My Supply Chain experience started in 1987 when I joined VT Shipbuilding’s procurement function, and I undertook a succession of management roles covering areas such as major subcontracts, purchase orders and material cost control.
I was promoted to the position of Director of Procurement for VT Shipbuilding in 1996, where my responsibilities included the procurement activity, the stores/material control function and through life support.
Following success in this role I was promoted to Group Procurement Director within VT Group in 2002 and set up a Group supply chain function by expanded the group procurement initiative previously run from VT Shipbuilding. This Group supply chain function delivered multi-million pound savings through a number of group wide initiatives. I was also responsible for setting up various strategic alliances with the supply chain and for introducing the topic of procurement onto the board agenda of the business units within VT Group.
In 2004 I was seconded to Airtanker Ltd to set up the procurement organisation for this +£10bn PFI joint venture. Whilst at Airtanker I was directly responsible for the procurement team and contracts covering aircraft maintenance, training and aircraft support we completed a cost reduction exercise which achieved savings of £113m.
After successfully setting up and handing over the Airtanker procurement function, I returned to VT Group in 2006 to take up the position of Supply Chain Director at VT Education and Skills. Again my first task was to set up a supply chain function which includes the management of a large property portfolio. In this role I led a team of supply chain specialists who support the £260m, 4,000 staff business and continue to build strong relationships with their strategic supply chain partners.
In 2010 I decided to leave VT Group to pursue a career in consultancy and I’ve undertaken a variety of interim roles focused on category management, sustainability, support functions and cost reduction.
I have also received 4 awards for my cost saving and sustainability activity.