Procurement is a fundamental function in modern businesses, acting as a vital link between organizations and their suppliers. It involves not only the acquisition of goods and services but also strategic management of supply chains, cost reduction, risk mitigation, and driving sustainability initiatives. Professionals in procurement need to adapt to shifting markets and evolving demands while ensuring that businesses meet their objectives effectively. As industries become more complex, procurement continues to play a key role in fostering efficiency and operational success.
Matthew Booth, a Senior Procurement Leader, has developed extensive expertise in procurement over the years. His career path was shaped by a series of hands-on experiences that highlighted the importance of effective procurement strategies. Initially entering the field through a practical project to streamline PPE procurement, Matthew Booth has since built a career focused on building relationships and delivering value. His approach is rooted in continuous learning, supplier relationship management, and leveraging market knowledge to optimize procurement processes.
At PM Group, the company where Matthew Booth currently works, procurement is integral to supporting large-scale capital expenditure projects, particularly in the pharmaceutical and construction sectors. The organization thrives on delivering tailored procurement solutions that focus on collaboration, innovation, and sustainability. PM Group’s commitment to strategic procurement helps clients manage multifarious projects efficiently while achieving cost savings and enhancing supply chain resilience.
Let’s delve in to learn more:
A Journey from Procurement Insight to Strategic Value
Matthew Booth reflects on his career path into procurement, which, like many in the field, was not a planned pursuit. Initially working at a food manufacturing company in the UK, Matthew Booth gained exposure to both the engineering and raw materials stores. It was in the raw materials store that he identified inefficiencies in ordering personal protective equipment (PPE) from multiple suppliers. Recognizing the need for streamlining, he initiated a project to contact suppliers and consolidate orders. His goal was to find a supplier capable of fulfilling 90% of the PPE requirements, which he successfully achieved.
Through this process, Matthew Booth learned valuable procurement principles, such as leveraging spend, rationalizing suppliers, and negotiating better terms, including consignment stocking—though he had no formal procurement training at the time. His initiative led to improved efficiency, and when he presented his results to his supervisor, the response was clear: this approach mirrored that of a procurement professional. Encouraged to pursue the field further, Matthew Booth transitioned into procurement, where he has remained ever since.
Matthew Booth is passionate about procurement, viewing it not just as a means to achieve cost savings but as a driver of value in various forms—whether through cost reduction, inventory optimization, risk mitigation, sustainability, or innovation. He believes procurement is uniquely positioned to create value across the supply chain, leveraging supplier relationships to bring tangible improvements.
Thriving on Diversity in Procurement for the Pharmaceutical Sector
Matthew Booth finds the greatest reward in the variety of his role. As a procurement manager and consultant, he supports clients—primarily in the pharmaceutical sector—on large-scale capital expenditure (CapEx) projects. Unlike traditional procurement roles within a single organization, Matthew Booth works on different projects for various clients, moving from one assignment to the next once a project is completed. The constant change in projects and clients provides him with a diverse and fulfilling work experience, particularly as the pharmaceutical industry requires new manufacturing capacity for emerging drugs and technologies.
The Power of Relationship Building in Procurement
Matthew Booth believes the most important quality for a procurement professional is the ability to build strong relationships. For him, procurement is centered on developing effective partnerships, whether with colleagues in manufacturing, engineering, and design, clients, or suppliers. Strong working relationships streamline the procurement process, turning what could be individual efforts into a collaborative, team-based approach. Supplier relationship management is crucial, but equally important is cultivating good relationships with colleagues, clients, peers, and the team members who work alongside him.
Building Mutually Beneficial Procurement Partnerships
Matthew Booth views clear communication and mutual benefit as key to successful procurement relationships. He believes that, in addition to leveraging strong relationships, it’s crucial to clearly articulate objectives and ensure both parties understand what they stand to gain. In his approach, procurement is not just about meeting the buyer’s needs but also about understanding and addressing the supplier’s goals, whether that involves optimizing production, filling capacity, or enhancing their market position. During negotiations, he regularly reminds supply partners of the benefits they will receive, creating a balanced partnership where both sides contribute to each other’s success. He sees this reciprocal dynamic as essential to building strong, effective business relationships.
Managing Workload Fluctuations for Better Balance
Matthew Booth recognizes that all areas of business experience pressure, particularly in a project environment where workloads can fluctuate between quiet and busy periods. He stresses the importance of using slower periods to prepare for busier times, helping to manage the workload and create a more balanced workflow. This proactive approach, he believes, is essential for maintaining balance and managing pressure effectively.
Engaging with the Procurement Community
Globally Matthew Booth is actively involved with the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS), the leading professional body for procurement. He participates in local Swiss division events, including monthly discussion panels and informal meet-ups, where industry topics and trends are discussed. These gatherings provide valuable insights that help him stay current in the field. Additionally, Matthew Booth has built a broad network on LinkedIn, connecting with procurement professionals globally. This network enables him to stay informed about emerging trends, share knowledge, and seek advice on new practices and challenges within the profession.
The Importance of Building and Maintaining Professional Relationships
Matthew Booth highlights the importance of building and maintaining relationships, both within an organization and across the wider professional network. He emphasizes using platforms like LinkedIn and Shaper to expand connections, not only with colleagues but also with suppliers. Cultivating these relationships, he believes, is crucial for long-term career success.
Aiming for Leadership and Mentorship in Procurement
Matthew Booth aspires to take on a Chief Procurement Officer (CPO) role, aiming to oversee all procurement functions for his employer. With extensive experience in indirect, direct, and CapEx procurement, as well as across multiple industries—including food, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, and construction—he feels well-equipped for such a position. His success has been driven by a strong ethos focused on building partnerships with suppliers and seeking mutually beneficial opportunities. Matthew is also passionate about mentoring emerging talent in the procurement field, sharing his knowledge to help guide the next generation of professionals.
Building Knowledge, Relationships, and Networks for Success in Procurement
Matthew Booth advises young people considering a career in procurement to prioritize building their knowledge. He compares procurement to purchasing a loaf of bread, explaining that it’s not just about buying any loaf but understanding the specific requirements—such as the type, quality, and style—and matching those needs with the right suppliers. Understanding both the market and the customer’s needs is crucial to making informed decisions and selecting the best suppliers. He also highlights the importance of building strong relationships with internal customers and external partners, as well as developing a professional network. Networks, he notes, can be invaluable when facing new challenges, offering the opportunity to learn from others’ experiences and avoid common mistakes.
Driving Sustainability and Innovation Through Supplier Partnerships
Matthew Booth encourages both young professionals and those seeking a career change to consider procurement, citing the role’s fulfilling nature. Procurement offers the opportunity to engage with diverse people, build relationships, and gain in-depth knowledge about raw materials and products used in manufacturing. It also plays a key role in risk mitigation and improving sustainability. Notably, procurement has a significant impact on reducing a company’s carbon footprint, as the majority of a manufacturing organization’s carbon emissions come from the supply chain. Matthew Booth also stresses the importance of leveraging suppliers’ expertise, particularly in areas like research and development. For example, in manufacturing a plastic bottle, the supplier’s knowledge of materials, design, and production processes is often far more specialized than that within the buyer’s own business. By connecting internal teams with suppliers’ R&D resources, procurement can drive innovation, reduce costs, improve products, and lower environmental impact.
