LAURA HOBBS

Laura studied Retail and Product management at University. Following her successful graduation she was offered an executive trainee role at Harrods. From here she developed her understanding of the whole business before being selected to join the buying team for the largest spend category in the store. Her role grew and her exposure to the senior management team and owner at the time saw her recognised for sales support of the year.

In 2003 she joined a start-up company as Operations Manager in her lifestyle passion of travelling and wildlife to coordinate and run 3 successful dedicated wildlife cruises from the UK later covered by the BBC Wildlife magazine.

Laura joined Skanska Construction in 2007 where she held positions of increasing levels of responsibility. Laura’s success in this environment was highlighted by being selected for the Female Mentor Programme where she was mentored by the Executive Vice President.

In 2013 Laura joined McCarthy and Stone as Procurement Director where she worked under a leading global investment company and accountable for the transformation, development, management and operation of the Procurement strategy. During her time at McCarthy and Stone she delivered a 20% improvement to the companies EBITDA and transformed the Procurement department from a transactional and reactive based culture to a strategic department that was recognised for adding value to the organisation.

Recognising her strengths in driving change in the Procurement function Laura formed F3 Consultants to assist other companies in their journey to realise the value of Procurement. Laura has a particular specialism in implementing category management and developing teams.

Laura is currently accountable for a major Procurement Transformation for the Royal Bam Group in the UK and Ireland.

Laura has recently been appointed the Chair of the CIPS Senior Construction Leaders Group, she is looking forward to driving a real step change in the industry and raising the profile of Procurement in the Construction Sector.