NSW Branch - Procurement Functions Struggling to Mature: Navigating Shifts Between Centralisation and Decentralisation

Join the CIPS NSW Branch for a moderated panel discussion on the evolving challenges of procurement functions, exploring the ongoing tension between centralisation and decentralisation. Panelists Harry Mitsios MCIPS, Seema Varma, and Mark Dybell will share their insights, with Mason Walker from Robert Walters facilitating the conversation.

Event Details:

📅 Date: Thursday 18 September 2025

🕒 Time: 5:30pm - 8:30pm (AEST)

📍 Location: Robert Walters - Level 22, Deutsche Bank Place, 126 Phillip Street Sydney 2000

Event Programme:

5:30pm - Registration and Arrival
6:00pm - Welcome - CIPS Committee
6:10pm - Panel Begins
7:10pm - Q&A
8:00pm - Networking
8:30pm - Event Closure

Event Speakers:

Mason Walker - Senior Consultant - Procurement, Supply Chaine & Logistics, Robert Walters

Mason Walker specialises in Procurement recruitment across Sudney with a track record of recruiting permanent, fixed term and contingent employment arrangements across Government, FS, FMCG, Manufacturing, Construction and more.

Harry Mitsios, MCIPS - General Manager Procurement, Football Australia

With over 15 years of experience leading global and local teams, he is a seasoned leader whose extensive background enables him to translate high-level business objectives into impactful procurement initiatives across various scales and geographic locations. With a proven track record of navigating complex commercial landscapes, Harry's expertise spans a wide range of organisational maturities.

He has elevated the procurement function from a service role to a strategic partner, ensuring its integral part in a company's mission and securing a position at the decision-making table. Dedicated to the cultivation of high-achieving teams, he empowers individuals to navigate change and deliver exceptional results, solidifying a culture of continuous improvement and strategic value creation.

Seema Varma - Thoni & Co, Freelance

Seema is a procurement leader passionate about delivering value, building future leaders and sustainability. With over two decades of international experience including with multinationals, her contributions have spanned industries such as energy, infrastructure, oil & gas, FMCG, education and regions (APAC, Middle East and Europe).

Seema has successfully led transformative procurement programs aligning procurement strategies to organisational goals delivering over $75M in consolidated commercial efficiencies, mitigating risks to future proof organisational supply chains whilst uplifting team morale and capabilities. Seema is passionate about sustainable procurement and assisting organisations develop and meet their sustainability and social procurement goals.

Mark Dybell, MCIPS

Supply-chain and Procurement professional of over 21 years, with over 15 years senior management experience. Mark has worked for blue chip companies in the UK and Australia in Greenfield operations as well as established functions, developing teams, systems, process and policies, Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) process, Sales Order Fulfilment and Invoicing, implementing strategic sourcing, category management, and supplier relationship management,

Thank you to Robert Walters for sponsoring this event, providing the venue, food and beverages.

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