Tell us about how you secured a job with 80:20.  

Six years ago, I was looking to make a change and identified 80:20 as a procurement company I wanted to work for. I went ahead and sent a cold email to the Managing Director Paul Dorward asking for an interview. It took a bit of persistence and determination however after keeping in touch for several months, Paul agreed to a meeting. I went on to join 80:20 as a Senior Buyer and have since progressed to my current role supporting clients as their Key Account Manager. 

What does your role involve? 

I work closely with clients looking after their global procurement needs to ensure we help achieve their business objectives, deliver a valuable service and all work is carried out safely.  

Working for 80:20 has been rewarding and allowed me the opportunity to travel meeting clients and visiting their facilities around the world. I remember once my colleague and I decided to drive from the Netherlands to Germany for a meeting and on the return trip, we got lost for a few hours driving around Langenhagen! 

What do you enjoy the most about your job? 

As a procurement professional, there is no better feeling than closing a sale. From the initial enquiry to negotiating and finally receiving that purchase order, it’s very satisfying completing a transaction for your client. 

Have you learned any new skills during the lockdown? 

From a professional perspective, I’ve enhanced my multitasking skills. Working from home and managing family life can be challenging but we’ve managed to cope quite well. My two-year-old will sometimes join client calls and their kids get involved as well, which makes work seem a little less like work.  

I’ve also been busy after–hours refurbishing our house which overlooks the harbour. So far, I’ve been involved in sanding, painting and minor demolition work. It’s a lot of effort but we’re taking it one floor at a time and look forward to finalising the project in the near future.