20 February 2010

My way to the top

Source: Supply Management, 18 February 2010

Phill Slater, a University of Sheffield Economics and Sociology graduate and purchasing director for external sourcing organisation at Procter & Gamble, talks about his career and work.

Buyers should make their ambition known, says Phill Slater, purchasing director at Procter & Gamble external sourcing group

At home in purchasing

I started on a general management training programme at Plessey electronics. I felt most at home in procurement because I had the opportunity to apply myself internally and externally, which brings variety to the day-job.

There was also the chance to bring new ideas from the supplier base into the company.

Adding value

Procter & Gamble’s (P&G) external sourcing organisation is responsible for all the products that are manufactured externally, both from a purchasing perspective and operations perspective.

I enjoy adding value to the organisation, especially bringing new products to market, or opening up new markets to existing products.

Social awareness

My degree in sociology has helped improve my supplier relationship management skills. It has helped me understand different organisational models and how other companies and different cultures work.

I am dealing with suppliers in Europe, Asia, Latin America and Africa and I am more sensitive to the fact that not everyone is the same.

Team building

I enjoy building teams that help secure the company’s future. We ‘promote from within’ at P&G and we only employ at entry level, which builds a huge sense of community.

Seeing young recruits develop into future leaders gives me more satisfaction than anything else.

Show your ambition

Early in my career I was under the impression that if you work hard and keep your head down you will be rewarded.

I have learnt that you don’t get what you deserve, you get what you negotiate. Although hard work, dedication and results are uppermost, let your boss and colleagues know what you find exciting and rewarding.

CV: PHILL SLATER

Career history:

2006-present: Purchasing director, external sourcing organisation, Procter & Gamble

1998-2006: Various purchasing roles, Gillette

1978-1998: Procurement roles at companies including Black & Decker and LDV

Education:

Economics and sociology, University of Sheffield

Hobbies:

All things Liverpool FC

Guiltiest pleasure: Barolo wine

Greatest fear: Love ski-ing but hate cable cars

Favourite TV show: M*A*S*H

Hero: Kenny Dalglish

Favourite film: The Sting

Most treasured possession: My grandfather’s war medals