Ishmeet Singh has just completed three months in the role of Director, Procurement Service at Northern Health.

He brings more than 20 years of experience to this role, having previously worked in procurement and supply chain services across tertiary education (RMIT) and manufacturing (Ford). For the past five years, Ishmeet has been the Deputy Director, Procurement Services at Monash Health, where he was responsible for managing procurement functions, contract management and supply chain operations, including facilities management, ICT corporate services and medical consumables.

Recently, Ishmeet also managed the planning and distribution of critical PPE and ICU equipment across the state, with the Department of Health.

Firstly, what’s your coffee order?

Almond cappuccino please.

Tell us about your role at Northern Health?

We are responsible for the procurement and supply chain of goods and services for all Northern Health sites. As a department, we provide a number of services, including strategic sourcing and tactical buying, contract management, supply chain, vehicle fleet and other logistic support services.

What do you like most about your role?

To be an enabler of growth and creating sustainable value for the business.

What do you find challenging?

Accepting waste, inefficiencies and mediocre outcomes.

What does a typical day look like for you?

Meetings with stakeholders to address their needs and guiding my team to deliver desired outcomes.

Can you tell us a bit about your career before starting at Northern Health?

I have more than 20 years of procurement and supply chain experience across manufacturing, tertiary education and health care. I spent the last five years at Monash Health Procurement, and was actively involved in the state supply chain for COVID-19 response.

What is something people don’t know about you?

I am a mechanical engineer by qualification, who slipped into procurement and supply chain, and never looked back.

What do you like to do after work?

Read about food and travel! I love to cook different cuisines and invent new drinks. I have a lot of favourites, but my go-to cuisine is Italian. I have done some crazy pizza combinations which turned out surprisingly well!

Do you have a bucket list item? Something you would love to do?

Learn to play guitar! I love music from all over the world. Rock and country music, with Guns N Roses and Alabama being my favourites.

What’s your favourite inspirational quote?

“Strive not to be a success, but rather to be of value” – Albert Einstein.

If you were a superhero, who would you be and why?

Batman, for believing in the art of possibility in all situations and never failing to rise again if we fail.

Which Northern Health value do you relate to best?

All of them, but I relate the most to Kindness: We treat everyone with kindness, respect and empathy. We provide patient-centred and compassionate care.