From apprentice to manager, meet our rising procurement star

George Tilley joined L&Q as a procurement apprentice in 2019.

A self-starter with a varied background – including roles as an engineer, bartender, and supermarket worker – he was no stranger to hard work.

Ready for a change, George took a leap of faith into the unknown world of procurement.

“I started sixth form but decided it wasn’t for me. After a few in-between jobs, mostly in hospitality, I worked as a heating and ventilation engineer. I was about to invest in some tools when my mum suggested I apply for a procurement apprenticeship at her company, L&Q.”

Although he had no experience in the field, George came prepared for the interview.

“I spent a lot of time researching the company. What stood out to me was the emphasis on core values.  I tried to reflect those into my answers, and it worked. I was selected over candidates with more experience.”

With a natural aptitude for maths, George found the role a perfect fit.

“The job is a good match for me because there’s a lot of structure. It’s methodical, with plenty of number crunching.”

That skill was matched by a genuine interest in the work.

“Every day is different. One day you’re drawing up a plan, the next you’re talking to suppliers, running workshops, or attending demo reviews.”

George sailed through his exams, earning a distinction in his end point assessment.

“My college warned me in advance that procurement was one of the more difficult subjects to study. That was daunting at first.”

How did he succeed? A mix of support and determination.

“My team was incredibly knowledgeable and supportive. I learned a lot from them, and they gave me great study tips. They also made sure I had time to revise and complete coursework.”

“I was also lucky to have a brilliant tutor. He knew the course inside out, was active in the sector, and always on hand to help.”

When it comes to what make a successful procurement professional, George says it’s about balancing commercial instincts with a social conscience.

“You need attention to detail to keep on top of budgets, past contract spend, stakeholder needs.” 

Time management is essential: “You’re usually working on eight to ten projects  at a time.”

Strong relationships are also a must: “Cross team working and bringing people together is key.”

Procurement, like many other roles in L&Q, is ultimately about people. Being part of a supportive team helped George grow.

“The more competent I became, the more technical projects I was given. Before long, I was leading on my own procurements.”

As a profession, procurement can be misunderstood. Professionals need a varied skillset and play a vital role in helping the sector build and improve standards of homes.

“Ongoing regulatory changes mean the job requires continual learning and specialist knowledge. You have to be a legal expert, a finance expert. You have to manage people, relationships and projects."

The procurement team make decisions that directly support our social purpose, ensuring every pound goes as far as possible for residents.

All ten partners on our Major Works Investment Programme have signed social value clauses in their contracts.

These commit them to making a lasting positive impact in the communities we serve, including creating training and employment opportunities, supporting local projects, and renovating community spaces.

From cost-effective contracts to social value, George keeps both the details and the bigger picture in view.

“For residents, value for money is essential. With each contract, we ask: Are we spending more than is necessary? How do we ensure value for money without compromising on quality”

On a broader level, procurement contributes to sustainability goals.

“We want to support local talent and generate social value. That means working with SMEs as well as larger suppliers, holding partners accountable, and building sustainable supply chains”, George says.

George’s promotion came exactly six years to the day he started at L&Q.

This milestone reflects our wider investment in procurement. In recent years, the team has doubled in size and is now involved earlier in projects, adding value from the outset.

“Procurement is more than people realise. It’s complex, fast-paced, and purpose-driven. If you put in the effort, the results pay off both personally and professionally."