Doug Sheppard
Head of Procurement Logistics and Warehouse,
RNLI
Doug Sheppard
Head of Procurement Logistics and Warehouse,
RNLI
AI allows functions to go beyond the traditional view of cost-saving and order processing to drive competitive advantage and contribute to broader business goals. It will free up teams to focus on proactive risk mitigation, ethical sourcing, and customer-centric supply chain strategies. This new era is about leveraging data, technology, and supplier partnerships to deliver long-term, strategic value.
Doug is a seasoned procurement and supply chain leader, known for strategic initiatives and operational improvements. Over the past eight years, he has delivered an average annual savings of 5% across direct and indirect procurement by leveraging Best Cost Country (BCC) sourcing, supplier consolidation, and long-term agreements. His creation of a Preferred Supplier Program reduced active suppliers from over 400 to fewer than 100 within two years, improving supplier relationships.
Doug’s expertise extends to risk management, where he implemented comprehensive policies that significantly mitigated procurement and supply chain risks. His efforts reduced health and safety incidents by over 30% year-on-year. Additionally, Doug has led major infrastructure projects, including a £30m consolidation of four business units into a state-of-the-art facility, and successfully executed multiple ERP system implementations.
More from the 40 Under 40 Supply Chain Changemakers class of 2024
Alvin Castillo
Head of Vehicle Procurement & Manufacturer Engagement
Octopus Electric Vehicles
Octopus Electric Vehicles
© 2024 40 UNDER 40
