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

Episode notes

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.