With over 25 years of experience in logistics, operations and procurement management in various branches, Richard is a true specialist. His wide experience ranges from implementing a new 22.000 sqm warehouse, decentralizing warehouses to procurement for large infrastructural projects and professionalization of procurement processes in oil and gas, aviation and industry.
In December 2018, Richard started, together with Francis Owusu (MD Quality Tracking), LiaisonEXperts, a team of experts with main focus on Procurement and Supply Chain. During 2019 it became obvious that combining the consulting activities of both QT and LEX would meet perfectly the current demand of both clientele, providing them a unique combination of experts in Quality and Procurement. While Francis is focusing on the international aspect of both organisations, Richard is currently responsible for the day to day operations of both Quality Tracking and LiaisonExperts.
Furthermore, Richard is currently acting as strategic Procurement Consultant for Geesinknorba.
What does a normal day look like for you?
“For me there are 2 types of normal days, the days that I am working on project and the days when I am busy for QT and LEX. At this moment, I am working 3 days per week on a project in Emmeloord. The first thing I do when I arrive at the office is enjoying a large cup of coffee and a sandwich, while checking my agenda. Every morning, our procurement department has a start up meeting where we inform each other about the activities scheduled for that day. On an average day, I have a few meetings with suppliers and internal stakeholders and I work on RFI’s, RFQ’s, processes and agreements. My highlight of the day is lunch together with the whole procurement department, followed by our daily walk.
The other 2 days are quite different, where I take of my procurement hat and put on my sales hat. I spend most of my time visiting our current and (possible) future clients, looking for possibilities to help them with their Quality and Procurement challenges. Fridays, you can find me at our head office in Almere, where I have meetings with our Office Manager and Business Development Manager to keep up with our finances, marketing activities and developments within our teams.”
What do you enjoy most about your job?
“Diversity is the thing I love most! Dealing with all kinds of people like our clients, suppliers, internal stakeholders and of course my team. Also the diversity in activities like purchasing, sales, contract management and operations management is key and I never get bored! Achieving great cost savings gives me a boost, I cheer when we have been awarded a new project for LEX or QT, and I’m extremely happy when coaching my team brings them to further growth.”
What are some career lessons you’ve learned so far?
“So many things come to mind, but the most important ones have to be: Plan, do, check, ACT and to always be open, honest and most of all genuine.”
Do you have a favorite quote?
“The secret of change is to focus all of your energy, not on fighting the old, but on building the new” (Socrates).