We are excited to introduce a new addition to the Proxima leadership team! As we continue to grow, we are committed to bringing on talented individuals who embody our culture and values. Let’s dive into a conversation with our new colleague in the Chicago office, SVP Julie Brignac, to learn more about her background, role, and aspirations at Proxima.
Let’s start with your background. Where are you from, what’s your area of expertise, and what was your career like before Proxima?
“I have been in procurement and supply chain for about 30 years. The first half of my career was spent in industry, primarily with Fortune 500 companies. I started out at DuPont, which was where I was given my first ever procurement assignment, which I loved, and since then have never really left supply chain. Subsequently, I worked at Honeywell and then Newell Rubbermaid, where I was the VP of Global Procurement for their Writing Instruments division, which includes brands like Sharpie, Expo, and Paper Mate. My later experience included being the Chief Procurement Officer at Brambles, focusing on logistics.
The last 15 years of my career have been focused on consulting and outsourcing. I left industry and transitioned into starting my own consultancy because I had my daughter and wanted to stay closer to home. I merged my consultancy with Vantage Partners in Boston, and then moved to Accenture, where I managed their business process outsourcing business for the West region of North America. More recently, I was with WNS Denali, where in the last two years I was responsible for leading the business as the Business Unit Leader, and before joining Proxima, ran SGS Maine Pointe’s procurement consultancy business.”
what WAS IT ABOUT PROXIMA THAT APPEALED TO YOU?
“The culture at Proxima was a huge draw for me. Many team members here are former colleagues or are connected to colleagues I trust. As I spoke with people at Proxima, I realized how closely aligned their values are with my own, particularly regarding career growth, learning, and development.
Additionally, I’m excited to be part of the Chicago office (I split my time between South Carolina and Chicago), where Proxima wanted more leadership presence, especially since we hire many early-career professionals. I’m looking forward to mentoring them and fostering a supportive environment, which is something I’m incredibly passionate about.”
What skills do you think early-career individuals need to develop in the current landscape?
“The most exciting aspect of procurement today is the diversity of maturity levels among clients. Every client has different needs, and as consultants, we have to adapt our skills accordingly. I think it’s crucial for early-stage professionals to develop a broad range of competencies and stay updated on industry trends, especially with the rise of AI. What sets us apart as partners is our ability to offer that “little something extra” to stay one step ahead – or, as I like to say from Cajun culture, lagniappe – which adds real value.”
Do you have any guiding principles for yourself as a leader or mentor?
“Absolutely! My primary principle is to foster a fun and engaging culture. Work can be intense, but it’s essential to create an environment where people want to come and stay. I believe in making time for my team and being present for them, whether that’s going for a coffee or having team dinners.
Supporting the team to establish a work-life balance is also very important to me. As someone who has burned themselves out before, I know that can be avoided if you have the right mentors, if you have the right discussion, and the right focus.
Ultimately, I’m here for the people, and creating a positive culture fuels our success.”
What advice would you give to those looking to elevate the importance of procurement within their businesses?
“I believe procurement has come a long way in gaining recognition of its broader impact within businesses and finding its ‘seat at the table’, but there’s still work to be done. It’s essential to understand that procurement is not merely a finance function. It should be seen as a strategic partner that adds value beyond cost savings.
Companies should recognize the broader impact of procurement on their overall success and focus on integrating it into the core of their operations. For those in procurement, it’s about understanding your role as a valuable contributor to the overall business strategy.”
What are the parts of your job you’re most passionate about?
“I’m passionate about building relationships with clients. I strive to be viewed as a strategic partner rather than just a consultant. Recognizing what the client needs and bringing it to them as fast as possible, as clearly as possible, touching all the different aspects that impact them to establish where they might need assistance. The interactions we have can lead to incredible outcomes, and I love being a part of that journey.
It’s something I can already see we do really well here at Proxima.”
What about outside of work? What do you enjoy doing, and what does a work-life balance look like to you??
“I find inspiration from the ocean. Growing up on the Delmarva peninsula, the coast played a big part in my life. I come from a large family – my dad is one of 12 siblings – so our reunions are massive. I love the ocean, which ties into my connection to South Carolina, where my mom lives, and I live when not in Chicago.
Animal rescue is a passion of mine. I support organizations that save animals, especially senior dogs and cats, as they often end up in shelters when their owners pass away. I have several rescues and would have more if I could.
Cooking and wine are also interests of mine. I’m particularly fond of California wines and have a collection I’m embarrassed to admit the size of! I’m learning more about French and Italian wines, too.
Traveling is another passion; I’ve visited 62 countries. I prefer warm climates, which makes January in Chicago challenging. New York and Chicago are my favorite U.S. cities, full of energy and excitement.
Music is a huge part of my life. I’m a trained concert pianist and organist. I love attending concerts and theater productions, having grown up performing in the orchestra pit at musicals.
So, that’s me: passionate about the ocean, animals, food, wine, travel, and music.”
Could you be a great fit for Proxima?
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