54. Richard Struthers, MCIPS Procurement Interim & Consultant

Richard, Procurement Interim Practitioner and Chartered MCIPS professional, brings nearly two decades of hands-on experience delivering strategic procurement solutions across interim, consultancy, and in-house roles. Based in Surrey UK and working across the South East, Richard has led high-impact projects in HR, Professional Services, Consultancy, Fleet, and Contingent Labour across FTSE 100s, global corporates, the public sector, utilities, and startups—both in the UK and internationally.

In this episode, Richard joins Sam to explore the realities of interim procurement—how to deliver measurable value fast, build trust within teams, and navigate complex transformation projects. He shares insights on how businesses can get the most out of procurement interims and how he connects clients with top-tier professionals from his trusted network through his consultancy.

As a mentor to aspiring procurement interims, Richard also dives into the freelance market, offering practical advice for those getting started. Whether you're looking to strengthen your procurement delivery or develop your interim career, this episode is packed with real-world guidance and inspiration.

Connect with Richard on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/richardstruthers

(00:38) - Introducing Richard Struthers

(01:21) - What does Procurement & Sourcing mean to Richard?

(02:38) - What does Richard see as the variety of the role of Procurement?

(04:22) - What advice would Richard give to someone thinking about starting with Procurement?

(06:20) - What services does Richard provide at Rosemae Procurement?

(08:44) - What attracts Richard and others to an interim Procurement role?

(11:18) - What does an interim Procurement role teach you that a permanent role doesn’t?

(13:01) - What are some of the primary challenges that Richard meets in his interim work?

(14:57) - What sort of common challenges does Richard face when he starts an interim role?

(16:50) - Why would a Procurement organization bring in an interim instead of a consultant?

(18:16) - How do organizations scope for and bring in interims and how do they succeed or fail?

(21:08) - What is the importance of CIPS for Purchasing professionals in the UK?

(23:35) - Are there any particular skills that Richard has developed in his interim Procurement work? And how has CIPS contributed?

(25:45) - How has Richard seen Procurement evolve during his 20+ year career?

(28:18) - What areas of Procurement will be changed most by technology over the coming years?

(31:48) - How can Procurement improve supplier relationships?

(35:42) - What makes a good interim Procurement leader?

(38:48) - Richard answers our round of quick-fire questions