Inside Zip: How Ross Sharp rocketed from NASA to Zip
Learn how Ross shapes his framework for procurement excellence.
At Zip, we know that procurement transformation isn’t achieved through technology alone—it requires deep expertise, and a commitment to guiding each customer’s unique path to peak performance.
This is why we’re proud to introduce our team of seasoned leaders, each bringing decades of procurement experience from industry giants like Apple, NASA, Discover Financial, and more.
Our team of experts have dedicated their careers to understanding and overcoming the toughest challenges in procurement, and now they’re here at Zip to do the same for you. From pioneering strategic end-user workflows to demonstrating process efficiencies gained through cutting-edge orchestration, Zip’s team of procurement leaders embody the spirit of smarter spend.
Meet Ross Sharp
Role: Director, Product Solutions Advisory at Zip
Former Top Role: Head of Procurement, Clutter
What inspired you to join Zip and contribute your expertise?
I began as a Zip customer. From the moment we implemented and I saw the reactions that the general users had, I knew I had to be a part of Zip. In my own experience, I always felt that the tools we used in procurement made our jobs more difficult than it needed to be; Zip addressed these problems immediately.
Can you share a memorable success story of an impactful project from your time in procurement?
I still think that the peak of my career as a procurement practitioner was a project for the Mars 2020 mission's Ingenuity Helicopter during my time in Strategic Sourcing at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory.
Even just playing a very small part in the first flight on Mars was like living out all of my biggest Sci-Fi dreams in reality!
What advice would you give to companies looking to elevate their procurement strategies today?
Listen to your customers: the internal requestors who interact with procurement every day. What are their real issues day-to-day? Everything starts from there.
What sets Zip apart in the market from your perspective as a procurement expert?
Zip’s customer obsession!
Which skills or focus areas are going to be most important for the future leaders of procurement?
I’m still a firm believer that soft skills in procurement are the key to everything!
Ready to work with us?
It's time to find out how Zip can transform your procurement processes. Connect with our expert team to learn more.
