Stephen’s professional journey bridges industry and academia, shaped by his experience in the telecommunications, engineering, and legal sectors. These diverse roles have informed his research interests and pedagogical approach and have contributed to his development as an educator committed to research and practice-informed teaching.
Now as a Senior Lecturer in Supply Chains, Procurement, and Project Management at Salford Business School, his research develops theory-informed frameworks and industry-focused recommendations within the fields of gender responsive procurement and negotiation.
Here, Stephen shares his career highlights and explains how these are helping to underpin his current research.
How did you get into academia as a career path?
Before entering academia, I spent over a decade in industry, working in procurement and supply chain roles at organisations including GEC, Siemens, and the NHS. While I enjoyed the hands-on challenges, I was increasingly drawn to a career that allowed for deeper reflection and the opportunity to shape the field through teaching and research. After a brief period in Further Education, I transitioned into Higher Education, where I’ve now worked for around 15 years across a range of universities.
Why did you choose to work at the University of Salford?
I was keen to join a university that values applied learning and strong industry engagement, both of which are central to Salford’s mission. These qualities are especially important in procurement and supply chain management, where bridging theory and practice is essential.
What’s the best thing about being an academic at Salford?
The variety. One day I might be teaching undergraduate, postgraduate, or executive learners through programmes like Help to Grow, which supports decision-makers in small and medium sized enterprises to gain new relevant skills, or our Mini Master of Business Administration (MBA). The next, I’m immersed in research, or running a business negotiation roleplay with Sixth Form students. I also enjoy engaging with prospective students and their families at Open Days as part of my recruitment tutor role.
Can you tell us about any of your career highlights to-date?
I was the Vice President and committee member of the International Purchasing and Supply Education and Research Associated (IPSERA) and, along with Professor Donna Marshall from the University College Dublin, started the conference’s annual Education Workshop, which I’m delighted to say, has now been running for 11 years. It is an integral part of the week’s events. I’m incredibly proud of this achievement.
What’s your current research focused on?
I research into several different areas of procurement, such as gender-responsive procurement and negotiation. I’m particularly interested in how procurement can be leveraged to achieve broader social and environmental goals.
Do you have any published papers we can read?
I have various papers in my research areas, but two recent ones are:
Kelly, S., Reszka, M., Polychronakis Y. (2025). Gender-responsive procurement: a systematic literature review. EuroMed Journal of Business.
Kelly, S., Chicksand, D. (2024). A Critical Exploration of Bargaining in Purchasing and Supply Management: A Systematic Literature Review. Group Decision and Negotiation, 33, 617-646.
I’m always happy to share my work with those interested in procurement and supply chain research.
And finally, the all important question, where in Manchester or Salford is best to grab a coffee?
I do like a good coffee, and the best is when my boss (Yiannis Polychronakis) makes us one from the machine in his office, as this is always accompanied by a good chat about supply chain management related stuff!