Spotlight on Quattro Procurement Manager, Isabel Gonzalez

Before starting with Quattro in 2021, Procurement Manager Isabel Gonzalez, 50, was working in the accounts department at a family-run tool hire company.  With limited options to progress her career, Isabel was keen to make a switch to something that offered her more prospects.  She found her way to Quattro after a buy out, initially doing occasional weekend shifts covering the control department.  Spotting her dedication and hard work, Quattro offered Isabel a chance to come and work full time and try a new career in procurement.

‘I started at Quattro covering control, which is out of hours manning reception, answering calls, logging POS in and out of their shifts and logging and resolving any issues.  The control team ensures that Quattro is always available and can be reached, 24/7, which is essential in the rail industry.  After a period of working weekends, I was approached with an offer to move to procurement, which I saw as an exciting opportunity.’

Isabel has been enjoying the department switch and the variety of the role.

‘Procurement is really interesting.  It’s a series of very varied tasks including costings, understanding policies, dealing with suppliers and making deals. There’s a lot of negotiation which I love!  I’ve been doing it a while now and so far I’ve brought in several new suppliers which are working well and also have agreed new costings and terms with existing suppliers, I’m currently working on a centralised buying approach which could give the company an increase in buying power.’

Her skills for procurement involve good organisation and ‘fearlessness’.

‘I love my job.  It’s demanding, a lot of hard work and long hours but I do love what I do.  You do need good communication and negotiation skills. I can be a bit cheeky at times, but I think I have to in order to get the best deal for Quattro. To do this job you also need to be organised and a bit fearless, as it’s a job that can completely absorb you.’ 

Isabel is midway through her CIPS apprenticeship and is benefiting from the learning that links seamlessly to her day-to-day. 

‘I was really pleased that Mel (Webb, HR Manager), found an apprenticeship that works towards a CIPS qualification (Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply), a recognised qualification in the procurement world.  I started studying last year and found that there’s a lot to learn on this apprenticeship, and I’m still learning, topics such as planning, forecasting, contract development, negotiation and contract management are all covered in this diploma. I try to devote an hour to two hours a day to my studies.  Once a month I’ll have a Teams meeting with my tutor.  I’m currently preparing for my next exam (there are many!) and at the moment I’m studying Commercial Contracting which includes tendering in the public and private sector.’

Isabel said she found the new learning intimidating at first, but moving forward she’s excited about the possibilities.

‘I found it all a little bit intimidating at first.  The last time I studied was for my accounts, the AAT level 2 and 3 which was some years ago, and back then it seemed like a different world. I see the level I’m at now and how far I’ve come and it makes me feel so proud of myself.  It’s an amazing feeling to learn and then apply it to my actual job! Once I’ve finished my qualification, I know I’ll feel so enriched, and I’ll love my job even more.'

Isabel hopes to finish her apprenticeship this year, and has begun further developing her skills in management.

‘More recently I’ve been invited into manager’s meetings and speaking publicly is something I’m starting to get used to, but need more practice!  I do feel I’m being supported at Quattro, by everyone, from every background.  I’m very thankful to all the managers who have been so good to me.'  

She went on to explain that the autonomous working style at Quattro is one that encourages individuals to ‘give it their all’.

'At Quattro everyone knows their place and their duties and we are all trusted and left to get on with our roles.  You know when you’re doing well, because you’re told. I do feel nurtured.  It’s that sort of environment that makes people give it their all.’

Isabel believes apprenticeships are for anyone, at any age, and the ultimate path to learning.

‘I don’t think you have to be seventeen or eighteen to do an apprenticeship, you can be any age.  Like it or not, we all need qualifications in this world and this is an interesting and engaging path.  I used to come out of Quattro some days with things I didn’t understand, but thanks to the course I now see all the reasoning behind those decisions and I know why they’re important. If you’re learning the theory base and you’re able to implement it in your actual job, it’s incredibly satisfying, but requires complete dedication. It’s academic knowledge and practical experience hand in hand, and I can’t see a better way of learning.’

Melanie Webb, HR Manager
‘As Isabel says the idea of adult study can be intimidating at first, but ultimately very rewarding and a path to self-growth.  The CIPS apprenticeship will enhance her role in procurement and benefit the team.  This is a decision she has taken with our support, into a second career, and that’s something to be very proud of.  I hope she inspires others to learn; apprenticeships at Quattro are for everyone, at any age.’

John Murphy, Managing Director
‘We could see that Isabel had experience in accounts and wanted to support her in putting it to good use.  She’s made a seamless transition into procurement and is thriving in her new job.  We wish her the best of luck with her exams.'

'I was thinking of taking a leaf out of the Quattro apprentice book and studying a CIPS in Best MD-ing - however the HR department has insisted that I really don’t need it..!’ 

If you're interested in an apprenticeship with Quattro, do get in touch with us by emailing jobs@quattroplant.co.uk or call us on 0845 900 2999 - ask for HR.