Caroline Tomlinson, MCIPS

• Management of the ingredient portfolio for all sites within the Organisation and liaising with third party manufacturers to ensure price advantage with management responsibility and mentorship for two Procurement Managers. • Simplification and Value Engineering Project Manager – ensured that all VE projects were managed to maximise benefit through a clear implementation programme. Also ensured that as a result we limited any proliferation. Egg reduction project provided significant cost saving. • Supporting R&D with blue sky projects as well as sourcing new suppliers and ingredients for new categories areas, eg Vegan and Gluten Free. • Implementation of a new specification and supplier approval system (Hamilton Grant) – managed expectation and ensured functional engagement from a large number of Stakeholders (both internal and suppliers) • Implementation of a new SAP system, including the data collection, design and testing of the system and provided training to the Procurement department.

• Complexity Reduction programme established with proven benefits for better buying and creating a more attractive portfolio. • Use of e-sourcing to reduce category spend – Tendered £10m Coatings Portfolio and created a 20% saving versus market move of 5% reduction. • Represented Findus on the RSPO T&T Standing Committee and moved the business towards sustainable palm oil policy together with supporting the business in its move to healthier oils.

• Cost out programme initiated with group synergy benefits, increased payment terms, consignment stocking and supplier rationalisation. • Formulation of group strategy for both portfolios, inclusive of market trends, security of supply and full risk management assessment. • Development of multi-site country specific marketing strategies within a flexible procurement policy and ensuring that those strategies meet the overall business need.

• Management of 2 direct reports (buyer and purchasing assistant) to include staff appraisals and training and production of personal development plans. • Commodity price tracking for edible oils & fats, dairy products, vegetables and other crop based ingredients including starches, coatings, dried potato products etc. Achieved significant delivered savings by understanding seasonality and price trends. • Complete management of the UK ingredient portfolio and maintenance of the purchasing database with hurdles matrix (SKU rationalisation)

• Negotiate prices and place contracts for all ingredients for the YBS Group, achieved through tenders, benchmarking, and competitive negotiation. • Successfully integrated the purchasing functions of newly acquired businesses, creating significant savings through synergies and greater economies of scale. • Negotiation of retrospective rebates to achieve maximum financial benefit and net pricing when relevant. • Dealing with all quality issues and complaints, whilst liasing with a wide range of internal customers and external contacts, at all levels.

Purchasing and contracting of all non fish ingredients for production and NPD. Utilising MRP systems and working towards JIT manufacturing, while significantly reducing stock levels and maintaining service levels. Responsible for the development and maintenance of Packaging Waste Database to track all raw materials and sales for the UK group, as part of our legal obligations to the Environmental Agency.

Purchasing of outer case packaging including layout and design work, all sundry items and factory consumerables. Assist in the updating of systems and procedures in the purchasing department and progressing to a fully integrated computerised system. Responsible for implementing and managing the Packaging Waste Database.

Master of Arts in US History and Politics. Dissertation based on statistical data and historical analysis of youth voter behaviour.

With a subsidiary in Computer Science. Class 2.1