Supply Chain Podcast: Rob Turner on Deliveroo Strategy

The evolution of procurement from a back-office function to a strategic powerhouse requires a unique blend of curiosity and technical rigor. In the second episode of the Supply Chain Podcast, host Aaron McMillan sits down with Rob Turner, Director of Procurement and Supply Chain at Deliveroo (now part of the DoorDash group), to discuss his twenty-five-year journey through the industry. From his early days in manufacturing at PepsiCo to leading high-stakes digital transformations, Turner shares his philosophy on why standing still is never an option for modern leaders.

A Career Defined by Practical Curiosity

Rob Turner’s path to the C-suite was far from conventional. Eschewing a purely academic route, Turner highlights how a "practical" approach to learning—built on curiosity and problem-solving—shaped his trajectory. His background in food science and manufacturing management at Walkers provided the foundational "under the hood" understanding of how products are made, which later became a critical asset in procurement. This hands-on experience allows him to pivot seamlessly between high-level conceptual strategy and the technical architecture of supply chain flows.

Integrating Global Procurement Functions

Following the acquisition of Deliveroo by DoorDash, Turner’s primary focus shifted toward integration and harmonization. He discusses the complexities of bringing three distinct procurement entities together to create a unified, more efficient group. This process is not merely about consolidation but about "making something better from it," ensuring that the strengths of each legacy organization contribute to a more resilient global supply chain.

The Blueprint for Procurement Transformation

A significant portion of the conversation centers on Turner’s recent work implementing a holistic transformation at Deliveroo, which included the rollout of Coupa. Turner emphasizes that digital tools are only one piece of the puzzle; the transformation was equally driven by an "inordinate amount of cost transformation" and business-wide change. He notes that in fast-moving tech environments, the demand for results is relentless, requiring leaders to balance radical step-changes with continuous, incremental improvements.

Building a Robust Data Architecture

When asked about visibility, Turner asserts that it begins with design rather than just software. He advocates for constructing a proprietary data architecture from the ground up, which is then supplemented by third-party information. This data-driven approach informs Deliveroo’s third-party risk frameworks and diagnostic tools, allowing the team to optimize logistics by analyzing granular metrics like cost-per-mile and performance data. For Turner, data is the "foundation" that allows procurement to answer the most challenging business questions.

Leadership and the Human Element

Turner offers a candid look at the psychological demands of leadership. He admits that while he encourages his team to pause and celebrate successes, he often finds it difficult to do so himself, as his mind is always on the next "tweak" or improvement. He believes procurement professionals are naturally service-oriented and programmed to move toward the next demand. However, he maintains that the most satisfying part of his role is helping people overcome resistance to see the "art of the possible" during times of intense change.

Preparing for an Agentic AI Future

Looking ahead, Turner identifies the rise of agentic AI as the next major hurdle for supply chain leaders. He challenges the industry to think deeply about how they are preparing their workforce for a future where humans may transition into "managers of agents". Turner concludes by urging a shift away from simple price-focused buying toward a "total cost of ownership" perspective, which he believes remains the most misunderstood concept in the profession today.

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Explore More from the Supply Chain Podcast Series

Catch up on Episode 1 featuring Aeva Technologies’ Abhijit Supekar on Resilience & Volatility