Rising star Katie Hawkins: Breaking barriers and solving complex challenges

Katie Hawkins won young talent winner at the 2024 UK CIPS Excellence in Procurement and Supply Awards. A senior procurement and supply consultant for Evolve Commercial (a technology procurement and supply chain specialist), she’s found her feet working in the technology and defence industry. And enjoys both the challenges that procurement throws up and the opportunities it offers to solve problems.

Katie is one of several CIPS young talent award winners that we’ll be following and interviewing over the coming years. Their stories will offer useful learnings on the procurement and supply profession and where it’s going, as a supplement to our yearly Procurement & Supply Salary Survey, in partnership with Hays.

We spoke to Katie about her award success, her journey so far, and what the future holds for her career.

What was your motivation for working in procurement?

Like many, Katie didn’t choose procurement but rather fell into it after university. “I scatter-bombed my CV and applied for a few graduate programmes my university offered and began that way.”

The graduate programme kickstarted her CIPS journey (working towards MCIPS), and, between university and her current consultant role, she quickly learnt and progressed by handling more complex projects.

“I think my biggest motivator is being able to tackle a problem and find a resolution when there doesn’t seem to be one in sight,” she says.

She adds that working in the technology and defence industry means governance is a regular consideration – and that she enjoys the challenge of finding bespoke solutions that fit within requirements.

What do you most enjoy about working in procurement?

“I enjoy the challenges that come up,” says Katie. “From working out the best route to market, contractual disputes, negotiations, moderating tenders and everything in between.”

She notes that understanding the processes involved in procurement and the parameters you have to work in sets you up for success – and that this is something she’s been able to do successfully.

What skills have you developed that have helped your career?

Developing resilience has been crucial for Katie. “There have been so many times where I really struggled to believe in myself or my abilities,” she says. “With a bit of perseverance and a quick reflection on some of the other projects I’ve successfully delivered, I can see that 9 times out of 10, this is something I’ve done before and that I just need to find how the puzzle fits this time round.”

She notes that procurement has a reputation for being a blocker – doing things the right way may take longer. But that this has taught her how to build relationships and gain trust. “This is essential to a successful procurement career,” she says.

What future skills will be important for the profession, and for your career?

Staying up to speed with legislation and governance controls is critical, says Katie. “Especially working in the public sector and even more so for defence.” She adds that having a genuine interest in what you do makes this easier to manage.

Procurement professionals must also keep up with changes in technology, she insists. Specifically, AI and the impact and efficiencies it’s having in industries like the one she’s working in. “Keeping up with technology will allow you to stay ahead of the curve and continue to deliver value,” she says.

She adds that procurement professionals will also need to keep developing key skills like influencing, negotiating, problem solving, leadership, and good communication.

As an award-winning young procurement professional, what’s your advice to others?

“Believe you can do it!” says Katie. “There’s always going to be a barrier to face in everything you do, but trust that someone has put you in the position you’re in to deliver a piece of work because you’ve demonstrated your abilities.” She adds that it’s on you to prove others right – and that this is something we all love to do.

Her second recommendation is to seek advice and to never shy away from saying you don’t know how to do something. “But equally, don’t just let someone who has more experience, or a louder voice get to do the challenging tasks because these are the tasks that foster the most development.”