From Rolling Stock to Global Impact: Sam Pickford on Procurement’s Reach

<p>In this episode of <em>Powering Procurement</em>, host <strong>Sian Lloyd</strong> is joined by <strong>Sam Pickford</strong>, Head of Procurement at <strong>British International Investment (BII)</strong>, the UK’s development finance institution. With over 15 years of experience spanning transport, social care, finance, and international investment, Sam brings a rare blend of <strong>public sector depth and commercial edge</strong>.</p><p>From leading a £320 million rolling stock renewal for London Underground to building a procurement function that now supports investments across Africa and Asia, Sam’s career offers powerful lessons on resilience, risk, and purpose-driven procurement.</p><p>Together, Sian and Sam explore:</p><ul><li><p>The unique challenges of procurement in emerging markets</p></li><li><p>Balancing commercial priorities with social and development impact</p></li><li><p>What Brexit, Covid and global supply shocks have taught us about resilience</p></li><li><p>How AI and technology are reshaping procurement strategies</p></li><li><p>Why saying “yes” to opportunities can unlock a truly diverse career</p></li></ul><p>Candid, insightful, and refreshingly pragmatic, this episode shines a light on the evolving role of procurement and why it’s a career path worth celebrating.</p>