Celebrating the women that make a change in retail
This article contains paid-for content from Scotland Food & Drink
Interview with April Pollock, Morrisons buying manager at – local sourcing Scotland
- How long have you worked in Scotland’s retail sector, and what led you to your current role?
I’ve worked in Scottish local sourcing for four and a half years. I joined Scotland Food & Drink in 2021 as a graduate with no prior retail knowledge, which was a big leap for me.
I completed the two-year SF&D graduate programme, where I was placed within the Local Sourcing team at Morrisons.
After finishing the programme, I was offered a permanent role within the Local Sourcing team at Morrisons, focusing on Scotland.
I’ve always been drawn to the food and drink industry because it’s fast-paced, challenging and incredibly rewarding. No two days are ever the same and that variety is something I really thrive on.
- Tell us about your own success story, positive experiences, examples of leadership etc.
One of my biggest personal successes has been building confidence and credibility in an industry I initially knew very little about.
Moving from having no retail experience to managing relationships with Scottish suppliers and supporting their growth within a major retailer has been hugely rewarding.
I am particularly proud of the role I play in championing local Scottish businesses – helping them navigate retail, grow sustainably and see their products on shelves across Scotland.
In terms of leadership, I believe it’s about being approachable and supportive.
I try to lead by example, whether that’s being transparent in conversations, advocating for suppliers internally, or making time to mentor others starting out in the industry.
Supporting others’ development is something I value deeply because I know how much that support meant to me.
- What is the best thing about working in your industry?
The Scottish suppliers are an incredibly hardworking and passionate group of people. Retail and food and drink can be challenging industries, but suppliers show real resilience and determination every day.
I genuinely admire their commitment to quality, innovation and their local communities. Being able to work alongside them and support their growth is easily the most rewarding part of my role.
- What challenges have you faced as a woman working in the industry?
Like many industries, retail can still be quite male-dominated, particularly in buying and commercial roles. Early in my career, building confidence and finding my voice in meetings was sometimes challenging.
However, I’ve been fortunate to work with supportive colleagues and leaders who encouraged me to speak up and back my decisions.
Over time, I’ve learned the importance of trusting my own judgment and not feeling the need to over-justify my perspective. Those experiences have definitely helped shape my resilience and confidence.
- Who have been the most influential people in your career so far, and what did you learn from them?
Probably too many to name — but I’m sure many of them know who they are! I have been very fortunate to work with strong leaders who invested time in developing my understanding of retail and the wider food and drink industry.
From knowing very little about the sector four years ago to where I am today, their guidance has been instrumental in shaping me within my current role.
I have listened and learned from their experience and, hopefully, that shows in the way I now support Scottish suppliers within Morrisons. One lesson that has really stayed with me is that everyone is new at some point.
No matter how busy your day is, taking the time to answer a question or support someone starting out can make a huge difference. It’s a busy role, but never too busy to help someone build their confidence — I know how much that meant to me.
- What advice would you give a young woman starting out in Scotland’s retail sector in 2026?
Be curious and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Retail is fast-moving and there is always something new to learn. Have confidence in your perspective – you were hired for a reason.
Build strong relationships, be open to feedback and take opportunities that might feel slightly outside your comfort zone. That’s often where the biggest growth happens.
Most importantly, back yourself. It’s a supportive industry, with fantastic people in it, and there is real opportunity to build a rewarding career.
- Do you feel a positive culture in place helps you cement business relationships?
Absolutely – a positive and collaborative culture is essential in building strong, lasting business relationships. Retail is built on partnership, trust and transparency.
When there is a culture of mutual respect and open communication, it creates an environment where suppliers and retailers can work together to overcome challenges and drive growth. That ultimately leads to stronger, more sustainable outcomes for everyone involved.
- Any career insights you would like to share?
Careers are rarely linear – and that’s OK. You don’t need to have everything figured out from day one.
Be open to opportunities, even if they feel unexpected. My own journey started with very little retail knowledge, and that experience taught me that growth often comes from stepping into the unfamiliar.
Visit the Scotland Food & Drink website | Facebook | LinkedIn
