As part of its ongoing growth strategy and continued investment in people, public sector construction framework provider LHC Procurement Group (LHC) has bolstered its team with a new director of product innovation
Shona Snow joins LHC as director of product innovation, having spent over 20 years in procurement – the last 11 of which have been in the public sector.
As a chartered member of the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS), Shona has led several complex collaborative procurement projects across local authorities including Surrey County Council and Southwark Council.
It was during her time as a procurement consultant for Southwark Council that she first encountered LHC. She worked closely with LHC’s regional team on the development of the Architect Design Services (ADS1.1) framework.
LHC COO Jennifer Castle praised Shona’s thinking outside the box
Upon completion of her contract, Shona was employed directly by LHC as a consultant before providing maternity cover for the then-regional director of LHC Jennifer Castle.
Jennifer, who is now the Group’s chief operating officer, said: “Shona impressed me so much that I trusted her to deliver the strategic vision for LHC London and the South East, working alongside the acting director, in my absence.
“She has a “think outside the box” mentality, which she expertly couples with astute practical delivery. I’m really pleased she has joined us as the new director of product innovation.”
As well as a wealth of experience, Shona brings a genuine passion for making a difference, which is what drove her to transition from the private to public sector in 2013.
Shona commented on her new role as director of product innovation at LHC:
“I moved into the public sector because I wanted to have a win-win relationship with my supply base and work for an organisation that saw suppliers as its allies, with whom they could work together for the good of the taxpayer,” Shona said. “I felt that, in the public sector, I could be perfectly positioned to support progress and drive change during my career.
“I’ve always been inspired by LHC’s purpose-driven ethos, and the fact that it’s not for profit really appeals to me. I’m looking forward to properly getting underneath the skin of LHC and using my collaborative working style to draw out innovation and new ideas from the procurement team and wider organisation.
“A huge passion of mine is removing barriers for SMEs when it comes to being appointed to frameworks, and actively attracting SMEs from more diverse backgrounds. I will therefore champion even more developments in this area.
“My work will help us to better serve the needs of clients as they face ongoing pressure to upgrade and decarbonise their building stock, and keep abreast of regulation and policy changes, all while battling to keep their heads above water financially.”
Clive Feeney, LHC’s group managing director, added: “At LHC, we are always looking at ways to strengthen our organisational culture, which is focused on putting social impact, community benefit, and the wellbeing and performance of our staff at the heart of everything we do.
“Shona will not only breathe new life into our frameworks, but she will also be instrumental in helping us to implement our social value strategy. This is going to allow us to have even more of a lasting impact on the communities in which we operate.”
LHC has also promoted two existing members of staff – one of whom, George Stevens, will oversee the delivery of the Group’s social value strategy as its very first director of communities.
George said: “Developing and supporting people and communities is central to our mission. The renewed and targeted commitment to growing this aspect of our business and service offer will, we hope, result in greater social mobility, individual wellbeing, and a better planet and environment for us all to thrive and grow in.
“As a not-for-profit framework provider, LHC is in a fantastic position to support clients and appointed companies as they navigate their own social value journeys. We will be doing a lot more to leverage our role to guide, influence and help maximise all opportunities available to deliver social value through public sector procurement. I’m excited to see what the future holds.”
LHC is now seeking a new head of procurement to work with Shona
Deon Barnard – previously group change manager – is now LHC’s head of transformation
One of his first tasks is to fill two new project and change roles to help increase the Group’s capacity to innovate.
The search continues for a new head of procurement to support Shona, who said: “As my right-hand person who will deliver the solutions, the new recruit must have – first and foremost – a desire to work for a company interested in making a difference.
“They should, of course, enjoy working with people – and while a solid understanding of procurement regulations is essential, the successful candidate will only feel guided, not restricted, by them.”
