With a master’s degree in public Procurement Law and Policy and over a decade of experience in procurement, Derin has a blend of legal insight, commercial acumen, and strategic leadership experience. She began her career at St John Ambulance before joining HCL, where she spent six years as strategic procurement manager, leading non-food category and the embedding of sustainability practices within the education catering sector. In 2021, Derin joined Essex County Council as Procurement Specialist overseeing up to £100 million in annual third-party spend with corporate services category. In 2023, she transitioned to Sustainable Growth, Social Value and Climate, where she now oversees continuous improvement in sustainable procurement throughout the procurement lifecycle.