PARKDEAN RESORTS
It also needs a culture of curiosity and constructive challenge within the procurement team. Team members are encouraged to ask probing questions about processes and outcomes.
“ The effect of that is that it brings efficiencies, delivers value and builds the credibility and integrity of the procurement function,” Amey adds.
Recognising the steep learning curve faced by new team members, Amey created a comprehensive procurement guide specifically for the Parkdean environment. This resource draws on diverse experiences across the team, combining perspectives from seasoned professionals with 20-30 years of experience alongside newcomers to procurement and individuals from various industry backgrounds.
Understanding discretionary spending patterns Parkdean’ s success depends heavily on understanding discretionary spending patterns in the leisure sector. The procurement team focuses on identifying the distinction between what guests and owners want versus what they’ re actually willing to pay for- recognising these as often being“ two different things.”
This understanding influences procurement decisions across all consumer-facing products and services, from food and beverage offerings to holiday homes. The team works closely with suppliers and marketing teams to ensure products and services meet genuine market demand rather than perceived requirements.
“ Pre-COVID is gone. We define what normal is now by how we’ re reacting to these cost pressures”
AMEY FAIRBROTHER, HEAD OF PROCUREMENT, PARKDEAN RESORTS
Adapting to the‘ new normal’ There is also a shift seen across the industry, with pre-COVID benchmarks no longer relevant for the sector.
“ I’ ve seen a number of businesses talk about pre-COVID as a norm, but in reality the new norm is right now,” Amey says.“ Pre-COVID is gone. We define what normal is now by how we’ re reacting to these cost pressures.”
This perspective requires active management of supply chain relationships, understanding that cost pressures across the supply base are permanent rather than temporary challenges. The procurement team focuses on developing robust and efficient responses to these ongoing pressures.
Parkdean Resorts demonstrates how procurement excellence can be achieved in complex, seasonal and geographically distributed operations. Under Amey’ s leadership, the function has successfully balanced technological advancement with customer service requirements, seasonal complexity with operational efficiency and innovation with risk management.
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