VANQUIS BANKING GROUP
a value-adding service within the business , supporting its overarching goals .”
Steven is no stranger to adding value . His long-term strategic approach to procurement , holistic mindset and personable nature have made him an indispensable asset since he joined the Group as Procurement Manager in 2009 .
Growing up in London , Steven initially pursued a career in science , studying Chemistry and Geology at Leeds University . But he came away wanting something less clinical , more collaborative . “ I quickly learned that I didn ’ t like life in a lab and I sought something a bit more face-to-face ,” he laughs . “ Well , it ’ s more like teams to teams now , isn ’ t it ? But still , I wanted that in-person interaction .”
After that , Steven became MCIPS qualified and pursued a career in procurement . Today , he credits his success to his pragmatism and relationship management skills . “ I get on with a lot of people of different ilks and ages and backgrounds ,” he says . “ I find that this has kept me in good stead with managing stakeholders and handling supplier negotiations .”
Vanquis was Steven ’ s first venture into the financial industry , happening in his own words , by fluke . “ My last role was ten years in the car hire industry , which unfortunately went into administration in 2009 after the banking crisis ,” he explains . “ So , I applied for a lot of different roles in procurement . And luckily enough , Vanquis Banking Group picked me up and I ’ ve succeeded ever since .”
“ His advice was to enjoy life today , as you ’ ll never know what ’ s around the corner . These are the words I try to live by ”
STEVEN SCHOOLS HEAD OF PROCUREMENT AND SUPPLIER GOVERNANCE AT VANQUIS BANKING GROUP
Proving procurement ’ s value and pushing for change Steven began by working in the Consumer Credit Division of the Group , in the renowned doorstep lending division known as Provident or the provi . There he opened the door to a procurement department that felt left behind .
“ When I joined in 2009 , the Procurement Department had only just been newly created in 2007 ,” he explains .
“ We didn ’ t have a full coverage of all the different departments within that division . So , my first goal was to get the departments refusing to use procurement on our side and show what value that procurement could add . I got a lot of support for this , helping stakeholders renegotiate their prices and holding suppliers accountable for their SLAs .”
Steven finds fulfilment in negotiating , whether the stakes are £ 1000 or £ 10 million .
“ What I really like is trying to stretch what I think I can achieve , seeing whether I can beat my own target ,” he explains .
86 August 2024