Focus on Procurement interviews: Mark Brown SPCA Procurement Lead
Every dollar a procurement practice can save can be redirected into promoting the humane treatment of animals. Mark takes us through what that looks like in practice, and how he has achieved some great gains for the animals the animal charity the SPCA cares for.
Mark Brown, SPCA Procurement Lead. Photo: supplied
Where are you from?
I was born in England but have lived most of my life in New Zealand. I’m based in Canterbury.
What did you train in and where did you study?
I left high school with my school certificate. All my learnings throughout my career have been on the job. I’ve worked in banking, distribution, transport, sales, operations, and logistics.
What attracted you to a role in procurement? And what keeps you here?
I like to find the right product or service at the right price that meets the needs of the stakeholder, then I look for ways to enhance the relationship with the external business partners.
What advice would you give anyone considering a career in procurement?
If you’re a curious person and like connecting the dots, then procurement could be for you. I also enjoy working with stakeholders to find out what they need and why they need it. The ability to listen is critical and understanding how procurement fits into our vision and strategy.
What are the challenges with working in the animal welfare space?
Funding. We’re a charity and rely so much on the generosity of people, so every dollar counts. If we can save money on procurement, then we can do more to promote the humane treatment of animals through rescue and rehabilitation, adoption services, and education and advocacy. $10 saved will buy a bale of hay for a horse, $120 will help desex another kitten.
What’s been the most interesting thing you’ve procured during your time at the SPCA?
Working through the fleet needs from cars to very bespoke vans and utes used by our inspectors and centre teams.
What sort of work do you have to do when procuring any animal enrichment tools?
All animals have different needs and the teams that specialise in each animal know what they want and need to perform their role efficiently. My role is to ensure I give them options that can choose from.
Can you please detail your top 3 achievements from your time in procurement?
Building relationships with internal stakeholders so they understand that we’re not dependent or independent of each other but interdependent on each other. I’m also proud of the savings I’ve made in 2 years which are over $1.6m for SPCA, and thirdly working with the teams to help modernise the fleet.
What’s the most exciting thing happening in procurement right now?
For me, it’s the journey of moving from suppliers to business partners. Only then can we truly understand each other and get maximum benefit from the relationship for both parties. Secondly having those business partners come to our centres on team volunteer days. They very much enjoy the experience.
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?
The ability to travel overseas and see how other like-minded organisations operate in procurement and share best practice, as well as bringing those learnings back to New Zealand.
In your opinion what is New Zealand’s greatest contribution to the procurement community here or overseas?
Having access to the Government contracts. The savings we have made can go directly back to the teams to help with our animals in our care.