Growing a career in procurement at OryxAlign: Michelle’s story

Although her background wasn’t in tech, Michelle’s move to London and start in procurement led her into a role that shaped the direction of her career. Over time, she built her experience across different organisations and environments, eventually moving into the IT space.

When she joined OryxAlign, there wasn’t a defined procurement function in place, giving her the opportunity to build something of her own and make a real impact. Today, she leads procurement at OryxAlign, having played a key role in shaping and developing the function as the business has grown.

Here, Michelle shares how her career has evolved, what drew her to OryxAlign, and why she believes having different perspectives in tech is so important.

What type of roles did you do before OryxAlign?

I’ve always worked in procurement before joining OryxAlign, originally starting in a maternity cover role straight after university. Even though it was my first time in the industry, I really enjoyed the role, and so I stayed on and progressed into a Procurement Manager position. After that, I moved to some large organisations before joining OryxAlign as a Sales and Procurement Administrator. At that point, there was no formal procurement function in place, so I helped build it into what it is today.  

What's your role at OryxAlign, and how would you describe what you do in one sentence? 

I’m the Head of Procurement, so I am responsible for setting the strategic direction for Procurement at OryxAlign which involves overseeing the day-to-day procurement operations and managing our supplier relationships, including partner engagement, enablement activities and supporting growth across our vendor network.  

How long have you been with the company, and what initially attracted you to join? 

I’ve been with OryxAlign for nearly 10 years now! I was looking for a change from a large organisation where it sometimes felt like you were just one small part of a much bigger machine, and so I wanted to be in a place where I could make a real impact.

From the interview process, OryxAlign felt different. The environment was relaxed, the people were approachable, and there was a clear sense that you could build something and make it your own, which is exactly what I’ve been able to do.

What's one thing that surprised you, in a good way, once you started working here?

What surprised me the most was how approachable everyone is. While there’s a leadership team, everyone is very open to a conversation regardless of role or seniority. That level of accessibility is not something you find everywhere, and it makes a big difference to how people work together.  

What kind of progress or growth have you experienced during your time here, professionally or personally?

My career has evolved significantly since I joined. I started as a Sales and Procurement Administrator, progressed to Procurement Manager and now Head of Procurement, sitting on the SLT. Alongside this, I was also supported through my CIPS qualification, which allowed me to continue developing professionally while working. It’s been a great journey of growing with the business and stepping into new responsibilities as opportunities have come up.  

What do you enjoy the most about working here?

I enjoy the people the most. There’s a real mix of backgrounds, experiences and personalities, which makes it a very interesting place to work. I also enjoy being part of a business that is constantly growing and evolving. There’s always something changing, which keeps the work engaging and dynamic. 

What's one way you feel supported?

I’ve always felt supported both professionally and personally during my time at OryxAlign. Whether it’s been developing my career, studying for qualifications or navigating personal circumstances, there’s always been understanding and support from the people around me and the wider business.  

How would you describe the company culture to someone considering joining?

The culture is very much a work hard, play hard environment, but it feels balanced. People are trusted to do their work well, and that work is recognised and valued. At the same time, there is a strong sense of community and teamwork across the business. It’s fast-paced and busy, but there is also time for collaboration, connection and enjoying the environment we work in.  

What sparked your interest in working in the tech industry initially?

I didn’t intentionally set out to work in tech, I just fell into it! However, once I was in the industry, I quickly realised how fast-moving and relevant it is. It’s constantly evolving, and you can see its impact in everyday life, which makes it a very interesting space to be part of. 

Do you think the industry has changed since you joined?

I do think it’s changed. There are now more women in tech, which is great to see, both in technical and non-technical roles. It’s important to recognise that you don’t have to be an engineer to be part of the industry, as there are many different routes in, including procurement, finance, operations and marketing. That diversity of roles is what makes the industry stronger.

What do you think is the importance of women joining the tech industry?  

I think women bring different perspectives, particularly when it comes to communication, relationships and problem solving. That diversity of thinking helps create more balanced teams and better outcomes overall. It’s not about replacing anything, but about adding to the mix and broadening how challenges are approached.

How do you feel OryxAlign is contributing to a more inclusive environment for women in tech?

There is such a strong representation across the business, including in leadership roles. What stands out is that opportunities are based on capability and contribution. If someone is right for a role and delivering strong work, they are supported to progress, regardless of background or gender. It feels like inclusion is part of how the business operates rather than something that needs to be forced.

Michelle’s journey shows that careers in tech can take many different paths and evolve in unexpected ways when the right environment and opportunities are in place. At OryxAlign, we are focused on creating a place where people can grow, develop and build careers that feel meaningful to them.

If you're curious about what your career in tech could look like, visit https://www.oryxalign.com/careers to find out more.