Gareth Burch

The role has focused on building a strategic procurement function and embedding strategic procurement principles into a dynamic and expanding business. Providing expert strategic advice surrounding the approach of the purchase of goods and services, with the responsibility for the end to end tender process including contractual negotiations. Executive and senior level communications and presentations. Responsible for the purchase of goods and services across all category areas to support the business with detailed / specific involvement within Marketing, Digital, IT, Finance, Facilities, HR and professional services. In the role implemented a centralised contract and supplier management solution which was rolled out to key business areas to provide a proactive view of contract renewals.

The management of Procurement Services for multiple vertical market Clients nationwide, focusing primarily on Legal Services. Delivering strategic procurement services on operational purchases for IT, Facilities, Marketing, HR and international purchases through proactive engagement with key stakeholders to add value to the Client's business, through cost reductions, process improvements, supplier consolidation and additional services. The delivery and Project Management of the tender process, through traditional tender methods as well as the management of eAuction events. Providing Project Management of the implementation of the goods or services to Clients, working with all parties to successfully deliver to the Client requirements.

The setting and management of the CIPS South Wales budget, to make sure all costs are controlled and where possible reduce the expenditure through new initiatives.

Working within the Financial Services to manage indirect spend across a wide categories including IT (hardware, software, telecomms), marketing, professional services and facilities. Management of contracts management systems, procurement strategy, eprocurement and purchase to pay system. Created specific spend management reporting packs which were communicated at executive level.

Strong software experience in Microsoft suite of products and other IT software packages. The Group IT Helpdesk supporting over 1,200 desktop and laptop users in three city centre headquarters buildings and seventy five branches across Wales and the Marches. Developed detailed technical knowledge on Microsoft based technologies as well as other in house and proprietary products.

The role was writing series of test scripts and execute them with detail, when defects became apparent to liaise with IT Devleopers in order to get these resolved. Attended an ISEB Foundation course, and subsequently passed the foundation exam. Worked on a Mortgage Conduct of Business compliant project and the Insurance Conduct of Business Project. The ICOB project involved testing an external site integrated with in house technology.