Procurement Manager

During my time in school, I earned my GCSEs or equivalent, focusing on subjects like Maths, Business Studies, IT, Geography, and Environmental Science. These subjects gave me a strong foundation in analytical thinking, business acumen, and environmental awareness, which have been essential in my career as a Procurement and Business Support Manager at CWM.

In addition to my academic studies, I actively participated in teamwork-focused school projects and took on part-time jobs that involved problem-solving and collaboration. These early experiences allowed me to develop critical skills in communication, organization, and leadership, which have been vital to my success in managing contracts, budgets, and supplier relationships.

For my A-Levels/BTEC/Vocational Training, I focused on Business, Economics, IT, and Supply Chain Management. These courses gave me a deeper understanding of business operations, financial analysis, and the technology driving modern supply chains. This academic background has been crucial in developing my skills in procurement and business support.

Alongside my studies, I gained hands-on experience through internships and part-time jobs in customer service, retail, and administrative roles. These opportunities helped me build essential communication and operational skills, as well as develop my ability to work under pressure and manage multiple tasks—skills that have proven invaluable throughout my career.

During my Entry-Level Apprenticeship in Procurement, Business Support, or Supply Chain, I gained valuable on-the-job training that laid the foundation for my career. I developed a deep understanding of procurement processes, from sourcing suppliers to managing contracts. I also built strong stakeholder relations, learning how to negotiate and maintain productive partnerships with vendors and colleagues alike.

This apprenticeship provided hands-on experience in contract management and exposed me to the complexities of balancing operational needs with cost-efficiency. These skills have been instrumental in shaping my approach to procurement and business support in my current role.

I earned my CIPS (Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply) certification, which significantly enhanced my expertise in procurement. This qualification, alongside other business-related courses, provided me with a deep understanding of procurement strategies and best practices. These certifications have been key in elevating my professional skills, particularly in areas like sourcing, negotiation, and contract management.

In addition to formal education, I gained extensive on-the-job training, which helped me refine my skills in stakeholder management, procurement law, and project coordination. This practical experience has allowed me to lead successful procurement projects and maintain strong relationships with suppliers, ensuring compliance with legal requirements and delivering value for the business.

As a Procurement Specialist or Business Support Coordinator, I was responsible for managing larger contracts and leading various procurement projects that aligned with the company’s goals. In this role, I ensured that department needs were met efficiently by overseeing the procurement process from sourcing to negotiation and finalization.

I developed key skills in advanced supplier management, ensuring we maintained strong relationships with our vendors while optimising costs. Additionally, I honed my ability to manage budgets, making sure resources were used effectively to deliver the best value. My role required a high level of cross-departmental collaboration, as I frequently worked with multiple teams to ensure that procurement strategies aligned with the broader goals of the organisation.

As the Procurement and Business Support Manager at CWM, I lead the overall procurement strategy, ensuring that we achieve the best value while maintaining operational efficiency. A significant part of my role involves managing multimillion-pound contracts, from negotiation to final implementation, while ensuring that all deals align with the company’s long-term goals. I’m also focused on optimising processes across the organisation, working to improve efficiency and streamline procurement workflows.

In this leadership position, I have the responsibility of mentoring junior staff, guiding them through complex procurement processes, and helping them develop key skills. My expertise in strategic thinking and negotiation plays a critical role in securing favorable contracts, while my experience in IT vendor management ensures that our technology systems run smoothly. Additionally, I oversee compliance, ensuring that all procurement activities meet regulatory and company standards.

In the future, Steve Everett could advance into senior leadership roles such as Head of Procurement, Director of Operations, or other executive positions. In these roles, Steve would be responsible for shaping and overseeing the company’s global procurement strategies, ensuring that supply chains are managed efficiently and sustainably on a large scale. Leading the global supply chain management, Steve would work to optimise international procurement processes, strengthen vendor relationships worldwide, and ensure compliance with global regulations.

In addition, Steve could drive sustainability initiatives, focusing on incorporating environmentally conscious practices throughout the supply chain to reduce waste, improve efficiency, and contribute to the company’s long-term sustainability goals. As a senior leader, Steve would also be expected to demonstrate strong executive leadership, overseeing large teams, guiding cross-departmental collaboration, and contributing to strategic decision-making at the highest level of the organization.