Richard Guest, Associate Partner and Head of our Procurement and Supply Chain Practice sat down with Claire Benham, the Commercial Director at the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (part of the Ministry of Defence), to discuss her unique career path, how to navigate diverse landscapes and seize pivotal opportunities.

We talk about:

• Her career trajectory, from her entry into procurement to her transformative role at Barclays leading initiatives in emerging markets.
• How Claire’s leadership philosophy has been shaped by one key piece of advice and see how she has applied this mantra to drive her career and inspire her teams.
• The reasons behind Claire’s shift to the public sector, as she shares insights into the motivations driving her dedication to public service.
• An exciting career opportunity within Claire’s team, offering senior procurement leaders a chance to lead a dynamic team working on critical national projects in the construction sector.

Tell me a little about your career to date.

I left University and got to the final hurdle with central government on their fast-track graduate programme but sadly was unsuccessful. I was then fortunate to join a small manufacturing business that allowed me to move into the buying office and I just loved it. I left after 18 months to move into the built environment sector, continuing my career in procurement. It was the interaction both internally within the stakeholder community and also the outward interaction with the supply chain that I thrived on. Whilst my role doesn’t require it so much now, I did and still do enjoy the thrill and challenge of negotiation. I joined Barclays in 2001 and spent 13 wonderful years with the bank. This gave me the opportunity to increase my responsibility to a global level, managing a larger team and spend portfolio across multiple different category areas. I also grasped the opportunity to live and work overseas whilst at Barclays. I took a short career break after leaving Barclays to reflect on what was important to me and where my true passion lay. Whilst my initial disappointment at missing out on the fast-track scheme diminished over time, what didn’t was my desire to do something meaningful and with a purpose. I was successful in joining the Department for Work and Pension which coincided with the launch of the Government Commercial Function in 2015. I’ve spent the past 9 years working across 4 fascinating departments in the role of Commercial Director in the DWP, Department for Education, the Cabinet Office and now into the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (part of the MOD family).

Is there a role in your career which has been pivotal to your success?

Whilst at Barclays I was offered a role that was simply too good an opportunity to turn down as Head of Sourcing for their emerging markets. This was a move not without risks; we moved to Dubai with a young family, and I was acutely aware that I was a female operating in traditionally male-dominated cultures and environments. The agenda was transformation and upskilling of the procurement capability in country and across the region which spanned the Middle East, Africa and Asia. This was a fascinating and challenging role which developed my leadership skills, particularly around resilience, the importance of a transparent process and how to be effective working across different cultures.

What is the best piece of advice that you have received? How has it shaped you both as a leader and as a person?

‘Never be a busy fool’ was a mantra that a previous manager drilled into me. Working in a complex environment, with multiple stakeholders and customers, it’s very easy to become overwhelmed with the workload and requests for your time and energy. They outlined to me the importance of being focused and targeted both with your time and ruthless with your priorities. Whilst it’s never easy to say no, it’s a principal that I have used throughout my career and particularly in a leadership capacity.

You moved into central government following a successful career within Barclays – what’s made you remain within the Government Commercial Function for the past 9 years?

I’d almost written off the idea of moving into the public sector, but something inside me still burned brightly and I was curious and eager to make a difference. The short time out I had after leaving Barclays gave me the opportunity to reflect on what I wanted to commit to next. I kept coming back to motivation through the purpose of the organisation and was drawn to the change taking place within the civil service.

I’ve had the pleasure of working across four government departments and commercially leading 3 of them, each move has been carefully considered. The challenges the department faced, and the maturity of the commercial procurement function have all been different, with different challenges and improvements to be made. The Government Commercial Organisation is very good at nurturing and developing talent and presenting opportunities for growth and development and I’m a huge advocate of creating the same culture and tone within my own team.

Lastly, tell me a little bit about the exciting opportunity you currently have in your team?

I might be slightly biased but in my opinion but having worked in the construction sector earlier in my career, I would be surprised if there was a more exciting opportunity for a commercial procurement leader in the construction sector right now. Reporting into me, the opportunity will be responsible for leading a team of circa 120 individuals split across the UK and Internationally who are involved in some fascinating and complex projects that are of critical national importance. These include the enhancement and development of the existing naval base in Faslane, the primary hub for the UK’s nuclear deterrent and the home of the Vanguard-class ballistic missile submarines. Building 138 earthquake-ready homes for service families at Dhekelia Station in Cyprus. Creating overseas training estates for UK armed and special forces as well as supporting critical operations in the Falkland Islands and our other overseas strategic sites.

If you are a senior procurement leader, with a strong background and understanding of the construction sector, keen on overseas travel and eager to make a difference, then please do reach out to Richard as we would love to hear from you.

For further information about the role or to apply please click here: www.berwickpartners.co.uk/91925