Preconstruction Innovation Summit

Join us for a thought-provoking session led by Charlotte Payne the general manager from CIPS, the world’s leading organization for procurement and supply chain professionals in over 200 countries. In this session, our speaker will share valuable insights on best practices in procurement from outside the construction industry, demonstrating how these strategies can revolutionize your construction supply chain. 

Charlotte Payne, General Manager – ANZ, Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply Chain (CIPS)

In this keynote we hear from Andrew McFarlane, leading industry expert and Head of Group Procurement for Aveng Group – which includes McConnell Dowell Australia. Managing dozens of employees across 4 countries including a sourcing team in China, Andrew will explore all aspects of his role including:  

• Human capital – Sourcing and hiring global talent to meet the needs of a multinational contractor 
• Managing ongoing cost escalations from the perspective of people, plant and materials 
• Developing and negotiating world class bidding and tendering processes and contracts at scale  
• Defining procurement success – what does it look like and how to achieve it 

Andrew McFarlane, Group Procurement & Plant Manager, McConnell Dowell

The construction industry is undergoing a procurement revolution, driven by a focus on sustainability, innovation, and resilience. We’ll delve into building environmentally and socially responsible procurement models, fostering collaborative partnerships, mitigating disruption, and harnessing digital tools. 

• Developing relationships with your procurement suppliers to ensure quality, on-time delivery and price 
• Working with key partners to achieve cost control over people, plant, materials and machinery 
• Building a digital skills pipeline: Assessing strategies for equipping the construction workforce with the digital skills needed to leverage new procurement technologies 
• How have contract negotiations evolved since Covid and how can they continue to promote efficiency in the tender process? 

Panellists include:

Dorothy Matthys Donnadieu, Head of Procurement - Western Harbour Tunnel, Acciona

Charlotte Nichols, National Lead Engineering Services - Cost Planning & Estimating, John Holland Group

Barry Vining, National Head of Procurement, BMD Group

Luke Cornwill, Procurement Manager, Civ2Con

Facilitated by:

Alastair Blenkin, Chief Executive Officer, ProcurePro

In this session we hear from BMD Group who in 2019 underwent a review of their procurement function, as they transformed from a QLD based contractor to national Tier 1. We look at how they reviewed their procurement function to enable significant cost savings as well as optimise their supply chain by working with key suppliers, embedding technology and a focus on their people. 

• Data Analytics: Reviewing your back-end inputs to centralise input processes and purchase orders to achieve tighter cost controls and procurement visibility  
• Ceiling Rates: Implementing material procurement rates as well as the use of exceptions and levies to manage rate fluctuations in changing economic circumstances 
• Travel Management: With over 2,000 flights and 15,000 hotel nights per annum, what innovative approach did BMD employ to manage and reduce travel costs? 
• Relationship Management: Adopting a two-way approach to developing key relationships with your suppliers and team 

Tony Hennessy, General Manager Corporate Services, BMD Group

Barry Vining, National Head of Procurement, BMD Group

In this session we bring together delegates for a series of 30 minute facilitated round table discussions with leading industry experts. Join the table that most interests you, discuss hot topics and share ideas for solving some of the biggest challenges related to procurement in construction.

Round Table 1: Examining the risk and rewards of direct overseas procurement

Kenneth Lam, Co-Founder and CEO, CAIGO

Round Table 2: Using digital tools to mitigate and protect against supply chain insolvency

Patrick Connolly, Chief Executive Officer, Fiable

Round Table 3: The value of contractor management prequalification for corporations

Bill Kritharas, Partner, Sparke Helmore Lawyers

Jessica Jorgenson, Regional Sales Director – APAC, Veriforce Chas

Round Table 4: Digitising Procurement: Boosting Collaboration & Driving Operational Excellence

Hinc Cetin, Senior Solution Consultant, Ivalua

Round Table 5: Scope 3 - Building transparent, socially responsible and circular supply chains

Tim Lennon, National Environment and Sustainability Manager, DT Infrastructure

Round Table 6: Source to pay digital solutions in construction: bridging market gaps

Amir Hadji, Snr Procurement Manager – System and Process, John Holland

Round Table 7: Responsible sourcing and addressing modern slavery in procurement & suuply chains

Monica Mcsheffrey, Social Sustainability & Partnerships Manager, Landcom

Round Table 8: Making it easier for contractors to work with Government by establishing modern and mature procurement practices

Teresa Scott, Executive Director, Australasian Procurement and Construction Council (APCC)

The future is here. Procurement is now central to driving successful outcomes for the most important organisational challenges, as well as effecting positive change in the world we live in. Join this session to listen to some valuable insights as to how Felix with CPB Contractors have transformed Australia’s largest contractor to tackle the future. 

• Supply chain foundations – building blocks of procurement transformation 

• Enabling projects – how the field is critical to success 

• Driving change – human behaviour over technology 

• Changing dynamics of procurement in a sustainability driven world 

Ryan Kirgan, Group Manager, Procurement, CPB Contractors

In discussion with:

Mike Davis, Chief Executive Officer, Felix

• WHS obligations of corporations (PCBUs) 

• Due diligence obligations of officers 

• Contractor management 

• Manage v Monitor and Consultation obligations 

• Recent developments 

Jessica Jorgenson, Regional Sales Director – APAC, Veriforce Chas

In conversation with:

Bill Kritharas, Partner, Sparke Helmore Lawyers

Strong headwinds continue to impact the construction sector. These include lack of productivity – heightened by labour and skills shortages, further compounded by inflation across energy, materials and the prolonged disruptions across global supply chains that are driving costs higher. Finding solutions to these issues has been a priority for industry leaders. In this discussion our panellists will discuss what the industry can do to navigate these challenges and realise the significant opportunities ahead.   

• Working with your supply chain to ensure consistent supply and quality of materials at fixed prices  
• Examining the role supply chain plays in procuring more sustainable materials; achieving lower embodied carbon; implementing scope 3 initiatives and minimising waste 
• Identify strategies for mapping and mitigating risks associated with global geopolitical disruptions, climate change and resource scarcity 
• Responsible sourcing and how to embed anti modern slavery best practice across your supply chain? 
• Managing the intersection of regulation and innovation: Interpreting and forecasting regulatory changes to improve supply chains 

Errol Bellchambers, National Head of Procurement, DT Infrastructure

Ro Coroneos, Principal, Praxis ESG

Anthony Abbott, Procurement Manager – Australia, McConnell Dowell

Facilitated by:

Brendan Batch, Head of Enterprise Strategy & Development, Felix

In today’s fast-paced and interconnected global economy, supply chain insolvency poses a significant threat to business continuity and stability across all industries. This 20-minute presentation will explore how leveraging digital tools can mitigate these risks. 

• High level industry stats regarding supply chain insolvency in the construction industry  

• Ownership of supply chain insolvency risk within construction organisations  

• Going beyond the PDF report – how digital tools are mitigating supply chain insolvency 

• Real-world case studies 

James Barta, Director National Operations, Built

Interviewed by:

Patrick Connolly, Chief Executive Officer, Fiable

The construction industry has traditionally lagged behind in innovation. This session will explore how to embrace new technologies and processes to revolutionise procurement practices. We’ll delve into areas like Integrated Management Systems (IMS) and explore how AI suppliers and KPI reporting can streamline operations and ensure efficient sourcing. Discover strategies for managing risk and fostering collaboration with indigenous suppliers, all while promoting sustainability through effective materials reporting. 

• Tech-Powered procurement: How can we streamline everything from sourcing to risk management with integrated systems 
• Discover how actionable data drives procurement: Learn how clear, concise KPI reporting unlocks data-driven insights to optimise procurement strategies. 
• Vendor management mastery: Unleash the power of responsible sourcing and collaboration. 
• Source Smarter, Build Greener: Innovative strategies for sustainable materials reporting and partnerships with indigenous suppliers

Errol Bellchambers, National Head of Procurement, DT Infrastructure

This session dives into practical strategies for fostering seamless collaboration between government and industry in construction procurement. Government representatives will unveil key initiatives aimed at improving communication and transparency throughout the bidding process and ongoing cost control with contractors. Expert leaders will share their experience and insights into how to create an efficient and successful procurement experience for all stakeholders. 

• Developing fair risk allocation models for government to procurement for their projects 
• Strategies for seamless collaboration: How Government and industry can work together better in transparent modern construction procurement processes 
• Creating standardisation across contracts within the tendering process by developing standard processes and tools 
• Embedding forward visibility across project pipelines 
• Developing rewards for good performance and its implications for procurement practices 

Panellists include:

Rebecca Robertshawe, Director Projects & Programmes, Infrastructure Delivery, New Zealand Infrastructure Commission

Cherie Hughes, Executive Group Manager Infrastructure Project Solutions, Major Projects Canberra, ACT Government

Luke Kenny, Chief Executive Officer, Local Government Procurement

Facilitated by:

Teresa Scott, Executive Director, Australasian Procurement and Construction Council (APCC)

This fireside chat dives deep into the world of construction procurement, offering insights for firms of all sizes. Join Luke Kenny, a procurement leader with a proven track record in large-scale projects, as he chats with industry expert Shivendra Kumar. Together, they’ll explore strategies to navigate the procurement process, optimise costs, and ensure project success. 

• Large-Scale Efficiency: Unlock cost savings and maximise value on complex projects. 
• Win-Win Partnerships: Build strong supplier relationships that drive project goals. 
• Procurement A-Z: Gain a comprehensive overview of the procurement process, from bidding to building.

Luke Kenny, Chief Executive Officer, Local Government Procurement

Interviewed by:

Shivendra Kumar, Managing Director, Shivendra & Co