Daniel Blackwood

Lead sourcing and category management activities across MRO and CAPEX spend areas supporting Kimberly-Clark's UK manufacturing network.

• Managed the UK MRO and CAPEX categories, supporting Kimberly-Clark's manufacturing operations, logistics infrastructure and capital investment programme.
• Develop and implement category strategies focused on supplier performance, risk management, cost reduction and operational reliability.
• Manage strategic supplier relationships covering engineering services, maintenance services, industrial consumables, facilities management and capital projects.
• Work closely with Engineering, Operations, Supply Chain, EHS and Finance teams to align procurement activities with manufacturing and business objectives.
• Lead competitive sourcing events, supplier negotiations and contract implementation activities through Coupa.
• Deliver annual savings and cost avoidance through strategic sourcing, supplier consolidation, commercial negotiations and demand management initiatives.
• Support the ongoing reliability and performance of Kimberly-Clark's UK manufacturing sites through the procurement of critical maintenance services, equipment and spare parts.
• Lead procurement activities for the Hydrogen Boiler Programme at the Northfleet and Barrow manufacturing sites, supporting Kimberly-Clark's sustainability and decarbonisation objectives.
• Managed procurement and contract activities for the Barrow Finished Goods Warehouse Extension project.
• Supported the installation of Kimberly-Clark Professional manufacturing capability at the Northfleet site, providing sourcing, supplier management and contract support.
• Managed procurement and contract governance activities associated with the closure of the Flint manufacturing facility, delivering contractual obligations and effectively managing commercial risks.
• Conduct supplier performance reviews and supplier business reviews to monitor service, compliance and continuous improvement opportunities.
• Monitor market conditions, inflation trends and supply chain risks to support sourcing decisions and budgeting activities.

Responsible for the EMEA Professional Services category, supporting business functions across the region through strategic sourcing, supplier management and procurement governance, while delivering cost savings, value improvement and commercial risk management.

• Led supplier selection, tendering and contract negotiations across a range of professional service categories.
• Delivered savings and value improvement initiatives through supplier negotiations and sourcing projects.
• Oversaw sourcing activities for EMEA Professional Services category, ensuring alignment with business needs.
• Collaborated with stakeholders across multiple countries to develop commercial solutions addressing specific business requirements.
• Managed supplier performance and governance through regular business reviews and KPI monitoring.
• Conducted market and inflation analysis to inform sourcing decisions and shape procurement strategy.
• Completed procurement activities through Coupa, adhering to company policies and governance requirements.

Led sourcing projects for logistics providers, transportation services and warehousing solutions, delivering strategic procurement outcomes.

• Negotiated contracts and commercial agreements with logistics suppliers.
• Achieved significant savings through contract negotiations, sourcing activities and supplier management programmes, optimising supplier relationships.
• Managed supplier performance against agreed KPIs and service level agreements.
• Managed logistics sourcing activities across EMEA region, enhancing transportation, warehousing and supply chain operations.
• Partnered with supply chain and operational teams to improve service levels and reduce costs.
• Supported logistics network optimisation initiatives through supplier engagement and commercial support.

Managed relationships with third-party manufacturing partners across multiple Kimberly-Clark product portfolios.

• Managed Contract Manufacturing across Moist Bath Tissue, Fem Care, Diapers and Kleenex Wet Wipes product categories.
• Coordinated activities among manufacturing partners, logistics providers and internal supply chain teams to ensure seamless operations.
• Developed production plans aligning customer demand with inventory requirements and manufacturing capability.
• Worked closely with deployment, warehousing and logistics teams to maintain customer service and inventory targets.
• Managed product launches, packaging changes, product discontinuations and inventory transitions.
• Led process improvement initiatives focused on planning efficiency and supply chain performance.
• Identified operational risks and implemented mitigation plans to minimise service disruption.
• Monitored supplier performance and collaborated with manufacturing partners to enhance service quality and operational performance.

Managed collaborative forecasting and promotional planning for major retail customers, aligning strategies to better meet demand and enhance customer satisfaction.

• Collaborated with key retail customers to enhance product availability and forecast accuracy, ensuring optimal service performance alongside balanced inventory and operational requirements.
• Maintained high customer service levels through effective demand and supply planning, contributing to improved product availability and customer retention.
• Managed inventory and availability to improve on-shelf performance.
• Worked closely with commercial, customer supply chain and logistics teams to deliver service and cost improvement initiatives.
• Supported product launches, promotional activity and product transitions.

Managed transportation planning and execution across Kimberly-Clark's customer network, ensuring alignment with service requirements.

• Planned and executed transportation across Kimberly-Clark's customer network, delivering products safely and efficiently in line with customer service requirements.
• Coordinated with production sites, hauliers, distribution centres and customer supply teams to ensure on-time delivery performance.
• Maintained delivery performance in line with demanding service level targets, contributing to overall customer satisfaction.
• Led and supported Lean improvement projects focused on transport efficiency and operational performance.
• Conducted root cause investigations and implemented corrective actions to improve service performance.
• Developed reporting tools and operational processes to reduce waste and improve visibility across the logistics network.
• Supported major UK retailers, including Tesco, Sainsbury's, Morrisons, and Waitrose, to meet customer demands.
• Worked extensively with SAP and other operational systems to support planning and execution activities.

Handled customer accounts and service enquiries across various sectors, providing tailored solutions and support.

• Managed customer service and logistics operations for diverse portfolio of clients, ensuring service commitments were met and enhancing operational performance.
• Worked closely with logistics providers, suppliers and customers to ensure service commitments were met.
• Coordinated international and domestic shipments to fulfil customer requirements, optimising delivery timelines and satisfaction.
• Supported key accounts including Rolls-Royce, Bupa International and Sunseeker.
• Assisted with operational planning, transport coordination and continuous improvement activities.
• Organised employee engagement and charity events as part of the Sports and Social Committee.