Paula Varner

Paula Varner

Director, Global Indirect Procurement Thermo Fisher Scientific

Paula Varner is a senior procurement leader with more than 20 years of experience leading global strategic sourcing, procurement operational governance, and large-scale integration initiatives. As a Director on Thermo Fisher Scientific’s Global Indirect Procurement team, she oversees Commercial Business Services covering more than $600 million in annual spend across Marketing, Travel, Card, and Fleet programs, delivering consistent cost savings, enhanced compliance, and improved stakeholder experience. Paula has been recognized for her ability to build strong teams, negotiate complex supplier partnerships, and align procurement strategy with broader business goals. She is a Certified Purchasing Manager and an advocate for supplier diversity, sustainability, and technology-enabled innovation in procurement.

June 15, 2026

5:25 PM Presentation: Knowing When To Step In: Coaching Your Team On Successful Stakeholder Relationships With Limited Organizational Resources

Collaborating with stakeholders has never been easy. Limited organizational resources and leadership support can make this even more difficult. Discover how to help your team build credibility, engage stakeholders effectively, and navigate internal dynamics with confidence.

Audiences will gain insights into:

    • Identifying the best moments to intervene and support teams on relationship building without micromanaging
    • Coaching teams on how to build credibility and navigate business relationships in organizations with limited resources
    • Strengthening your team's confidence, accountability, and influence through clear roles, support, and visibility
    • Creating a culture of partnership and shared ownership across the organization 

    June 16, 2026

    7:15 AM Women In Procurement Breakfast Hosted By Amazon Business (Open To Female Procurement Practitioners Only)

    Join us for ProcureCon’s Annual Women in Procurement Breakfast hosted by Amazon Business. Start the day by making new connections and engaging in-depth conversations with fellow procurement professionals. This intimate gathering brings women in procurement together to exchange insights on leadership, innovation, and career growth. This session is only open to female procurement practitioners.  

    Check out the incredible speaker line-up to see who will be joining Paula.

    Download The Latest Agenda