring activity continues to rise sharply Recruitment consultancies registered further substantial increases…
Doing the right thing
Doing the right thing doesn’t have to be hard, but sometimes knowing what ‘doing the right thing’ means is. Of course, we always want to do the right thing for…
Procurement Heads bolsters industrial and interim offerings with two new hires
Procurement Heads, which was founded by Rupert Gaster in 2012, has seen continued growth throughout 2021 with three consecutive record-breaking quarters. Rupert said, “I’m delighted to welcome Jack Birch and…
5 questions you should ask your recruitment agency
There has been significant publicity around the war on talent over the last two to three months, and that is showing no real signs of abating as we head into…