Estelle Mutum

“The Leadership Catalyst”

Professional Journey and Leadership Evolution:

My professional journey commenced in 1986 with GlaxoSmithKline; during my 14-year tenure, I worked across Finance,  Supply Chain as a Demand Manager for the USA/Canada, finally stepping into Procurement in 1996.  A pivotal time for Procurement transformation was the merger in 2000, allowing me to play a key role introducing Strategic Category Management and SAP into manufacturing.

After leaving GSK, I stepped into a Head of UK Procurement role before joining Atos Origin on the MOD Procurement Reform Program, the largest public sector program in Europe at the time. This marked my first transition into consulting, where I honed my skills in:

• Category management consultancy
• Facilitating cross-functional workshops
• Mentoring as a subject matter expert in Procurement
• Coaching middle and senior management teams

Next joining North Yorkshire Police, I took on the role of Head of Support Services and Estates Transformation Director. Leading a diverse team of approximately 120 staff, I spearheaded a £40 million Estates Transformation Programme aimed at revitalising infrastructure and optimising service delivery. My leadership style was characterised by implementing ‘agile-style’ methodologies, promoting a significant cultural shift from entrenched traditionalism to a more dynamic, values-based approach. focusing on cultivating a collaborative environment that fostered encouragement and inspiration, empowering team members to take ownership and accountability. This strategic overhaul not only enhanced team dynamics but also drove substantial improvements in operational effectiveness and strategic capabilities across the organisation. The recognition of my efforts by North Yorkshire Police came with a commendation award highlighting impactful and tangible results, reinforcing my commitment to transformative leadership.

In 2008  role as the Country Director for Shared Services Procurement at Thales, my remit was to establish the UK Procurement Shared Service, a greenfield start-up. Here, I leveraged my strategic acumen to build a collaborative and high-performing team, setting the foundation for a significant organisational transformation. This role required a grassroots leadership approach; although the strategic direction was collaborated top-down, the execution necessitated a bottom-up change. This entailed fostering a culture shift away from traditional, hierarchical practices towards a more inclusive, participatory, and responsive operational model. I focused on empowering team members at all levels, encouraging open communication and cross-functional collaboration that was essential for embedding new systems, processes, governance, and customer service, achieving sustained transformation. Through this approach, we not only met but exceeded our operational goals, creating a resilient and adaptable procurement function that could effectively respond to the dynamic needs of the business.  3 years later the service was established with £10+million year-on-year cost savings, In 2011, I left to start a new venture freelancing.

As a freelance Business Transformation Consultant, I have worked predominantly in Procurement and Finance, but my remit has also expanded cross-functionality depending on the client’s needs.

Here is a highlighted summary of work I have been involved with now throughout my career.

• Senior Leadership SLT member (North Yorkshire Police, Thales (global procurement), Balfour Beatty Worksmart, Formica Europe, Pactiv)
• spearheading Procurement and Finance Transformation, UK, Europe & US/Canada Shared Services (Thales, Ultra Electronics, Balfour Beatty, Engie,GDF Suez, Formica Europe, Heineken Europe)
• coach & mentor (Heineken N.V, Ultra Electronics, Formica, Balfour Beatty, Northern Rock North Yorkshire Police, Interserve, Virgin Money)
• delivered and facilitated impact & agile coaching workshops (Heineken N.V, Ultra Electronics, Ince & Co, GlaxoSmithKline)
• design thinking co-facilitated international workshop (Heineken N.V),
• team capability assessments, a structured process for evaluating the skills, competencies, values and behaviours (Formica, Interserve, Thales UK, North Yorkshire Police)
• leadership coaching (corporate and private) (Ultra Electronics, Balfour Beatty Worksmart, Interserve, Heineken N.V)
• Current State Evaluations & Assessments (Ultra Electronics, Interserve, Engie, GDF Suez)
• Creation of Leadership Coaching Programs (planned 2025)

Professional Development

• MBA (Durham University)
• ICF Accredited Coach
• One of Many^TM Women Certified Women’s Coach and Trainer
• Gallup^TM Strengths Profile:
• Maximiser: Focused on strengths to stimulate personal and group excellence.
• Futuristic: Visionary with a forward-thinking approach, driving innovation and strategic planning.
• Self-Assurance: Confident in leadership abilities and decision-making, effectively navigating challenges.
• Strategic: Skilled at identifying patterns and determining the best path forward in complex situations.
• Activator: Driven to initiate action and bring ideas to life, fostering momentum and progress.
• Gallup^TM Certified Strengths Coach – certification planned 2025, with assisted capability now to undertake team development profiling and reconfiguration coaching
• Durham University Leadership Academy Mentor

With a strong background in senior leadership (SLT), and specialised expertise in procurement and finance transformation, my transition to leadership development has been a natural progression. I am deeply passionate about inspiring people in business to deliver great service, both strategically and operationally. This passion underpins my approach to leadership coaching and mentoring, where the true reward lies in making a significant difference—helping others to not only meet but surpass their professional and personal goals. This is the essence of effective leadership: empowering individuals to realise their fullest potential while contributing to their organisations success.

Estelle Mutum
The Leadership Catalyst
mob: 07540 425511

Email: [email protected]