Procurement doesn’t always get the spotlight as a department, but without it, the rest of the show can’t go on. Whether it’s cameras, cabling or crucial kit arriving on-site, someone has to make sure it gets there on time, on budget, and in line with the big picture.
Introducing Juliette Craig, our new Group Procurement Buyer at Gratte Brothers Group. Juliette brings numerous years’ experience in the built environment and an acute awareness of the impact that procurement has on project success.
We caught up with Juliette to talk about building a career from an apprenticeship upwards, staying calm under pressure, and what makes Gratte Brothers different.
Let’s start at the beginning – what led you into procurement?
“I have seven years of procurement experience, but I actually started in the industry at 16 as an apprentice in business administration. From those early beginnings, I worked my way up – managing supply chains and overseeing procurement for multimillion-pound projects. Starting young gave me a strong foundation, and I’m still learning every day. I’m excited to be surrounded by such experienced colleagues and to continue building on what I’ve already learned.”
What first drew you to Gratte Brothers, and how have your first few months been?
“What first attracted me was the structure of the business. Knowing it’s a family-run company, passed down through generations, really resonated with me. I’ve worked in similar environments before and know how valuable that culture can be – there’s a strong team spirit, shared values, and a real sense that you’re more than just a number. From day one, those expectations have been met. The atmosphere is positive, the people are genuine, and it feels like somewhere I can truly grow. I’m confident I made the right decision in joining – and it wasn’t a decision I made lightly.”
You’ve been in high-pressure roles before, has there ever been a moment you really had to dig deep?
“I once worked on a large event in London, where thousands of people were expected. Our team was responsible for supplying welfare and utility items, including Portaloos. Unfortunately, our usual supplier underestimated their availability and the order fell through, leaving us short by 20 Portaloos less than 24 hours before the event.
Thankfully, I had recently built a good relationship with a new contact I met during a networking event the week before. Although we hadn’t worked together before, they happened to have exactly 20 Portaloos available, almost like fate! This experience really reinforced for me the value of strong professional relationships. You never know when those connections might be the key to solving a last-minute challenge.”
In your opinion, what makes procurement such a vital (if often unsung) part of a project team?
“Although I’m still learning the ropes, my focus is supporting the team with procurement and buying across our live projects. I’m looking to build on the great work already happening by introducing some of my existing supplier contacts, hopefully unlocking new opportunities for cost savings and improved efficiency. I’ll also be working closely with Gratte Brothers | Security Systems & Software team to manage day-to-day ordering and help keep everything running smoothly.”
What’s kept you motivated in your role?
“I didn’t originally have a passion for procurement. In fact, I had no idea what it was when I first started out. But over time, I began to see the quiet but vital role it plays in a business. The behind-the-scenes impact on teams, budgets, and overall efficiency really stood out to me, and that’s where my motivation grew. It’s not always the most visible role, but the influence it has is huge, and that’s what’s kept me moving forward and wanting to learn more every step of the way.”
What qualities do you think you bring to the team?
“I bring a lot of hands-on experience. Since starting in procurement, I’ve taken on a variety of roles – from admin through to leading procurement and managing supply chains for large-scale projects. I’m confident in my ability to negotiate, build supplier relationships, and remain calm under pressure.
This year, I want to fully embed myself into the team at Gratte Brothers, get to grips with the systems and ways of working, and make meaningful contributions to key projects. Building strong internal relationships is also a priority, as is continuing my own professional development.”
Looking ahead, what kind of impact do you hope to make at Gratte Brothers?
“I’d love to help bring site teams and procurement closer together. That kind of alignment takes time and trust, but when you show the real value of what our team brings, people begin to rely on you more, and you earn genuine appreciation for the work that often goes unseen. My long-term goal would be to help strengthen those relationships and create a smoother, more collaborative way of working across teams.”
What keeps you balanced outside of work?
“It might sound cliché, but I really value time with friends – whether that’s grabbing a coffee and going for a walk or heading out for a night in London. That said, I’m a homebody at heart. Sundays with family (and my cat!) are the real highlight of my week. While these things might not directly motivate me in a traditional sense, they keep me balanced. Having that space to reset is what allows me to return to work focused and energised. I think it’s so important to step away sometimes, so you can give your best when you’re back.”
Finally, how do you keep a cool head when things get stressful or unpredictable?
“Maybe this approach is a bit unconventional, but I truly believe that most problems can be solved, and the ones that can’t usually aren’t the end of the world. Keeping that perspective helps when things feel overwhelming, like your whole job depends on one deadline. The truth is, deadlines can be flexible, people are often more understanding than you expect, and all you can do is your best. That mindset helps me stay calm and focused under pressure.”
Thank you so much for your insights, Juliette! We wish you every success with the company.