Small teams, big impact: Leading procurement with curiosity and integrity

Procurement teams don’t need to be large to be effective — but they do need the right mindset, skills, and leadership. In this episode, Tom Mills sits down with Claire Phillips, Head of Indirect Procurement, to explore what it really takes to run a high-impact procurement function with a small team and a wide remit.

Claire shares her unconventional route into procurement, from studying Chinese and joining Tesco’s graduate scheme to discovering a passion for strategic, blank-sheet-of-paper problem solving. Along the way, she reflects on the often-misunderstood distinction between purchasing and procurement, challenging the idea that one is inherently “better” than the other and making a compelling case for respecting the value of both.

The conversation dives deep into leading and developing small procurement teams: why curiosity is the most important trait to hire for, how to balance strengths across a lean team, and why leaderboards and savings-only KPIs can do more harm than good. Claire also talks candidly about under-resourcing, recognising stress before it becomes burnout, and the responsibility leaders have to prioritise their teams - even when that means supporting people to move on to their next opportunity.

Packed with practical insights and refreshingly honest reflections, this episode is essential listening for anyone building, leading, or working within a small procurement team - or for leaders who want to focus less on hierarchy and more on real business value.

The views expressed in this episode are Claire’s own and do not represent the views of Flamingo Horticulture.

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