Focus on Procurement interview - Chris Browne, Senior Consultant in Procurement, World Bank

Procurement Senior Consultant Chris Browne for the World Bank. Photo: Supplied.

Where are you from?

I am from Mansfield, an old market town and former coal mining community located near Sherwood Forest, to the north of Nottingham in the United Kingdom. If you have seen the TV shows “Sherwood”, “Without Sin”, “Landscapers” they’re all set and filmed around that area.

What did you train in and where did you study?

My academic journey has focused on business and finance, procurement, and management studies in Europe. I pursued business studies and completed exams for the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply at Nottingham Trent University. Additionally, I earned a Diploma in Management Studies and an MBA from Birmingham City University. Throughout my academic journey, I balanced studying and working in procurement, which allowed me to apply my learning.

What attracted you to a role in procurement? And what keeps you here?

My journey into procurement began in 1986 when I was just 16 years old, working as a trainee with the “Supply and Contracts” team at Mansfield Coal Mine. During my trainee program, I discovered my passion for procurement due to its dynamic, fast-paced environment, problem-solving aspect, and interaction with clients, and suppliers.

What keeps me in procurement is the same excitement and variety that attracted me in the first place. I thrive on being busy, working in teams, and solving problems, whether it's addressing a supply shortage, handling an emergency, or working on strategic policy issues. The role of procurement as a bridge between internal needs and external supply markets is both fascinating and rewarding. There's always something new to tackle, and the intellectual challenges and variety of work in procurement are amazing.

What advice would you give anyone considering a career in procurement?

Procurement is a rewarding career that offers diverse opportunities. My journey took me from a coal mining town in Northern England to becoming the Chief Procurement Officer at the World Bank in Washington DC.

I recommend identifying your niche to distinguish yourself in the field. There are many excellent people in procurement in New Zealand and globally, so what makes you different? In the early 1990’s I decided that environmental procurement (more latterly sustainable procurement) and complex civil engineering procurement would be my area of focus. I was working at the UK Environment Agency at the time, so this also aligned with the organisation seeking to raise its profile as a champion of sustainability.

Hands-on experience is vital in procurement. Understanding each stage of the procurement cycle and working on challenging and complex projects, such as major infrastructure or IT projects, is invaluable. Collaborating with talented individuals on complex problems offers priceless learning experiences.

Education is also essential. A professional procurement qualification demonstrates a commitment to learning the theory. MBA or a similar advanced degree in a business, commerce, or legal-related subject is also beneficial to understand the broader business environment in which procurement operates. A master’s degree is often required for those aiming to work in top global organisations.

Remember, self-doubt is natural, but teamwork is crucial. As a new member, you won’t be tasked with solving all problems immediately. Communicate and collaborate with your team, and you’ll be surprised by how much you can achieve.

High-calibre teams working on complex projects offer exponential learning opportunities and enhances your CV’s credibility. Procurement is a great career choice, but as with all professions you need to equip yourself with necessary skills and qualifications to maximise development and career opportunities.

What are three things the public do not know about the role of procurement in their lives?

Procurement plays a bigger role in our lives than most people realise. Its impact is felt across everything from the taxes we pay to the products and services we use and the values we uphold as a society.

1. The backbone of public services and infrastructure. Public procurement is the invisible force behind the delivery of essential public services and infrastructure that we rely on every day, from schools and hospitals to roads and bridges. The success of these projects is closely tied to the effectiveness of procurement. When you see a news headline about a new piece of infrastructure or a critical service, there's often a procurement story behind it. For example, procurement decisions for vaccines and PPE during the COVID-19 pandemic were crucial in combating the virus.
2. Driving quality, affordability, and innovation. Public procurement teams work tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure the materials, products, and services meet high-quality standards while being cost-effective. This process directly impacts public finances and the quality of our public infrastructure and services. Procurement also drives innovation by identifying new technologies and suppliers with cutting-edge methods or products. This is vital in industries like tech, healthcare, and manufacturing, where staying competitive depends on continuous innovation.
3. Championing sustainability and ethics. Modern procurement isn't just about getting the best deal; it's about making responsible choices. Procurement professionals are increasingly focused on sourcing ethically produced goods and services. They consider environmental impact, supply chain fairness, and labour practices when selecting suppliers. Many sustainable practices we see today, such as energy efficiency, waste minimisation, and fair-trade goods, result from conscious procurement decisions. This commitment to sustainability and ethics helps shape a better future for all of us.

How does procurement work inside the World Bank? What role does the team have? How does it use its influence to produce positive outcomes?

The World Bank's procurement team is at the heart of international development, supporting projects in over 130 countries. We are deeply embedded in local contexts, with over 85% of our procurement staff based in country offices. This allows us to understand the unique needs of each country and communicate effectively in over 300 languages spoken within the Bank. Unlike a regular government procurement team, our work involves a tri-partite nature of projects we finance, requiring support and coordination among the World Bank, the client country, and the suppliers. The World Bank ensures our policies and practices are upheld. The client country runs the project to meet their development needs. And suppliers work with our clients to implement the project, with Bank support (the World Bank is not party to the final contract).

Our role extends beyond just financing public projects. We are true partners in development. We provide development financing with the condition clients adhere to the World Bank’s procurement regulations, ensuring transparency, modern procurement practices, and fairness. We also offer extensive training, hands-on support, and strategic guidance throughout the procurement process. This holistic approach ensures that projects are successfully completed, delivering tangible benefits to communities across the developing world.

One of the most inspiring aspects of our work is our commitment to procurement capacity building. We help countries reform and modernise their public procurement laws and systems, fostering sustainable development. For instance, our recent project in Tanzania included implementing a government e-procurement system and procurement marketplace, revolutionising how public procurement is conducted.

Project financing to improve procurement systems for service delivery in Tanzania — Worldbank.org

We help build trust in public institutions and drive economic growth by ensuring that procurement processes are efficient, transparent, and fair. Our influence extends to shaping procurement policies and practices that promote sustainability, innovation, and ethical standards, making a lasting impact on the global stage.

Can you detail your top three achievements from your time in procurement?

I am proud of the achievements that have not only shaped my career but also that of my colleagues over the years, and made a positive contribution to the organisations and communities I have served:

1. Developing and leading the World Bank’s 2016 procurement reform. This was a monumental task that involved reorienting the Bank's procurement practices to a fit-for-purpose approach globally. The reform was cited by the Bank’s board as a best practice example of international policy development. This achievement was not just about changing policies but about transforming how procurement is perceived, practiced and executed on a global scale.
2. Designing and implementing the New Zealand Government Procurement reform programme. The reform programme revolutionised procurement practices in New Zealand, introducing the first AoG contracts, comprehensive procurement training programs, supplier relationship management and a new procurement marketplace. This reform laid the foundation for a more efficient, transparent, and sustainable procurement system in New Zealand. This initiative was recognised with the CIPS Procurement Leadership Award in 2011.
3. Pioneering sustainable procurement in major civil engineering projects. In the 1990s, I led the procurement of several major civil engineering projects, early adopting partnering principles and sustainable procurement practices. This work earned CIPS awards for the projects I was part of and for me international recognition for thought leadership in sustainable procurement. This led to my role as a technical advisor to the Blair Government’s Procuring the Future (UK Government’s sustainable procurement strategy), later to the United Nations Marrakesh Task Force on Sustainable Public Procurement and then to work for New Zealand Government on the Govt3 program, which ultimately opened the door for me to work at the former Ministry of Economic Development (MED) on procurement reform.

What is the most exciting thing happening in procurement right now?

The world of procurement is undergoing a thrilling transformation, driven by 3 key developments that are reshaping the profession:

1. Artificial Intelligence (AI). AI is revolutionising procurement by enhancing research, analysis, and strategic implementation. The arrival of AI feels akin to the advent of the internet in the 1990s, promising transformative changes with some ups and downs along the way. AI's ability to process vast amounts of data quickly and accurately is helping procurement professionals make more informed decisions, streamline processes, and improve contract management efficiency.
2. Net zero climate change commitments. The integration of Scope III supply chain emissions into countries' carbon measurement and reduction efforts is placing significant demands on procurement professionals and supply chain communities. This shift necessitates a new way of working, and AI is poised to assist in managing these complex requirements. The commitment to achieving net zero emissions is driving innovation and sustainability in procurement practices, ensuring environmental considerations are at the forefront of decision-making.
3. Supply chain security post-COVID-19: The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of supply chain security, leading suppliers to reconsider their operational locations and strengthen their supply chains. This focus on security is reshaping procurement strategies, emphasising the need for resilient and adaptable supply chains. The World Bank has published detailed public Supply Chain Management guidance and a free eLearning module to raise awareness and knowledge on supply chain management, helping procurement professionals navigate these challenges.

These exciting developments are not just about improving procurement processes; they are about creating a more sustainable, resilient, and innovative future. Embracing these changes will enable procurement professionals to make a lasting positive impact on the industry and the world.

In an ideal world where you were not confined by a budget, what would you introduce to procurement that could help the industry function and develop?

Imagine a world where every procurement person has free access to continued, engaging, relevant and highly professional training and education, and is supported by expert mentors who help them strategize and deliver critical projects.

This vision would revolutionise the procurement industry, making ongoing learning an integral part of every professional's journey. The variety of work procurers are exposed to and the demands on their time often make continuous education challenging. However, with a cadre of skilled and trusted public procurement professionals providing hands-on, practical assistance to agencies and project teams, we could accelerate public procurement programmes and deliver better value for taxpayers.

This approach would enhance individual capabilities and foster a culture of excellence and innovation within the procurement community. By investing in the development of procurement professionals, we can ensure they are equipped with the latest knowledge and skills to tackle ever more complex challenges and drive positive change. This vision is about creating a future where procurement is not just a function but a strategic enabler of growth and development.

In your opinion what is New Zealand’s greatest contribution to the procurement community here or overseas?

Arriving at the World Bank in 2012 and joining the international development procurement community, working with Heads of Procurement from multiple countries, it was always striking to me how well-regarded and respected the New Zealand government and New Zealand public procurement are. This is partly due to New Zealand’s low corruption ranking in Transparency International’s corruption index and the globally recognised public reforms.

The speed and depth of the Procurement Reforms in 2009 showcases how dynamic New Zealand government can drive change. I found the government and MED’s dynamism, appetite for change and freedom to operate very refreshing and inspiring. The best testament I can give is that New Zealand is often cited by the World Bank with its clients as an example of efficient, modern, transparent, public procurement.

New Zealand's procurement community has consistently demonstrated resilience, innovation, and practicality, taking a classic Kiwi No.8 wire approach. The country's ability to adapt and lead in times of change is truly inspiring. From the swift and effective response to the Global Financial Crisis to the comprehensive public procurement reforms that followed, New Zealand has shown that it can rise to any challenge and set new standards for others to follow.

The recognition and respect New Zealand's procurement practices have garnered on the global stage are a testament to the dedication of its procurement professionals. Their efforts have not only improved procurement practices within the country but have also provided valuable insights to the global procurement community.

New Zealand's greatest contribution to the procurement community is its unwavering commitment to transparency, efficiency, and innovation. This commitment has positioned the country as a leader in public procurement, inspiring others to strive for excellence and make a positive impact in their own communities.