How to build a Future Career in Procurement?

People-focused and entrepreneurial, I have over 2 decades of success across strategic sourcing, supply chain and business operations, and change management within hospitality, retail, and management consulting. I head procurement function at Choice Hotels and previously managed billion-dollar spend portfolios, complex cross-functional projects, and business transformation efforts optimizing revenues, identifying millions in cost savings, while driving supply chain excellence.

Could you provide an overview of your role and responsibilities within the company?

I oversee the teams that leading new supplier initiatives, negotiating property facing contracts, managing all the vendors and accompanying sponsorships, as well as coordinating the marketplace vendor floor for Choice’s annual convention.

“With the 2022 acquisition of Radisson, my team worked tirelessly to integrate our contracts, rationalize the combined vendor base, and drive value for hotels.”

In order to find the WIN-WIN-WIN, we must consistently balance the requirements of our franchisees, our qualified vendor community, as well as, reach our financial goals while managing our corporate stakeholders. With the 2022 acquisition of Radisson, my team worked tirelessly to integrate our contracts, rationalize the combined vendor base, and drive value for hotels.

What would you say are some of the futuristic trends that will have an impact in the next 18-24 months?

Within hospitality, it seems like there will be a continued focus on M&A activity which means procurement departments will be tasked with refining their processes, cutting duplicative expenses, and further leveraging their scale.

What advice would you give to young professionals who are interested in pursuing a similar career, and what qualities do you think are essential for success in this field?

Empathy and understanding and analysis of business stakeholder needs will be integral to a future career in procurement. The quick ability to pivot and stay ahead of trends will continue to be important- some parts of our jobs will be automated by AI, so professionals will have to focus on and hone in the human aspects of their jobs.