Alan Newton, global supply chain director at Grass Roots EventCom, on being a magician with time and money.

The day job
Grass Roots offers a corporate events service. I manage global supplier accounts, including the negotiation of commercial agreements, external cost management and strategic policy development. The anticipated 2010 indirect and direct spend is between £200 million and £250 million.

I indirectly manage a team of eight to 12 colleagues worldwide. My job satisfaction comes from implementing time and cost savings that delight internal stakeholders and clients. Time and money are hard to come by, so if you can demonstrate an ability to increase the amounts of both you are viewed as some sort of magician.

Biggest career achievement
Taking a complete step away from the legal profession, which until graduation was my professional focus and making a steep ascent up the supply chain ladder from the bottom rung.

My big break
I fell into the events and communications industry when I was made redundant from a job in recruitment. My early roles were operational and commercial but I positioned myself to take on a unique position for an events and communications agency within a newly created supplier management department.
As the industry was increasingly influenced by procurement professionals I developed a specialist niche within the events and communications sector.

Thought for the day
Never believe you are the finished article. Stay hungry for learning and you will embrace change readily and with vigour. There is always something new to learn.

Future ambitions
I am keen to join the board of our events and communications division.

CV: Alan Newton

Job history
2009 – present: Global supply chain director, Grass Roots EventCom
2000 – 2009: Head of procurement, Zibrant (hotel booking agent)
2000: Recruitment consultant

Education: Law with sociology BA, University of Derby

Song that sums up procurement: Everything Changes, Take That

Guiltiest pleasure: People-watching. I find people and their behaviour incredibly fascinating

Most treasured possession: A limited edition print of Muhammad Ali preparing for a fight, 1 of 50 signed by photographer Michael Gaffney

Hobbies: Football, boxing, rugby, writing, travel, photography, personal development, my wife.

This article first appeared in Supply Management in October. Click on the link to view this article http://www.supplymanagement.com/careers/my-way-to-the-top-alan-newton.