Katie Birnie
About Katie Birnie
Katie Birnie is a Senior Procurement Manager currently working at The Economist since 2022. She has a background in procurement and international business, having previously held positions at Informa, Waitrose, and Ferranti Computer Systems.
Current Role at The Economist
Katie Birnie serves as a Senior Procurement Manager at The Economist, a position she has held since 2022. In this role, she is responsible for overseeing procurement strategies and managing supplier relationships to support the organization’s operational needs. Her experience in procurement enables her to contribute effectively to the company's goals.
Previous Experience at Informa
Before joining The Economist, Katie Birnie worked at Informa as a Procurement Manager from 2017 to 2022. During her five years at Informa, she developed and implemented procurement strategies, managed supplier contracts, and ensured compliance with organizational policies. Her tenure at Informa provided her with valuable insights into procurement processes.
Early Career at Waitrose and Ferranti Computer Systems
Katie Birnie began her career as a Customer Assistant at Waitrose from 2013 to 2015 in Edinburgh, United Kingdom. Following this role, she worked for four months as a UK Localisation Editor at Ferranti Computer Systems in the Antwerp Area, Belgium, in 2015. These early roles helped her build foundational skills in customer service and localization.
Education and Qualifications
Katie Birnie studied International Business at both Heriot-Watt University and the University of Antwerpen. She achieved a Bachelor of Arts (M.A) (Hons) from Heriot-Watt University and a Master's Degree from the University of Antwerpen. Additionally, she completed her A Levels at Clitheroe Royal Grammar School 6th Form, which laid the groundwork for her higher education.
Internship Experience at Next Group PLC
In 2010, Katie Birnie completed an 11-month internship at Next Group PLC. This experience provided her with practical insights into the retail sector and helped her develop skills relevant to her future roles in procurement and management.