Meet the Team: Alice Crocker
Beginning in late April, Alice joined the EBIT team as our new Procurement Operations Buyer. Having previously worked for Dorset Council, Alice brings experience across public sector procurement and knowledge through her CIPS Level 5 certification. Alice has been quick to learn the differing intricacies of private sector procurement – her curiosity, focus, drive, and commercial acumen creating immediate impact on the buy desk.
Increasing the capacity and talent across our Procurement Operations team, Alice’s new perspective and can-do attitude has left the buy desk feeling refreshed and supported.
What does your role encompass?
The role focuses on managing the end-to-end purchasing process for clients, combining procurement, supplier management, systems administration and stakeholder support to ensure goods and services are sourced efficiently, compliantly and cost-effectively. In my first few weeks I have supported supplier onboarding, creating and validating purchase requisitions (PRs) and issuing purchase orders (POs).
What do you enjoy most about working for EBIT?
What I have enjoyed mostly over these few weeks is the environment, the people and the clear direction of the business. It’s a fast-paced and supportive team where everyone is genuinely committed to delivering great results and helping each other succeed. There’s a strong culture of collaboration, accountability and continuous improvement, which makes it a very exciting place to work.
What’s your professional background?
Previously I worked in public sector procurement within local government, specialising in compliant end-to-end procurement across goods, services, and works. This included managing complex procurement activity, supporting strategic sourcing projects and providing procurement guidance to stakeholders across the business to ensure value for money. Alongside my practical experience I have completed CIPS Level 4 and 5 Qualifications, and I am currently working towards the CIPS Level 6 Professional Diploma.
What would your advice be to someone who is considering procurement as a career?
If you enjoy investigating, questioning processes and challenging how things are done to achieve better outcomes, then procurement can be a very rewarding career. It combines commercial thinking, problem solving, relationship management and strategy with no two projects being the same! It gives you the opportunity to make a real impact whether that’s delivering savings, improving services, managing risks or helping organisations to make smarter decisions.
What was your first ever job?
My first ever job was in a countryside pub which I started when I was 14 – I still remember my Grandma taking me in for my first shift because I was so nervous! It was a great experience and I learned a lot about customer service, working under pressure and building confidence.
When you’re not at work, what do you enjoy doing?
I am really into sports and fitness – running, swimming and training at the gym. I also used to enjoy playing netball… right up until I broke my foot! which has put me off for now. Let’s just say the sound it made was memorable enough to retire me from the court – for now!
Do you have a favourite book / podcast? Why is it your favourite?
I am a big fan of thrillers. One standout for me is Relentless by Simon Kernick; it’s the kind of book you don’t want to put down and is full of twists and turns. I have also just started No Time For Goodbye by Linwood Barclay, which is already very gripping and intense! Anything fast-paced and full of suspense draws me in.
Who would be your dream dinner guest?
My all-time favourite TV series is Brooklyn Nine-Nine, so I’d have to choose either Andy Samberg (Jake Peralta) or Craig Robinson (Doug Judy). I’ve watched the show countless times and still find it hilarious every time. They would bring so much fun and energy to the table.
