"Procurement is a career where you never stop learning. Every project and sector brings new challenges and opportunities and that’s part of the reason I started this journey."
Rhedyn initially joined UKSBS in 2016 for a placement year as part of her BA (Hons) Logistics and Supply Chain Management course. She seized the opportunity to demonstrate her talent and get 12 months valuable procurement experience which opened the door to a full time role on completion of her degree.
The value of real experience
Stepping away from the University environment into the Construction & Facilities Management team in Procurement was a bit daunting at first. Construction & FM was alien to me and I was surrounded by colleagues with a lot of industry knowledge and public sector procurement experience. Even though I had been studying this for 2 years, I knew I had a lot to learn and the real experience was my way of learning. It didn’t take me long to settle in - the team were welcoming and had prepared a development plan for me. I started small – assisting on tender processes and built up to managing my own tenders of differing values and complexity. I learnt so much over 12 months and the placement definitely opened the door to join the team full time after graduating.
UKSBS really supports lifelong learning and career progression
I’ve come a long way, professionally and personally, since I joined UKSBS - I’ve been promoted several times and I’m now a Category Strategy Lead. I’ve built a strong foundation for my career – gained real industry experience, professional Chartered Institute Procurement & Supply qualifications, explored new avenues such as supply market analysis, and grown in confidence by delivering strategic construction and facilities management procurements for Government clients. Talent and desire to learn are important, but equally a supportive employer and colleagues make all the difference when you are building your career.