Oriane’s testimonial

Before joining ASCOREL®, I worked as an administrative assistant and then as a dental assistant. I wanted to go back to school to change careers and move into the business world. Working with healthcare professionals and my role there didn’t align with who I am. Dealing with patients wasn’t easy either—it just wasn’t the right fit for me. I knew nothing about procurement, but now I’ve found my calling—sometimes fate works out just right.

I completed my BTS, and ASCOREL® offered me a permanent contract following my apprenticeship.

The Head of the Procurement Department introduced me to the procurement role, including the analytical side of things, which I took to straight away. Today, I still manage supplies, but I’m also involved in some procurement work: I was really keen to learn about that side of things and to develop my career. My BTS was very broad-based, so I was keen to undertake further training to develop my skills, and my line managers were also keen to see me progress. I therefore undertook two training courses: ‘Purchasing: Strategic Roles’ and ‘Advanced Training in Purchasing Negotiation’.

We may find ourselves working with all departments, so we’re in a central position. Because to sell a product effectively, you need to buy it effectively; the groundwork must be done properly.

There’s a whole strategy to put in place to manage what we buy. At the moment, we’re facing a real supply issue with electronic components. This problem stems from the global market, which is saturated in terms of manufacturing capacity. We need to source stock from elsewhere and find alternative ways of doing things.

I try to promote the purchasing department: we’re regularly teased with comments that we do everything we can to ‘buy cheaper’ or ‘drive down prices’… Whereas our aim is to do our very best for ASCOREL®. Our role also involves building good relationships with suppliers and making the right decisions based on the information we have. What’s true one time won’t necessarily be true another time, or the following year: our job is one of constant adjustment.

I’m currently on an English language course funded by the CPF, which is helping me build up my English skills. I use English every day, particularly in writing. I have one hour of English lessons a week; the aim is to improve my command of the language and feel more confident when dealing with suppliers and during negotiations.

I’ve also been able to complete a first-aid at work course! It’s important in everyday life – not just at work – to know the right procedures. It’s a course that will stand me in good stead for the rest of my life.

Yes, absolutely. In the purchasing department, we’re here to SERVE just about everyone. Requests can come from anyone. We try to keep everyone happy.

As for EXPERTISE, given that we’re talking about technical matters, I don’t have enough perspective or feedback to comment. It’s mainly in the field that you can really gauge it.

As for TEAMWORK: in procurement, we have to communicate with all departments, but also amongst ourselves. Communication is essential; we mustn’t keep anything to ourselves. We therefore have to work as a team so that no information is lost.

As for FRIENDLINESS, I find that ASCOREL® is a friendly company where you feel at ease. You don’t turn up in the morning with a knot in your stomach thinking, ‘Oh no, I’m going to see my colleagues’. We may have disagreements, but they get resolved and everything goes smoothly. The working relationships here are positive.

Thank you, Oriane!

Date: November 2018