Lucy Barks

How did you get started in procurement?

I didn't take the obvious route - I studied English Studies at university, and worked full-time in restaurants through my degree. When I finished uni, I joined Boots the Chemist in Nottingham. I thought I'd stay a year; I stayed seven. That's where I fell in love with supply chain - the creativity, the problem-solving, the tangible impact. Procurement came later, at Innocent Drinks, when I was asked to build a new contract manufacturing function from scratch. That's where it clicked: this is what I'm meant to do.

Tell us about your current role at Bold Bean Co.

I'm Head of Supply Chain at Bold Bean Co - I look after everything that moves: procurement, logistics, quality, NPD, and sustainability. We're small, so no two weeks are ever the same. One day I'm negotiating with a European co-manufacturer, the next I'm deep in B Corp recertification. It's busy, varied, and I absolutely love it.

What's the secret to scaling a supply chain in a fast-growing SME?

Hire razor-sharp people who care. Give up your spreadsheets earlier than you think. And invest time in your suppliers - trust is everything. I'm also a bit of a geek for ERP systems. We're researching one now, maybe even an AI-based version. The right system will be a game-changer for us.

What are your favourite procurement techniques?

Number one - the professional wince. The moment someone quotes a price and you instinctively flinch. It works more often than you'd think. Then there's 'Demands of Wishes' - I learned that at Innocent, it's genius. And I love a good RAPID - knowing who's Responsible, Accountable, and who actually Decides keeps everything moving.

How do you source Bold Bean's amazing beans?

It's a mix of partnerships and persistence. We've built long-term relationships with co-manufacturers across Europe who help us select from the best harvests and varieties. Our butter beans come from a specific region in Poland - they're triple and quadruple sorted for quality. Every batch goes through optical, mechanical, and manual sorting before we approve it. It's obsessive, but that's what makes them so special.

What's the most memorable factory or field visit you've ever done?

The first one at Boots, when I was 21. They had their own factories in beautiful old listed buildings - like Edwardian ballrooms full of industrial machines. Later, I visited a machinery plant in Germany where staff cycled around the factory because it was so vast. That blew my mind too - seeing the engineering behind the engineering.

What skills will the buyer of tomorrow need?

Curiosity. Empathy. A sense of humour. You have to like people - procurement is human at its core. Yes, systems and AI matter, but only if you know what you're trying to achieve with them. You're always negotiating with another person, even if they're behind the algorithm.

How do you balance price with sustainability?

It's tough. At Bold Bean, we balance price with quality, sustainability, and availability. Our values help - 'Be Hungry' means getting the best deal for the business, but never at the farmer's expense. Beans are naturally sustainable - they're good for soil and need to stay viable for the people growing them. So we think in terms of value, not just price.

Rapid Fire

Butter Bean or Chickpea?

Butterbeans - so versatile | Out in the field or in a factory? Factory - I love to see how things are made | Pie or casserole? Always a pie. Flaky pastry, not shortcrust.