We are happy to announce Shanco has a new Procurement Manager – Wellcome, Shane Milford! We took some time to get to know Shane, and ask him about himself, his role and what he enjoys about Shanco and the industry.
What are your main responsibilities as the procurement manager for Shanco?
My primary responsibilities are making sure the lads have materials so they can work haha! No, in all seriousness I would say supplier management, making sure we have the supply chain to support us across the country. I also handle:
- – Planning deliveries and working with sites to organise material deliveries.
- – Contract negotiations on rates for each site’s materials and our term deals.
- – Budget management, so managing our cost in relation to the tender and making sure we can maximise our buying gains.
- – Market analysis so constantly looking out for new products or innovations and trying to forecast where possible future needs and pricing.
- – Quality assurance making sure the materials we purchase meet specs and requirements while promoting sustainability.
- – Problem solving with invoices, invoice queries challenging deliveries.
- – Working closely with estimating to ensure we have the best possible prices to secure our future workload.
What attracted you to a career in construction?
I sort of fell into it really what feels like an eternity ago now – Ha! I was working for Hope construction materials as internal sales for concrete and one of my customers approached me to go and work for them. Now I can’t drive past a construction site without looking at what works are going off and the materials on site and how much money is just sat around haha
Can you describe a typical day?
A typical day, there is no such thing haha! Each day is different, but it would ensure the site managers / supervisors can contact me to ensure they can organise the materials they need each day and help with any challenges. Working with accounts to ensure all the invoices are up to date and making sure there are minimal discrepancies. Working with estimating for pricing jobs, helping by reviewing the bills and sending out the tender enquiries and working closely with Ben and Glenn to ensure the yard and wagon run smoothly and efficiently and we have enough PPE and materials in stock as needed.
What do you like most about your job / working for with Shanco?
I love that each day is different and learning about all the aspects of construction as I have a genuine passion for it and want to understand as much of the process as I can. Working with Shanco is great as you genuinely feel appreciated and valued and that your opinion matters.
Can you describe the Shanco team in three words?
Welcoming. Professional. Supportive
What advice would you give to others thinking of a similar role in construction?
Look to learn about construction or even a business admin course, something like that to start with. Look for entry-level positions with a company that will support your training and development. Look to network with similar minded people in construction or even reach out to experienced buyers. They may offer some support or even mentorship! Ultimately, I would say just go for it. I love the industry and have built some great relationships and friendships from it.
What do you like doing when you’re not at work?
When I’m not at work, I like to spend my evenings watching The House of the Dragon! Try and get out golfing, which I haven’t done in a while, so I really need to do that ASAP. Most of my time is spent with my Partner and kids, days out, playing on their bikes or even in the garden. I do also enjoy watching any form of motorsport and going to watch British super bikes and supporting my friend as he runs a team!
