From Steel to Social Value - A Procurement Leader’s Journey with Lorraine Sawyer

In this episode of Powering Procurement, we’re joined by Lorraine Sawyer, Procurement Director at Orbit Group, to explore what modern procurement leadership really looks like across regulated, purpose-led organisations.Lorraine shares her deliberately chosen journey into procurement, from studying the discipline at university through to senior leadership roles spanning heavy industry and housing. With experience at Tata Steel, British Steel, Home Group, Anchor and now Orbit, she brings a rare perspective on balancing commercial rigour with public service values.The conversation explores the contrasts between procurement in steel and housing, the resilience required in challenging sectors, and why social purpose has become central to Lorraine’s leadership approach. We discuss the realities of working in a highly regulated environment, including changing consumer standards, building safety requirements and the impact of the Procurement Act, alongside the need to remain commercially focused and adaptable.Lorraine also shares practical insight into supplier relationship management, social value in practice, and how housing providers and suppliers can work together to deliver meaningful outcomes for residents and communities. We explore the role of technology in improving procurement efficiency and service delivery, and how digital transformation can create better experiences for both teams and customers.The episode closes with Lorraine’s reflections on leadership, team culture and what success looks like when procurement is truly embedded as a trusted partner within the organisation, as well as why she continues to find procurement a rewarding and dynamic career after more than 20 years in the profession.