In this episode of CPO Perspective, Richard is joined by Katy Shields, Head of Indirect Procurement at Debenhams Group, for a wide-ranging conversation on the future of procurement, leadership, supplier relationships, and the growing role of AI in the procurement function.

Katy shares her career journey from an apprenticeship near Disneyland Paris to leading indirect procurement in a major retail business, and explains how procurement has evolved from a tactical cost-saving function into a strategic business partner. The conversation explores how procurement leaders can build stronger stakeholder relationships, use technology to improve the user experience, and create long-term value with suppliers in an increasingly fast-moving market.

If you work in procurement, sourcing, supply chain, supplier management, procurement transformation, or CPO leadership, this episode is packed with practical insights on how the function is changing and what skills matter most in the years ahead.

In this episode, we cover:

* Katy Shields’ journey into procurement and indirect sourcing
* What it means to lead indirect procurement at Debenhams Group
* How procurement has changed from a tactical function to a strategic one
* Why relationship-building is becoming a key competitive advantage in procurement
* The impact of AI, LLMs, and procurement technology on procurement teams
* How procurement can improve stakeholder experience with better tools and processes
* Why supplier relationships and negotiation resilience matter more than ever
* Advice for young professionals starting a career in procurement
* The future of procurement leadership in retail and beyond

Topics discussed:
Procurement leadership, indirect procurement, strategic sourcing, supplier relationship management, procurement transformation, AI in procurement, LLMs in procurement, procurement technology, sourcing strategy, stakeholder management, negotiation strategy, retail procurement, CPO insights, procurement careers, supply chain leadership.

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Procurement has never had better tools, data, or analysis — yet when decisions are challenged, the hardest part is rarely technical. The CPO Perspective explores what actually separates high-performing procurement teams from the rest: judgement, influence, and the ability to make decisions that hold up under real scrutiny.

Hosted by Richard Beaumont — former Army Officer, McKinsey consultant, and Chief Procurement Officer — this podcast is for procurement professionals who want to move beyond operational efficiency and build the kind of credibility, leadership, and ownership that earns genuine board-level trust.