JAGGAER, a prominent procurement systems vendor, has made a strategic move by appointing Mark Roberts as its UK Public Sector Director. This decision signifies a commitment to bolster its operations within Central and Local Government sectors. With extensive experience in public sector procurement, Roberts is poised to enhance the company’s strategy and elevate its service delivery to governmental organizations across the UK.
Mark Roberts comes to JAGGAER with a wealth of expertise, having previously served as the Commercial Director for the Metropolitan Police Service in London. His role involved leading significant procurement strategies that directly impacted public safety and operational efficiency. Given his background, Roberts is well-equipped to spearhead JAGGAER’s efforts in navigating the complexities of public sector needs.
Roberts stated, “Joining an organization so firmly committed to enabling public services is a natural fit given my previous experience in the public sector.” His appointment underscores JAGGAER’s intent to leverage advanced technological tools to empower public institutions. These tools include strategic sourcing, category management, contract management, and supplier relationship management—all crucial for maintaining high standards amid constrained budgets.
His career reflects a robust foundation in procurement leadership, exemplified by his previous role as the Commercial Continuous Improvement Director for the Government Commercial Function. This position provided Roberts with insight into the procurement challenges faced by governmental bodies, equipping him with the skills necessary to implement effective solutions.
Roberts’ experience extends beyond the public sector, having held leadership roles in notable companies like Vodafone and Anheuser-Busch InBev. His influence in managing a Global eSourcing programme, which included executing over 30,000 eAuctions annually, illustrates his capability in driving efficiency through technology. His ability to design and implement new operating models sets him apart as a collaborative leader in managing transformation—an asset that will be particularly beneficial for JAGGAER as it seeks to enhance its offerings to public sector organizations.
Simon Thompson, Vice President Northern Europe at JAGGAER, commented on Roberts’ appointment, stating, “In the UK, JAGGAER has a long history of serving the Public Sector, and we’re thrilled to now have Mark on board. His experience will help us continue to tailor our support and investment in the sector to help it achieve greater efficiencies and efficacy.”
The appointment of Roberts comes at a critical juncture for the UK public sector, as it faces the dual challenges of limited budgets and the responsibility of delivering essential public services. The introduction of the new UK Procurement Bill in February 2025 further complicates this landscape. This legislation aims to broaden public procurement opportunities, specifically for small businesses and social enterprises, thereby necessitating a strategic approach to procurement that maximizes value for taxpayers.
In light of these changes, ensuring value for money becomes paramount. Roberts’ extensive background provides him with a unique perspective on balancing fiscal responsibilities while striving for procurement excellence. His leadership is expected to guide JAGGAER in aligning its capabilities with the evolving needs of public institutions, ensuring that they are well-prepared to navigate the impending reforms in procurement.
Roberts’ vision for the future includes implementing innovative procurement strategies that not only respond to current challenges but also anticipate the evolving landscape of public service delivery. By optimizing procurement processes and fostering collaborative relationships with suppliers, he aims to enhance service efficiency and effectiveness.
In conclusion, the appointment of Mark Roberts as the UK Public Sector Director at JAGGAER illustrates a strategic commitment to enhancing public sector service delivery through technology and expertise. His experience uniquely positions him to navigate the complexities of public procurement while ensuring that JAGGAER remains a vital partner to governmental institutions.
As public sector organizations prepare for significant changes ahead, Roberts’ leadership will be instrumental in ensuring they achieve their goals while delivering enhanced value to taxpayers.