Relationships and partnerships specialist at the North East Procurement Organisation (NEPO)
Can you tell us about your role at NEPO?
I am a relationships and partnerships specialist. I manage engagement activity for NEPRO and take ownership of the outward-facing aspects of delivery. Procured by NEPO and delivered by Bloom Procurement Services, NEPRO provides the UK public sector with a fully managed service to appoint and manage specialist professional services.
NEPRO is used by over 400 public sector organisations across the UK and it’s my job to make sure those stakeholders get the most out of NEPRO. I also cultivate relationships with suppliers, for example we are currently working with the Department for Transport to hold an SME networking event for North East businesses interested in working with public sector organisations.
Why did you want to work at NEPO?
Prior to joining the team at NEPO I have always worked within the private sector with national organisations. I wanted to give something back at a local level and saw the job opportunity at NEPO and it sparked my interest. I wanted the opportunity to see what working with the public sector would be like and the team at NEPO were really engaging and welcoming.
I was attracted to the strong culture and progression routes that the organisation could offer.
Who is in your team?
I work within the corporate services team reporting into Michael Murray, NEPRO lead. I also work closely with Nick McDonald, procurement coordinator and Joy Stafford, solution performance coordinator.
How has the industry changed since you began your career?
Since covid, the working environment has changed dramatically. The option of home working means that time can be spent more efficiently with many organisations benefitting from a mixture of both online and in-person meetings.
Having previously worked within a buying role the environment was perhaps a little more rigid. Working with the team at NEPO has opened my eyes to the benefits of flexible working.
What do you think are the opportunities going forward?
On a personal level, the role of relationships and partnerships specialist, is a newly created position at NEPO. Working with an agile and focused team means that I have the opportunity to really shape the role and put my own stamp on it. In terms of personal progression that was one of the plus factors in wanting to join the team.
How do you like to unwind outside of work?
Weekends often involve either running, playing golf, or long walks with my wife and our dog. We are also big movie fans, so a film is often on the cards.