Even though many of our graduates will have progressed in their careers since completing a case study, they are still of interest to students who wish to gain an understanding of the world of work.

As Head of Business Intelligence I am responsible for the analytical function of Procure4. As a team we provide analytical support to our project teams involving spend analysis, tender analysis, scenario modelling, market & commodity intelligence and benefit tracking. The team also looks after our internal tools & processes, ensuring what we do is always best in class. This ranges from our project management tool and approach to our use of eProcurement software.

A typical day is hard to find in a consulting environment. Working across a number of client projects you get great exposure to different industries and markets. As Head of Business Intelligence can involve internal operations meetings, presenting information about project performance vs plan and current forecasts for return on investment, and the utilisation of our teams to drive efficiency in what we do.

A day can then also include project meetings and presenting scenarios for savings opportunities on the purchase of new Mannequins to a major high street retailer to pick just one example.

After that, there is just time to keep an eye on an auction we are running for a client. The strategy is all about compressing the pricing on the table from suppliers to give the client a greater choice of providers.

I really enjoy the challenge of managing a team, ensuring everyone is fully motivated and utilised across several projects. Juggling multiple responsibilities adds extra complexity, but that gives me the diversity I love about the job. We also ensure we take the time to celebrate successful projects, a great way to reflect and unwind with a great team.

Managing both client facing and internal workstreams is a challenge, both in terms of your own workload and that of the team.

There is also some complex analytical work required modelling scenarios for clients, which always tests your ability and excel knowledge. These kind of challenges are enjoyable though and when the business looks to you for expertise in these areas there is a great opportunity to build your own influence and profile amongst colleagues.

Working in consultancy is fast paced and varied, and the exposure to different clients in different industries certainly keeps you on your toes, forcing you to constantly adapt to different surroundings and ways of working.

The technical mathematical and analytical skills developed during my time in Sheffield have been useful from day one, as have the micro and macroeconomic principles that make the whole world function.

I also use further training done through my role such as negotiation and influencing, as well as 'softer' skills developed such as stakeholder management.

I am currently looking at taking a Prince2 project management course, in addition to negotiation skills courses I have also taken. Procure4 has always been supportive of training for employees and will always look to make time for this.

We also regularly hold internal training sessions led by subject matter experts within the business. It is useful training to lead one of these sessions as well as attending them.

Zurich Private Clients Insurance - September 2008 (2 months)
Administrator

Crimson & Co - November 2008 (6 months)
Business Analyst Intern Position

6 Months out - some travelling

Procure4 - January 2010 (3 Years)
Business Analyst

Procure4 - January 2013 - Present
Head of Business Intelligence

My options are still very much open, I can move into Industry in a buying or analytical role, or remain in a consulting environment in a category or project management type role.

Getting the first job is all about pro-activity. Having worked for a small firm for many years, these companies may not advertise a vacancy but will always be receptive to someone with the drive to make contact with them.

I would definitely recommend working for a smaller company like Procure4, there's a great culture of like-minded people, you get exposure to the owners of the business on a daily basis, and the work is varied.

Procure4 is a growing business and would be interested in hearing from promising graduates who are interested in working in Supply Chain or analytical roles.