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Ruzual, Sustainable Procurement & Supply Chain Risk Lead at Efficio: Advize Career Interview
A career in sustainable procurement and supply chain risk, as exemplified by Efficio's Sustainable Procurement & Supply Chain Risk Lead, offers a dynamic path blending technical expertise with impactful work.
A mechanical engineering background, complemented by internships and environmental studies, provided a strong foundation.
The professional's journey through third-party risk management at Deloitte to a boutique consulting firm showcases adaptability and strategic career pivoting.
Success hinges on exceptional communication skills and the ability to manage diverse stakeholders across various industries, from tech to consumer goods.
Entry-level opportunities exist as analysts at large firms or boutiques, allowing career progression through hard work and embracing a constantly evolving field.
The most crucial lesson learned: the entire industry is a learning process, encouraging confidence and continuous growth.
This career path combines project delivery with strategic development, offering flexibility and the ability to shape one's focus within a field focused on sustainability.
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Ruzual Boparai
Sustainable Procurement & Supply Chain Risk Lead
Efficio
Georgian College, McMaster University
N/A
Engineering - Mechanical
Environment
Consulting
None Applicable
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Career path of a Sustainable Procurement Supply Chain Risk Lead at Efficio
Ruzual's career path began with a mechanical engineering degree and internships in "manufacturing plants and steel mills," where, as the only woman in a largely male environment, the experience sparked an interest in sustainability. After 13 years in third-party risk management at Deloitte, focusing on ESG and supply chain risks, a move to a boutique consulting firm reflects a long-term vision toward "tech sustainability roles."
Main Responsibilities of a Sustainable Procurement and Supply Chain Risk Lead at Efficio
Ruzual's main responsibilities as Sustainable Procurement & Supply Chain Risk Lead at Efficio involve "leading projects with clients," ensuring timely deliverables, and managing internal and external stakeholder relationships. A key aspect of their role also includes developing ESG capabilities within the North American business, showcasing a career focused on both project delivery and strategic growth within the sustainable procurement field.
A Day In The Life Of A Sustainable Procurement And Supply Chain Risk Lead At Efficio
A senior manager's day, according to Ruzual, is heavily reliant on communication, starting and ending with "calls," managing internal and external stakeholders. This involves blocking out time for focused work on deliverables amidst a busy schedule of calls, aiming to finalize communication by 6:00 PM to maintain work-life balance.
Most Important Skills For A Sustainable Procurement And Supply Chain Risk Lead At Efficio
Ruzual, a Sustainable Procurement & Supply Chain Risk Lead, emphasizes communication skills as paramount for success, stating that "if you're not able to communicate...you should be able to communicate and convey the message in the language they understand". This highlights the crucial role of interpersonal skills in navigating the diverse stakeholder landscape of a complex role such as this.
Favorite Parts of Being a Sustainable Procurement and Supply Chain Risk Lead at Efficio
Ruzual, Efficio's Sustainable Procurement & Supply Chain Risk Lead, most enjoys the "ability to control what you're able to focus on," a benefit of working in consulting where career pivoting is possible. This allowed a transition from third-party risk management to their current sustainability-focused role, showcasing the flexibility of their career path.
Biggest Challenges Faced By A Sustainable Procurement And Supply Chain Risk Lead At Efficio
Ruzual, a Sustainable Procurement & Supply Chain Risk Lead at Efficio, finds the biggest challenge—and simultaneously most rewarding aspect—of the role to be "managing different stakeholders" from diverse backgrounds. This necessitates effective communication, highlighting the unique opportunities and challenges inherent in a consulting career.
Favorite Parts Of Working In The Supply Chain Industry As A Sustainable Procurement And Supply Chain Risk Lead
Ruzual enjoys the diverse nature of their work in sustainable procurement and supply chain risk, citing the opportunity to "work with clients from different industries" and be a "jack of all traits." This variety, encompassing projects with diverse stakeholders from "tech" to "consumer goods," is a key aspect of what makes their career fulfilling.
What Type Of Person Thrives In The Procurement Industry, According To A Procurement Lead At Efficio
Ruzual, a Sustainable Procurement & Supply Chain Risk Lead, highlights adaptability as key to success in the industry, stating that those who thrive "are able to pivot...as soon as the opportunity arises" and demonstrate flexibility to meet varying client needs. This emphasizes the dynamic nature of the field and the importance of a flexible mindset for professionals in sustainable procurement and supply chain risk.
What a Sustainable Procurement and Supply Chain Leader at Efficio wishes they had known before entering the Supply Chain industry
Ruzual, a Sustainable Procurement & Supply Chain Risk Lead, wishes they had known the importance of "being able to pivot, being flexible," and managing diverse stakeholders' expectations before entering the industry. This career path, entered directly after completing a mechanical engineering degree, required far more multitasking and interpersonal skills than initially anticipated, necessitating on-the-job learning to determine "what works and what does not."
Entry-Level Positions For Aspiring Sustainable Supply Chain Analysts
Entry-level positions in sustainable procurement and supply chain risk for undergraduate students typically involve analyst roles at firms like the Big Four or McKinsey/Bain, with boutique consulting offering similar opportunities but a different structure; career progression involves starting as an analyst and "work[ing] your way up," potentially pivoting teams as needed.
Significant Career Lesson from a Sustainable Procurement and Supply Chain Risk Lead at Efficio
Ruzual's most significant career lesson, gained while working in the burgeoning field of sustainable procurement consulting, is that "everybody is learning as they go." This realization fostered the self-confidence needed to succeed in a constantly evolving sector, emphasizing the importance of avoiding self-doubt.
College Experiences That Helped A Sustainability Lead At Efficio Succeed
Ruzual's undergraduate success stemmed from a mechanical engineering degree complemented by environmental engineering courses, providing "an introduction to the sustainability world," and crucial internships offering "a window to the working world." Seeking mentorship from professors to bridge the gap between academia and industry proved invaluable, highlighting the importance of proactive networking and embracing the learning process inherent in any career path.
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