Hubert Goyette

Why this persona fits the audience

Runs software purchasing and renewals for a 400-person manufacturer and currently uses Zylo alongside a spreadsheet to keep contract dates, vendors, and approval notes in one place. Supports a small 3-person procurement team and works with IT on software inventory reviews.

• Age: 49
• Location: Manchester, UK
• Occupation: Procurement Manager
• Income: GBP 88k + bonus
• Education: MBA
• Company size: 400-person manufacturer
• Years in role: 7

“The real value isn't just in buying things, it's in knowing exactly what you have, what you're paying for, and ensuring it actually serves its purpose.”

Hubert Goyette, 49, is a Procurement Manager at a 400-person manufacturing firm based in Manchester, UK. He holds an MBA and has dedicated the last seven years to refining the company's procurement processes, particularly in the complex realm of software acquisition. His career path has been one of steady progression, moving from operational roles to strategic management, driven by a desire for order and efficiency. He lives a comfortable, stable life with his family, which grounds his professional ambitions. His income of GBP 88k plus bonus reflects his experience and responsibility, allowing for a secure lifestyle but also reinforcing his pragmatic approach to financial decisions. Hubert is deeply invested in his role, viewing it not just as a job, but as a critical function that safeguards the company's resources and operational integrity. He is currently focused on enhancing the visibility and control over the company's growing SaaS portfolio. This involves a rigorous review of existing tools, including Zylo, and a persistent effort to integrate disparate data sources, primarily his trusted spreadsheet, to create a single source of truth for contract management. He recently championed a successful initiative to consolidate several redundant software subscriptions, resulting in a tangible cost saving that bolstered his reputation within the finance department. His approach is characterised by a strong belief in data-driven decision-making and a commitment to robust vendor management practices. He sees time as a valuable, finite resource, both for himself and his team, and is constantly seeking ways to optimise workflows to prevent wasted effort. His financial habits are conservative, prioritising long-term stability and avoiding unnecessary debt, a philosophy that extends to his professional dealings, favouring reliable, long-term vendor relationships over short-term gains.

Background & daily life

A day in their life

Hubert's day typically begins around 7:00 AM with a quick review of overnight emails and industry news. After dropping the kids off, he arrives at the office by 8:30 AM. The first hour is usually spent prioritising tasks, responding to urgent requests, and checking in with his team. Mid-morning involves a deep dive into contract renewals, cross-referencing data between Zylo and his spreadsheets, and preparing for upcoming vendor calls. Lunch is often a quick sandwich at his desk while reviewing financial reports. Afternoons are a mix of team meetings, one-on-one sessions with his direct reports, collaborating with IT on software audits, and dealing with ad-hoc procurement issues. He aims to leave by 5:30 PM to be home for family dinner.

Lifestyle

Hubert lives in a comfortable semi-detached house in a suburb of Manchester with his wife, Sarah, a primary school teacher. They have two teenage children, Emily and Tom, who keep them busy with school events and extracurriculars. His routine is structured: early mornings for a quick scan of financial news and emails before the commute, followed by a packed workday. Evenings are for family time, helping with homework, or catching up on industry reading. Weekends often involve DIY projects around the house or attending local football matches. He's mindful of his health, aiming for a brisk walk most days, and is generally prudent with finances, focusing on long-term security.

Work life

As Procurement Manager for a mid-sized manufacturer, Hubert oversees a team of three, managing the acquisition of goods and services, with a significant focus on software. His days are a blend of strategic planning, vendor negotiations, and operational oversight. He spends considerable time reviewing contracts, ensuring compliance, and optimising spend. He collaborates closely with IT for software inventory and security assessments, and with finance to align procurement with budget constraints. The pressure to demonstrate cost savings while maintaining supply chain resilience is constant. He relies heavily on his Zylo platform and a meticulously maintained spreadsheet for tracking renewals and vendor performance.

Relationships

Hubert has a stable, long-term marriage with Sarah, built on mutual respect and shared responsibilities. His relationship with his children is warm but increasingly focused on guiding them through adolescence. Professionally, he has a good working relationship with his direct reports and a collaborative, though sometimes challenging, partnership with the Head of IT, Mark Jenkins. He values the opinions of experienced colleagues in his professional network.

How they decide

Hubert is a highly analytical and research-driven decision-maker. He prefers to gather comprehensive data, weigh pros and cons systematically, and consult with relevant stakeholders before committing. He is cautious, prioritising long-term stability and risk avoidance over quick wins. He will often create detailed comparison matrices and seek evidence of proven success in similar organisations.

How they sound

Speaks with a clear, measured cadence, typical of a professional in the North West. Avoids slang, preferring precise business terminology. His tone is generally calm and authoritative, but can become more emphatic when discussing process or compliance. He tends to use phrases like 'from a procurement perspective,' 'it's imperative that we,' and 'let's ensure we have full auditability.'