Susan MacCormick
Degree: Procurement – University of Strathclyde
Programme: Group Purchasing
Favourite toy as a child: Sindy
It’s always been my ambition to work for a globally respected blue-chip organisation with a recognised purchasing arm. With global operations, at RBS I’ve found exactly what I’m looking for.
After working for RBS Retail as a student, I began my professional career as a buyer. Since then, I’ve been promoted to become Sourcing Group Manager in Group Purchasing. I’m responsible for finding and buying telephony services, point-of-sale terminals, peripherals and services for the Group globally.
Recently, I’ve been involved in a high profile project to procure and install chip-and-pin devices for our RBS WorldPay business in the UK, Europe and USA. My particular responsibility was in negotiating the contract for supply, installation and support of the devices. The principal challenge was in ensuring they met the high quality specifications we demand while delivering an excellent service to our customers. There were times when it wasn’t easy, but nothing worthwhile ever is, and seeing these new devices in retailer premises is a great reward.
The office is always buzzing with people sharing ideas and learning from one another and I especially enjoy working with a world class sourcing team. I’m constantly challenged to step outside of my comfort zone and no two days are ever the same, giving me the confidence that I can handle any situation that might develop. I completed my Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply Diploma and more recently completed an MSc in Procurement in support of my continued professional development.
When I joined the team I had minimal experience with the purchase of commodities, so my learning curve was steep. In the midst of it, RBS acquired NatWest, which precipitated the largest ever technology integration of its kind. The demands made of me so early in my career have served me well ever since, especially in the integrations with Ulster Bank and ABN AMRO which followed.
After my first few months at RBS, I received an Ovation award from the Director of Group Purchasing for my work as part of a benchmarking exercise. That kind of recognition so early in my career made me very proud, and showed me I was working in the department that suited my skills best.
