Sam Ulyatt is a name that has become synonymous with transformation, innovation, and integrity in the UK’s public procurement landscape. As the Chief Executive of the Crown Commercial Service (CCS), she stands at the forefront of one of the government’s most vital agencies, responsible for ensuring that taxpayer money is spent wisely and effectively. Her leadership style, grounded in experience across both the private and public sectors, reflects a powerful mix of commercial acumen and people-centred values.
Early Life and Educational Foundations
Sam Ulyatt’s story begins far from the boardrooms of Whitehall. She grew up in the North West of England, where she still resides, and her early career path took a rather unconventional route. Instead of entering the civil service through traditional academic means, she started her professional journey as an apprentice in chemical manufacturing. This early exposure to the industrial and technical world shaped her understanding of efficiency, process optimisation, and accountability—values that continue to underpin her leadership approach today.
Her hands-on experience gave her a grounded perspective, distinguishing her from many who rose through purely bureaucratic channels. Ulyatt has often spoken about the importance of opportunity, inclusion, and levelling the playing field for people from all backgrounds—a belief that continues to guide her as she leads one of the largest procurement organisations in the United Kingdom.
Transition from Private to Public Sector
Before joining the civil service, Sam Ulyatt spent a significant portion of her career in the private sector, working across industries such as nuclear, utilities, pharmaceuticals, and manufacturing. This diverse commercial background equipped her with a deep understanding of supply chains, vendor management, and large-scale contract negotiation.
When she transitioned into public service around 2016, Ulyatt brought with her a clear ambition: to modernise the way the government buys goods and services. She recognised that procurement was more than a process—it was a strategic function that could drive innovation, sustainability, and value across the entire public sector. Her arrival marked a shift towards a more commercially driven yet socially responsible approach to government spending.
Rise within the Civil Service
Sam Ulyatt’s first major public-sector role came as Commercial Director at the Crown Commercial Service. There, she oversaw procurement frameworks covering buildings, facilities management, utilities, and fuels—areas that account for billions of pounds in annual government expenditure. Her results-driven mindset quickly earned her recognition, and her leadership was marked by a focus on collaboration and transparency.
Her success at CCS paved the way for her next appointment as Chief Commercial Officer at the Home Office. In this role, she managed one of the government’s most complex commercial portfolios, encompassing technology, estates, and professional services. She guided the department through periods of fiscal pressure and transformation, emphasising smarter procurement strategies, stronger supplier relationships, and digital innovation.
These experiences built the foundation for her eventual appointment as Chief Executive of the Crown Commercial Service in 2024—a position that placed her at the centre of the UK’s public-sector procurement ecosystem.
Leading the Crown Commercial Service
As CEO of the Crown Commercial Service, Sam Ulyatt is responsible for leading an organisation that manages commercial agreements and frameworks worth tens of billions of pounds annually. CCS plays a vital role in helping public-sector bodies—from central government to local councils and NHS trusts—purchase everything from IT systems to professional services efficiently and ethically.
Under her leadership, CCS is undergoing a cultural and strategic transformation. Ulyatt’s vision extends beyond traditional procurement. She envisions CCS as a hub of data-driven insight, innovation, and sustainability—a place where commercial decisions not only save money but also deliver long-term public value.
Her leadership approach is notably people-centred. She consistently emphasises empowerment, diversity, and inclusion, encouraging employees to bring their authentic selves to work. Her belief that talent and leadership should not be defined by geography is evident in her commitment to supporting civil servants based outside London, particularly in regional hubs like Liverpool and Manchester.
A Vision for Modern Public Procurement
Sam Ulyatt’s leadership philosophy can be summarised in three core themes: transformation, transparency, and talent.
Transformation: She believes that procurement should evolve from a transactional process into a strategic function that drives public value. This involves using data, analytics, and digital tools to forecast needs, identify efficiencies, and support evidence-based decision-making.
Transparency: In a world where public accountability is paramount, Ulyatt has consistently promoted openness in procurement. She supports clearer reporting mechanisms and more accessible contract information, ensuring that the public understands how funds are spent and what value is delivered.
Talent: Recognising that transformation requires the right people, Ulyatt has invested in professional development, inclusion, and leadership within the civil service. She encourages a culture where innovation is rewarded and where employees feel confident to challenge outdated processes.
Embracing Digitalisation and Data-Driven Decision-Making
One of Sam Ulyatt’s defining priorities is digital transformation. She acknowledges that the future of procurement lies in harnessing the power of technology and data. By digitising procurement systems and applying analytics, CCS can gain valuable insights into spending patterns, supplier performance, and market dynamics.
This data-driven approach not only enhances efficiency but also helps government departments make more informed decisions. For instance, by analysing procurement data, CCS can identify opportunities for cost savings, assess supplier risk, and ensure that contracts align with sustainability goals. Ulyatt’s forward-thinking mindset ensures that CCS remains agile in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.
Commitment to Sustainability and Social Value
Beyond efficiency and savings, Sam Ulyatt has been a vocal advocate for sustainable procurement. She believes that government spending should support broader societal goals such as environmental responsibility, diversity, and economic growth. Under her leadership, CCS frameworks increasingly include social value metrics—encouraging suppliers to reduce carbon emissions, create apprenticeships, and support local communities.
This approach aligns with the UK government’s wider commitment to achieving net-zero carbon emissions and promoting ethical supply chains. For Ulyatt, sustainability is not an optional extra; it is a core principle that should guide every commercial decision.
Empowering People and Building Inclusive Leadership
Sam Ulyatt’s leadership style is known for being empathetic yet decisive. She understands that great outcomes depend on great teams, and she invests heavily in developing people. Her commitment to inclusion extends beyond policy—it’s part of her daily practice. She has openly spoken about the importance of diversity in thought and background, arguing that varied perspectives lead to better solutions.
Ulyatt’s rise from apprentice to CEO is itself a powerful example of social mobility and determination. She often encourages young professionals to pursue careers in procurement and the civil service, regardless of where they come from. Her message is clear: success should be based on ability and contribution, not privilege or location.
Challenges and Achievements
Leading the Crown Commercial Service in a post-pandemic and fiscally constrained environment is no small task. Ulyatt faces challenges ranging from supply chain disruption to changing regulations and public expectations. Yet her pragmatic leadership has helped CCS adapt and thrive.
Under her direction, the agency has increased collaboration between departments, streamlined procurement processes, and improved access for small and medium-sized enterprises. Her focus on efficiency has delivered measurable cost savings, while her commitment to ethics has strengthened public trust in government contracting.
Ulyatt’s tenure is also marked by her ability to balance short-term cost pressures with long-term strategic goals. She understands that true value comes not only from saving money but from investing in innovation and resilience.
Legacy and Influence
Sam Ulyatt’s influence extends well beyond her immediate role. She has become a respected voice in discussions around the future of public procurement and commercial reform. Her speeches often highlight the need for agility, innovation, and partnership between the public and private sectors.
Her leadership embodies a new generation of public-sector executives—those who combine commercial sharpness with public-service values. Through her work, she continues to challenge old assumptions and push for a more modern, transparent, and equitable approach to government procurement.
Personal Side and Work-Life Balance
Despite her demanding role, Sam Ulyatt is known for maintaining a healthy balance between professional responsibilities and personal life. She enjoys outdoor activities, cooking, and travelling with her family. Living in Cheshire, she frequently emphasises the importance of regional representation and the idea that leadership can thrive anywhere in the country.
Her ability to stay grounded despite her achievements reflects her authenticity and humility—qualities that have earned her respect across the civil service and beyond.
Future Outlook
Looking ahead, Sam Ulyatt’s mission for the Crown Commercial Service is clear: to continue driving transformation through data, technology, and collaboration. As procurement laws evolve and public expectations grow, her leadership will play a pivotal role in shaping how the UK government delivers value for every pound spent.
Her approach—balancing efficiency with ethics, and innovation with inclusion—positions CCS as a model for modern public procurement. In the coming years, her vision could well define how governments around the world view the role of commercial strategy in serving citizens.
Conclusion
Sam Ulyatt represents the best of modern public-sector leadership: pragmatic, forward-thinking, and deeply committed to people. From her humble beginnings in chemical manufacturing to her current position as Chief Executive of the Crown Commercial Service, her journey is one of perseverance, purpose, and progress.
Her focus on transformation, sustainability, and inclusion is reshaping how the UK government thinks about procurement. By blending commercial expertise with human-centred values, Sam Ulyatt continues to lead with integrity and vision—proving that effective leadership is not about power, but about empowering others to create lasting impact.
