It is great to be part of such an inspiring organization. Working in a fulfilling, positive environment makes me look forward to coming in to work each day.
-Tim Dack
Tim Dack, Purchasing Operations Manager, talks about his experience working in the Procurement department at Quotient Sciences Nottingham, UK facility.
What does a Purchasing Operations Manager do at Quotient Sciences?
As part of my role, I oversee the department responsible for Purchase Order Processing (POP), ensuring that Purchase Orders are fulfilled and expedited to the respective site, to meet the operational demands of the business. Some other aspects of my role involve managing relationships with suppliers, working closely with finance, quality and other functions to onboard new suppliers to the business, and training staff on the ordering process.
What does a typical day look like for a role in the Purchasing function?
A typical day in Purchasing involves assessing approved requisitions, prioritizing, and converting them to orders to be placed with suppliers, ensuring we effectively communicate all relevant correspondence with stakeholders across the business. We also monitor and respond to all incoming requests, both from colleagues and suppliers. Each day is different, though, and there are always different requests that can come our way.
How has your career progressed since joining the company?
When I first joined Quotient Sciences over a decade ago, I had been in transition in my career and wasn’t sure what my next steps were at the time. I took a role as a contract, Stores Assistant position and a month later, I was offered the opportunity to convert to a full-time position in that role. I took it and did my best to provide the best service I could in that role. Over the years, I was fortunate to have had training and development, which led to a steady progression of added responsibilities in the Purchasing department, leading up to the management role which I now have.
What experience did you have before you worked at Quotient Sciences?
I had existing skills around systems and customer service before joining the company, but no applicable knowledge of stores, warehousing or other principles of procurement. Everything I have learned has been during my time here, and my prior experience in a customer service role helped with engagement with departments around the site.
What learning or qualifications have you gained while working here?
I’ve gained a lot of skills organically during my time here. Among them have been how to be a more effective communicator, how to manage my time better, and how to use systems like Excel in a more advanced way. I’ve also been privileged to attend courses that have given me more insight into Procurement, including courses from The Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS), which is a globally-recognized professional organization related to the procurement and supply profession.
What do you enjoy most about your role, and what do you find most challenging?
I enjoy the variety of challenges that the pharmaceutical industry presents. Collaboration is integral to a successful Procurement department and there is a huge sense of achievement when we are involved in delivery of successful projects that positively impact the business. The value we drive isn’t all about cost savings but about assessing and optimizing relationships with suppliers and the programs or services that we have with them, to ensure we’re getting the most out of what we put in.
Reacting to unpredictable situations is one of the more challenging aspects of the role. For example, sourcing business critical PPE in the height of the pandemic was one I’ll remember likely for my whole career. I learned a lot about vendor management as we were going through that, to say the very least! I’m a believer that, whether personally or professionally, each challenge we face, overcome and learn from leaves us better prepared for the future.
What’s the team like?
I work with a fantastic team of 11 colleagues who have a wealth of knowledge and experience. We’re all like-minded individuals with shared values and approaches to the day-to-day responsibilities and tasks. Aside from working well together in the office, we also go for team meals and nights out as often as we can.
What advice would you give to someone applying for a role in your team?
If you’re keen to learn, we’re geared up to guide you as far as you want to go. We encourage growth and want to offer the opportunity to excel.
What do you like most about working at Quotient Sciences?
It is great to be part of such an inspiring organization. Working in a fulfilling, positive environment makes me look forward to coming in to work each day.