How do you build a world-class procurement function from the ground up?

In this episode of CPO Perspective, host Richard Beaumont sits down with Paul Maras Hilling, a procurement leader based in Vancouver, Canada, to discuss what it takes to build high-performing procurement teams in greenfield organisations.

Paul shares his remarkable career journey from the UK to Canada, explaining how he has repeatedly transformed procurement from a transactional function into a strategic business partner across industries including telecommunications, aviation, engineering, retail, consulting, and marine construction.

Together, they explore:

* How to build a procurement function from scratch
* Why greenfield organisations create unique leadership opportunities
* Strategic sourcing in today's global economy
* Managing tariffs, fuel costs, and supply chain uncertainty
* Supplier relationship management and procurement maturity
* Building stakeholder buy-in across the business
* Procurement leadership, soft skills, and organisational change
* Career advice for aspiring procurement professionals

Paul also explains why procurement is evolving beyond purchase orders and cost savings into one of the most strategic functions within modern organisations.

Whether you're a Chief Procurement Officer, procurement professional, supply chain leader, or someone looking to build a career in strategic sourcing, this conversation is packed with practical insights and leadership lessons.

Key Topics

00:00 Introduction
01:00 Paul's procurement journey
04:30 Building procurement teams from scratch
07:30 Greenfield vs established procurement functions
10:30 Procurement maturity in Canada vs Europe
13:00 Strategic sourcing in marine construction
16:00 Leadership, stakeholder management & organisational change
21:50 Career advice for future procurement leaders

If you enjoyed this episode, please like the video, leave your thoughts in the comments, and subscribe for more conversations with leading procurement and supply chain executives.

Connect with Paul Maras Hilling on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/director-procurement-supplychain-mcips-scpm-6675b92/

Connect with Richard Beaumont on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/richardbeaumont

Visit Beaumont Procurement: https://beaumontprocurement.com

About CPO Perspective

Procurement has never had better tools, data, or analysis—yet when decisions are challenged, the hardest part is rarely technical. CPO Perspective explores what separates high-performing procurement teams from the rest: judgement, influence, and the ability to make decisions that stand up under real scrutiny.

Hosted by Richard Beaumont—former Army Officer, McKinsey consultant, and Chief Procurement Officer—the podcast is for procurement professionals who want to move beyond operational efficiency and build the credibility, leadership, and ownership that earn genuine board-level trust.

#Procurement #SupplyChain #StrategicSourcing #CPO #Leadership #ProcurementLeadership #SupplyChainManagement #SupplierManagement #ProcurementCareer #BusinessLeadership #Sourcing #Operations #SupplyChainStrategy #ProcurementTransformation #ChiefProcurementOfficer #AIInProcurement #DecisionMaking