Profile: Procurement Analyst – Kate McConnell
“I was lucky enough to be involved in two key projects during my time working in PBS. I worked on process optimisation and a new tender project.
In process optimisation we review current processes, tools and methods to look for new ways to better serve customers and suppliers. My task was to manage a process review for sourcing a key ingredient. This involved producing a map of the supply chain process from the initial contract negotiation by the buyers to delivery and payment for goods by finance. I spoke to all involved in the supply chain and visited factories in the UK and Ireland. I was able to use the findings of the process review to make recommendations for simplifying and improving the process. I was also involved in co-coordinating changes to our supplier service reporting tools working closely with on-site systems consultants and planning colleagues.
In the tender process we follow an 8 step model to ensure we select the best suppliers for a given product. My role was to assist a category buyer with the first stages in the procurement sourcing process. I was trained in the Cadbury 8 step sourcing process and was able to lead the project through the first stages from making initial contact with potential suppliers to finalising a shortlist for the tender.”
Profile: Procurement Analyst, Green & Black’s – Ben Wiseman
"For my third placement I was seconded to Green & Black’s, the organic chocolate company. Green & Black’s was acquired by Cadbury in 2005 and is still run as a separate business, based in Southwark, London. Moving to Green & Black’s was a big change in environment, going from a large factory to a compact office of 40 people.
"My role was in Procurement (Buying), where I was responsible for cultivating partnerships with ingredients suppliers. I was developing some new practices for suppliers, including new contractual arrangements and increased requirements for ethical trading. My role included travelling to meet suppliers and coordinating the task of bringing all suppliers into our new programmes.
"My time at Green & Black’s was very exciting. The business is small but growing fast and it gave me the opportunity to take on areas of responsibility that I might not have had access to in a larger organisation. Working in a smaller business meant that I was much closer to different functions, so I gained a better understanding of the way that my marketing and finance colleagues operated. Also, since Green & Black’s is completely Organic, I had a new industry to learn about, which included travelling to an international organics fair. Before long I was in meetings with the Soil Association (the UK’s largest Organic certifying body) and able to talk to suppliers about their challenges and plans for the future."