Supply Management: Q&A

Q&A

BILL FYFE

Procurement manager, National Trust for Scotland

What does your job involve?

Setting strategy and negotiating all NTS contracts.

How did you get into purchasing?

I started as a planner then moved into total supply chain management, which included purchasing.

What surprised you most about your profession?

The amount of information required to make decisions.

What is your personal purchasing motto?

Be honest with your suppliers.

Best part of the job?

Visiting my internal customers based in some of the most spectacular historical sites in Scotland.

Worst part of the job?

The paperwork required for audit purposes.

Any advice for other purchasers?

Always do your homework before negotiations and understand your cost drivers.

What is a burning issue for procurement?

The environment.

Which famous person, dead or alive, would you most like to meet and why?

Jesus. Has anyone else made such an impact?

I'd like to end up as... ?

Chairman of Rangers FC.