Available for assignments/interim appointments: specialist skills in Retailing, especially supply chain, buying, property and regulatory issues. Recent projects:Client Custom Design GroupThe application of lean techniques and change management tools to transform the morale and culture of a small company specialising in the manufacture of cable junctions for extreme conditions.Client Dunelm Mill PLC(Sub Contract to Egremont Consulting Group)Project Lead on specific supply chain issues at Dunelm Mill PLC. On this concise project, I headed up a small team to analyse and resolve specific issues within this rapidly growing retailer. Fully detailed diagnostics were completed and recommendations made to the executive board to manage the new challenges presented by a company evolving at such pace.Client Severn Trent PLC Sub Contract to Egremont Consulting Group)Process re-engineering and the application of Lean techniques to transform the culture and productivity at Severn Trent PLC. This specifically involved detailed diagnostics, (lean process mapping, focus interviews, focus groups, DILOS, effective meeting management, brown paper fairs, clear the air sessions, senior management coaching), the application of change management techniques, business plan production, implementation of structured problem solving techniques, and trial implementation including RACI- a tool to define roles and responsibilities. Client Wholefoods PLC Compose and deliver a major submission to the Competition Commission in support of Wholefoods claim to be an effective member of the Competitor Set as defined in the CC report into the Grocery Industry 2006-2008. This submission is published on the CC website and was successful, as the CC recognised Wholefoods as part of the Competitor set in the final report. (http://www.competitioncommission.org.uk/inquiries/ref2006/grocery/pdf/responsesremediesthirdpartieswfm.pdf)

I have worked closely with the then new board of Somerfield in several key recovery strategies. In this role my position was entitled Business Process Director. From October 2000 to February 2001 I was Project Director for the Megadeal Promotion Recovery Programme. The successes of this strategy lead to me heading up the Capital Investment Programme for the Somerfield PLC and a change in role to Property Portfolio Strategy Director. In this key position I have been accountable for devising and executing the investment lead recovery strategy that Somerfield enjoyed. I headed a team of 20 personnel consisting of Location Analysts, Property Specialists and Finance experts entitled the Portfolio Strategy Group. I was the lead executive in the Competition Commission Inquiry on our acquisition of 115 ex Safeway stores from William Morrison’s (heading up our defence with a team of lawyers and a QC). Since the acquisition of Somerfield by a venture capitalist consortium, my team has produced the strategy and project managed the exit from Kwik-Save, orchestrated the Cash Generation programme to reduce debt, generated a site-specific catchment potential matrix to identify best stores for refurbishment/ extension, and articulated a site acquisition strategy for Somerfield’s growth drive. I was also the lead executive in all dealings with the Competition Commission in the current Inquiry. Prior to these roles I was Supply Chain Director at Kwik Save, involved in supply chain restructure, DALLAS systems implementation and SAP appraisal and initial insatallation. I was instrumental in the integration of Somerfield and Kwik-Save.

Senior Buyer, Dry GroceryCategories Managed: All Beverages, Canned Goods, Cereals, Biscuits, Non-Food (Detergents, Paperware, Household Cleaners etc.) I was again involved in the launch of ASDA brand throughout these product groups, as well as the normal buying responsibilities outlined above. During this stage of my buying career, I successfully conducted negotiation on the centralisation of all suppliers. This eventually evolved into the set up and management of stock control teams for all ambient categories, including systems implementation of “World Wide Chainstores”.Business ControllerI was promoted to this position to manage the commercial aspects of the “Dales” project. Responsibilities included range selection, commercial analyses and project launch, in close liaison with McKinsies consultants. This experience provided a deep insight into market analyses, and practical brand creation. I managed a major project where sales and margin mix, logistics efficiency and range balance, together with the exploitation of fresh produce delivered a key strategy for success.

Buyer, Dry GroceryCategories Managed: Home Baking, Pasta, Rice. Developed with technical and marketing teams, the launch of major ranges of private label products within all these areas, as well as the normal buying responsibilities such as promotional programmes, gross margin management, price management and over-rider negotiations.

Retail Graduate Trainee. Assistant Manager