Public Procurement and Property

Scottish Careers Week: career journey blog 2

November 12, 2025 by Scottish Procurement No Comments | Category Procurement news, Scottish Procurement

It’s Scot Careers Week!  We’re shining a light on our colleagues career journeys in procurement and their experiences so far in the Scottish Procurement and Property Directorate (SPPD). 

 Rachael Hughes, Communications and Engagement Team Leader  

 Tell us about your procurement career journey so far… 

I began my journey in Scottish Government Procurement in May 2014 as Scotland’s first Procurement Modern Apprentice. 

Since then, I’ve had the privilege of working across a range of procurement teams, gaining an understanding of the full procurement lifecycle – from Commercial Capability and Contract Management to Shared Services and core Scottish Government Procurement functions. Each role has added a layer of insight and experience that now informs the work I lead in Communications and Strategic Engagement. 

Today, with more than a decade of procurement experience, I head up the Communications and Strategic Engagement team. As a manager I bring together everything I’ve learned to drive communications and engagement activity that is not only informative, but meaningful and impactful. My focus is on amplifying the stories within our sector using evidence based communications – showcasing the innovation, collaboration, and public value that Scottish Public Procurement delivers every day. 

One of the most powerful tools we have to do this is case studies. They demonstrate how procurement drives real-world outcomes, whether that’s supporting climate action, delivering social impact, or enabling inclusive economic growth. Case studies help us connect the dots between policy and practice, and they inspire others by showing what’s possible. 

Throughout my career, I’ve remained closely involved in the Procurement People of Tomorrow (PPoT) programme – engaging with schools, colleges, universities, and industry to champion procurement as a career that’s impactful, and relevant to a wide range of interests.  

As you joined through a Modern Apprenticeship, what advice would you give someone considering a career in procurement or an employer who is looking to use the different routes on offer? 

Whether you’re an employer, a student exploring career options, or simply interested to find out more about the world of public procurement – the PPoT programme offers multiple ways to get involved,  Procurement is no longer just about buying goods and services. It’s about delivering public value and supporting inclusive economic growth. 

My piece of advice would be take all the opportunities offered to you in an apprenticeship and seek out others along the way. For employers, one of the most powerful ways to inspire the next generation is by reaching out to schools, colleges, and universities. Offering guest lectures, participating in career events, or simply sharing your journey can spark interest and open minds.  

Angus Mackenzie, Senior Procurement Portfolio Specialist  

My procurement journey 

I began my career in procurement in 2015 as a Modern Apprentice, supporting a team dedicated to procurement reform and integration. This role introduced me to the strategic landscape of public procurement, where I contributed to the co-ordination and governance of cross-sector groups and forums. 

I then moved into the Director’s Office, providing executive support and gaining firsthand insight into leadership priorities and strategic decision-making. Working closely with a Senior Civil Servant was a formative experience that deepened my understanding of the high-level workings of the Civil Service. 

Next, I joined the Commercial Capability team, where I managed the learning and development budget for the wider directorate. This role allowed me to support the growth of procurement expertise across teams by ensuring access to essential training and resources. 

Following this I progressed into a buyer role within a central procurement team. Here, I led multiple competitive tender exercises across various Scottish Government directorates, consistently delivering value and supporting strategic outcomes. 

Currently, I am a Senior Procurement Specialist within a major programmes portfolio, where I work on complex, high-profile projects. This role challenges me to apply my experience to requirements with significant public sector impact, combining commercial acumen with strategic delivery. 

Career highlights 

One of my proudest personal achievements was receiving a GO award recognising emerging talent in the procurement profession. It was a privilege to be honoured among such strong competition. It really made me appreciate all the support I’ve received since joining the Civil Service. 

From a delivery perspective, a standout achievement was supporting a major procurement exercise for digital support services within a large government directorate. The successful outcome of this project is forecast to deliver substantial annual savings compared to previous contractual arrangements. This is incredibly important during a period of tight budgets. While this was a collaborative effort, being part of a project that delivers measurable benefits to both the organisation whilst delivering value for money to the taxpayer has been very rewarding. 

Throughout my career so far, I’ve stayed actively involved in the Procurement People of Tomorrow (PPoT) programme – whether by speaking at student events or sharing insights on the diverse opportunities within public procurement. It’s been incredibly rewarding to give back and encourage others to join through the different routes now on offer. 

For further information on public procurement in Scotland please visit www.gov.scot/procurement

Please email enquiries to scottishprocurement@gov.scot

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Tags: Procurement People of Tomorrow, ScotCareersWeek

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