Helen Foster
About Helen Foster
Helen Foster is the Purchasing Manager at Arup in Solihull, West Midlands, United Kingdom, where she has worked since 2016. She has extensive experience in procurement and contract management, having previously held roles at the University of Birmingham, Connexions South Central, and GKN Westland Aerospace.
Title
Helen Foster currently holds the position of Purchasing Manager at Arup.
Company
Helen Foster is employed at Arup, a global design, engineering, and consulting firm based in Solihull, West Midlands, United Kingdom. She has been with the company since 2016.
Previous Roles at University of Birmingham
Before joining Arup, Helen Foster worked at the University of Birmingham from 2005 to 2016. She served as the Head of Categories - ICT and Systems in Edgbaston. During her tenure, she managed various categories related to ICT procurement and systems.
Earlier Career in Contracts Management
Helen Foster's earlier career includes a position as Contracts Manager at Connexions South Central from 2002 to 2004 in Fareham, Hampshire, United Kingdom, as well as a Customer Service Representative role at GKN Westland Aerospace from 1999 to 2002 in East Cowes, Isle of Wight, United Kingdom.
Education and Expertise
Helen Foster studied Purchasing, Procurement/Acquisitions, and Contracts Management at Penwood, earning her qualification from the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply between 2006 and 2008. She also attended Medina High School from 1990 to 1995.
IT Purchasing and Collaboration
In her current role at Arup, Helen Foster collaborates across global regions to manage significant expenditure within the IT purchasing program. She supports IT colleagues in finding solutions that meet business requirements and addresses challenges with emerging technology. Her efforts ensure commercial outcomes that benefit the business.