I began my Procurement career working for Cumbria Supplies, Cumbria Contract Services as a Procurement Trainee working my way to Procurement Officer, gaining my MCIPS and subsequently Procurement Manager.In 2002 I joined The University of Cumbria as a Procurement Officer, progressing to Procurement Manager in 2007 and in 2013 was appointed as Head of Procurement.During my employment with the University my work involved:• Tendering Contracts in accordance with European Procurement regulations• Negotiation of multi-million pounds contracts• Writing Policy and Procedures• Writing and implementing Procurement Strategy• Implementing ‘Category Management’ across the university • Managing Value for Money for the universities non-pay spend• Managing the Insurance contract for the university• Managing the procurement team• Staff training and development • Leading on collaborative procurement initiatives with other universities• Membership of various university boards• Presenting to University and cross-sector organisations• Analysis of data• Use of the universities Tender management system