Darren Ainsworth

Transformation of business sourcing model , including development of Country of manufacture sourcing , owned office structure and customer portfolio Strategy Development of existing and new business customers Development of CSR , Sustainability and Traceability policies and processes

Managed the transformation of the supply base from a full-service model to a direct to factory model. Overseas owned sourcing office teams were upskilled, new suppliers selected , existing suppliers released with integrity and buying team structures and roles changed to deliver new sourcing models . Working with Buying Leadership team stakeholders to ensure the supply base was fit to deliver product and new initiatives /innovations. Extensive worldwide travel to forge supplier relationships and ensure understanding of product and price strategies. Led country manufacturing migration to drive cost reduction and enhanced product creation. Responsible for Strategic worldwide direction of supplier order placement totalling +£1bn FOB / 500m singles including strategic negotiations of key lines accounting for 40% of the business. Implemented data driven strategies to support performance metrics both internally and externally with Suppliers. Worked within a team to reduce product lead times from concept to FOB saving over 8 weeks. Pre and post pandemic working with internal and external partners to ensure new product requirements were delivered whilst ensuring that suppliers had continuous support. Planned and managed Brexit mitigation and migration with key stakeholder engagement inc HM Treasury, Dept of International Trade and internal partners in Tax, Logistics, Finance and PR. Responsible for + £100m import duty reconciliation, continuous analysis of potential impact of government trade deals on geographical sourcing mix - working with BRC, KPMG, PWC, Dept of International Trade and internal partners.

Womenswear & Menswear sourcing responsibility accounting for 60% of total business. Evaluation and recommendation of supply chain and product to drive efficiencies. Planning of order placement with multi country sourcing offices Supplier relationship management across the world ensuring KPI were adhered to, and supplier capabilities were inline with expectations. Expert negotiator of key line FOB prices utilising market information and own network of sources. Developed Price Negotiation training for buyers and overseas offices leading to business online training module being launched. Leading buying leadership and teams with planning supplier /country mix whilst delivering on time quality product at great prices. Developed new analysis tools to support buying and sourcing office teams decision making including introduction of garment costing engineer. Responsible for managing total businesses key raw material price negotiations with extensive travel to worldwide mills, knitters and trade fairs . This involved coordinating buying requirements with 30 depts and influencing them to rationalise and consolidate raw materials and suppliers.

Generated new development of cross business leveraging model for major fabric price negotiations . Working with over 30 buying depts to consolidate , rationalise and improve fabric buying power Direct price negotiations with fabric mills to deliver value , cost neutral developments and new routes

Senior Merchandiser of core Bra's . Short term appointment to deliver new "Body" product range . New Product , packaging and sales proposition delivered to 300 stores on time and in budget .

Sourcing Manager for Womenswear Collections and Brands. Developing Strategic Sourcing Support on Manufacturers , Mills , Regions. Advising on product mix by Country . Benchmarking product and fabric values worldwide.

Leading team of 6 to analyse , evaluate and recommend supply chain sourcing efficiencies on major core product areas. Concentrating on multi product groups across regions with existing , new and lapsed Primary/Secondary supply base .

UK Sales Director representing Turkish clothing manufacturer Lay Texstil . $100m annual turnover supplying Zara , H & M , M & S , Tesco , Wallis etc....

Commercial Director managing UK sales and design team of 25 people . Annual turnover £30m specialising in Fast Response Ladies Light Sewing and Jersey product made in Turkey and Eastern Europe . Product delivered in 4 weeks from concept to UK .

From joining the Youth Training Scheme at 16 I progressed to Financial Controller for the clothing buying depts and supporting functions of Technology and Marketing. My thirst for knowledge from starting work at such a young age enabled me to advise senior leadership decision making and became the catalyst for me to join Merchandising. Managing, Reporting and analyse of Buying teams P & L Cost control, budgetary approval, and reporting. Analyse and reporting of Business Management accounts Part Delivery team for M & S chargecard launch prior to M &S accepting credit cards