Laura McMain MCIPS MSc

Questioner
DISC Type : c

Procurement Manager Sourcing at NWG (Northumbrian Water Group)

United Kingdom

Overview

Laura McMain is an experienced Procurement Manager at Northumbrian Water Group, specializing in strategic sourcing. With a Masters degree and an MCIPS qualification, she manages diverse categories including professional services, facilities, and corporate procurement, and has been with the company in various procurement roles for a significant period.

Outside of her primary role, Laura is deeply invested in her professions community. She serves as a CIPS Examiner and has held the position of Branch Chair for the CIPS Northumbria Branch, demonstrating a strong commitment to upholding professional standards and mentoring others in the field.

In 2018, she was part of the team that won the CIPS award for Best Contribution to Corporate Responsibility.

Personality Overview

Not Easily Convinced

Cautious & Analytical

Value Seeker

While they don't hesitate to ask questions, they are generally risk-averse and tend to be late adopters.  They prefer to do thorough analysis of any situation. They are more likely than others to negotiate on pricing and terms.

Topics They Care About

Strategic Sourcing
Her current and past roles focus on managing the end-to-end strategic sourcing process across numerous business-critical categories like IT, HR, and professional services.
Corporate Responsibility
Was a key member of the Northumbrian Water team that won the 2018 CIPS Supply Management Award for "Best Contribution to Corporate Responsibility".
Developing Talent
Frequently posts about hiring new buyers and opportunities for internal promotion within her team, indicating a focus on building and nurturing procurement talent.

Media Appearances

Laura has no verified media appearances

Work History

4-2025
Procurement Manager Sourcing at NWG (Northumbrian Water Group)
3-2024 - 4-2025
Interim Procurement Manager - Opex at NWG (Northumbrian Water Group)
11-2015
CIPS Examiner at CIPS
8-2012 - 1-2018
Branch chair at CIPS Northumbria Branch
3-2009 - 3-2024
Procurement Category Manager at NWG (Northumbrian Water Group)

Education

2013 - 2015
Master’s Degree from University of South Wales
2006 - 2011
MCIPS - Examination Route from Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply

More Information

Social Presence :

Prographics :

Exp : 25 Location : United Kingdom Job Level : Middle Designation : Procurement Manager Sourcing at NWG (Northumbrian Water Group)
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Insights For Selling To Laura

During A Call Or A Meeting

DO's

  • If you have a lower priced product compared to the competition, call out the same
  • Keep some extra margin in hand as they will likely negotiate the pricing
  • Back up any claims with data and numbers

DONT's

  • Avoid phrases like ‘do not worry about’, ‘no one compares to’ etc.
  • Don’t overhype the product/pitch, keep it measured
  • Don’t depend too much on anecdotal evidence, it reduces their confidence

When Cold Calling

When Writing An Email

While Negotiating & Closing

    The secret to closing fast with Laura is

  • Confidence that the product provides ROI, effective pricing and process adherence matter the most to them.

  • Will you ever get a clear answer from Laura

  • It doesn’t come naturally to them but they can say no if they are not convinced.

Insights For Deal Planning

    How fast (or slow) will Laura move?

  • They can move at a reasonable pace while making their decisions if they have the necessary information.

  • Can Laura take some risk or not?

  • They can take some risk if they are confident that they have analyzed the circumstances well.


You And Laura

Personality Compatibility


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