Staff Spotlight - Sam Magee

Meet Sam Magee, the driving force behind our reactive procurement process. As our purchaser since 2022, Sam’s ability to navigate supply chains swiftly and efficiently helps keep our operations seamless and reduce lead times for our clients.

 

How long have you been at Ardent? Has your role evolved over time? If so, how?

I’ve been with Ardent since May 2022. I joined the business as a Purchasing Expeditor, the role has evolved rapidly since, and I now oversee a lot of the ‘reactive procurement’ that falls outside of the regular stock ordering processes.

 

How did you get started in the industry? What did you do before you joined Ardent?

My previous background was in procurement and warehousing. Before Ardent, I co-managed a distribution centre in West Yorkshire for one of the world’s largest aftermarket automotive replacement companies. I was approached by a former colleague to see if I’d be interested in applying for the purchaser role at Ardent - and here I am.

 

What’s your favourite part of working at Ardent?

It has to be the people! I think people can make or break a workplace - my colleagues make it.

 

What are you most proud of in your career so far?

I’m not a very proud person, I’m happy and content to go about my tasks in the best possible ways that I can.

 

What’s the most interesting project you’ve worked on at Ardent?

My role isn’t particularly project-driven or at least in running my own projects. Instead, it’s more being reactive to the immediate requirements of the departments, my involvement in a project would be at a component procurement level so don’t always necessarily see the result, but I do give a thumbs up if I see a tidy installation by the engineers on social media.

 

What do you think makes Ardent company culture unique?

There is a culture here that encourages everyone to take ownership and responsibility for our own tasks and duties, rather than being micromanaged.

 

What are your goals for the next months/year?

My goal going forward is to continue doing what I do, supporting the teams and department the best ways I can. If I spot any areas of potential improvement, I’ll see what can be implemented to make this happen.

 

What do you love to do outside of work?

Motorcycles. I love nothing more than getting on my bike and going for a trip around the Yorkshire Dales and North York Moors.

 

Best advice you’ve ever received?

You should buy a motorbike.