On this episode, Martin Smith interviews John Butcher, the Procurement Director at Just Eat Takeaway. 

John shares his journey of building a procurement team from scratch, the challenges he faced, and the importance of hiring the right talent. 

He discusses the evolving procurement landscape, the importance of emotional intelligence, and the impact of technology, particularly AI, on the industry. 

John emphasises the need for agility in procurement and offers valuable insights for aspiring leaders in the field.

Takeaways

Building a procurement team requires a blend of internal and external talent.

Cultural fit and attitude are crucial in talent acquisition.

Procurement can add value beyond just cost savings.

Emotional intelligence is becoming increasingly important in procurement roles.

Delegation is essential for effective leadership.

Technology, including AI, is transforming the procurement landscape.

Continuous learning and adaptation are necessary for success in procurement.

Leadership involves pushing boundaries and extending influence.

Chapters

00:00 Building a Team from Scratch

09:46 The Importance of Talent

19:59 Procurement in 2024

23:52 Leadership Insights