Supporting Excellence: Sarah Grundy Named SRSCC Line Manager of the Year 2025
In the world of procurement and supply chain, technical knowledge is only half the battle. The other half? Leadership. At SRSCC, we know that the success of an apprentice is inextricably linked to the support they receive in the workplace.
That is why each year, we take the time to recognise the mentors who go above and beyond. We are thrilled to announce that Sarah Grundy from Incora has been named the SRSCC Line Manager of the Year 2025.
Sarah’s commitment to fostering talent within Incora’s procurement function serves as a masterclass in how proactive management can accelerate professional development and drive business value.
A Partnership for Success: Reflections from Sarah
An apprenticeship is a partnership between the learner, the training provider, and the employer. Sarah’s win reflects the power of this collaboration. Upon receiving the award, she shared her reflections on the journey so far:
“Receiving the award firstly was a genuine surprise. I feel very proud of myself! It’s natural for me to promote my team and nominate them for awards when they are going above and beyond like Chloe constantly does, but it’s nice to be recognised especially from an external training provider.
The whole company and I are continuously pushing for development within the business and it’s great that we have joined forces with SRSCC and have created some very special and strong relationships. Thank you so much for the recognition and for the work you all put into Chloe and Tam’s learning. It is very much appreciated.” — Sarah Grundy, Incora
Why the Line Manager Role is Critical to Apprenticeship Success
While SRSCC provides the training and coaching, the line manager provides the “laboratory”—the real-world environment where theory is put into practice. Sarah was selected for this award due to her exceptional ability to:
Bridge the Gap: Helping her team translate concepts into tangible day-to-day procurement actions at Incora.
Empowerment: Creating an environment where apprentices like Chloe and Tam feel confident taking on new responsibilities, such as supplier negotiations and contract management.
Wellbeing & Growth: Offering consistent mentorship that balances the rigours of a full-time role with the academic requirements of a CIPS qualification.
A Partnership for Success: Reflections from Sarah
Incora has long been a champion of the “Build the Future” philosophy. By investing in apprenticeships, they aren’t just filling roles; they are future-proofing their organisation.
Sarah’s win reflects a wider corporate culture at Incora that values upskilling and professional certification. When managers like Sarah prioritise their team’s development, the results are clear:
Increased Retention: Apprentices who feel supported are more likely to stay and grow within the business.
Higher Competency: Real-world application of CIPS modules leads to more efficient sourcing and cost-saving strategies.
Succession Planning: Developing internal talent creates a pipeline of future procurement leaders.
How Your Organisation Can Replicate This Success
Success stories like Sarah’s aren’t accidental. They are the result of a structured approach to professional development. If you are looking to develop your own procurement team, consider these three pillars of success:
1. Choose the Right Level
Whether it’s the Level 3 Procurement and Supply Assistant for those new to the field, or the Level 4 Procurement and Supply Chain Practitioner for more experienced staff, matching the qualification to the job role is vital.
2. Identify “Champion” Mentors
Follow Sarah’s lead by identifying managers who are passionate about sharing knowledge. A “Champion” mentor can be the difference between a completed qualification and a transformative career leap.
3. Lean on SRSCC Support
From virtual classrooms to dedicated 1:1 tutor support, we provide the framework. We work alongside managers to ensure the apprenticeship levy is used effectively to deliver a high ROI.
Celebrate Excellence in Your Team
Sarah Grundy’s achievement is a proud moment for Incora and a reminder to all of us in the industry: Procurement is a people business. Congratulations once again to Sarah for her outstanding contribution to the profession and her unwavering support of the next generation of supply chain experts.
Ready to develop your own award-winning procurement team?
Our CIPS-accredited apprenticeships are designed to turn your employees into strategic assets. Whether you are an employer looking to upskill your team or an individual ready to start your journey, SRSCC is here to help.
