SAP

Walldorf, Baden-Wuerttemberg, Germany

Gordon Donovan

Vice President Research - Procurement & External Workforce

Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

An accomplished leader with over 30 years’ experience optimising procurement and supply chain operations and strategy, I have a well-established reputation for driving transformational change and building capacity across global organisations.

Recognised as a thought leader in procurement and commercial strategy, I leverage technological advancements and commercial insights to create solutions that bring out the best in people, optimise processes, and ultimately achieve operational excellence. I thrive in challenging environments, harness strategic foresight, seek out innovation, and lead through ambiguity to deliver sustained value.

I believe that effective procurement is the foundation of resource efficiency, workforce optimisation, and operational excellence.

Over the course of my career I have transformed procurement strategy, built high-performing teams, and enhanced business processes. I specialise in developing world-class sourcing, category management, and supply chain frameworks that drive growth and sustainability.

I’m known for making evidence-based decisions, fostering collaboration, and shaping innovative solutions that transcend traditional procurement functions. My expertise ranges from briefing solution management and advising marketing to optimising customer experience and enabling digital transformation.

I genuinely believe that removing siloed ways of working and encouraging a holistic approach across business functions – especially procurement, finance and supply chain – achieves the best possible strategic outcomes. It also enables transparency and optimises productivity.

As a sought-after speaker and panel coach, I share insights on evolving sourcing methodologies, supply chain resilience, and strategic sourcing trends. If we embrace transformation and change, and use technology to boost productivity and streamline processes, we can ensure our organisations are future-focused and capable of navigating uncertainty with confidence.

I am passionate about advancing procurement's strategic role in business excellence. It’s a rapidly evolving, business critical issue. Connect with me if you're looking for strategic advice, thought leadership, or collaborative partnerships in procurement, supply chain, or commercial strategy.

    Work History

    Sapura Energy

    6 years, 11 months
    Vice President Research - Procurement & External Workforce
    Apr 2023 - Present
    Market Research Director - Procurement & Supply
    Nov 2021 - Apr 2023
    Intelligent Spend Evangelist Asia Pacific
    May 2019 - Nov 2021

    Epworth

    1 year, 5 months
    Group Director, Procurement & Supply
    Dec 2017 - May 2019

    BNP Paribas Group

    0 years, 5 months
    Director, Network Value Engineering ANZ
    Jun 2017 - Nov 2017

    Metro Trains Melbourne

    1 year, 9 months
    Procurement and Supply Chain Manager
    Aug 2015 - May 2017

    The Faculty Management Consultants Pty Ltd

    1 year, 5 months
    Principal Consultant
    Feb 2014 - Jul 2015

    PMMS Consulting/ArcBlue Consulting Group

    2 years, 8 months
    Managing Consultant/Director
    May 2011 - Jan 2014

    Healthscope

    1 year, 3 months
    Head of Procurement
    Jan 2010 - Apr 2011

    PMMS Consulting

    3 years, 4 months
    Consultant
    Aug 2006 - Dec 2009

    Transport for London

    2 years, 2 months
    Senior Procurement & Contracts Manager
    May 2004 - Jul 2006

    CPM Training

    1 year, 11 months
    Procurement Trainer
    May 2002 - Apr 2004
    Executives