James Findlay

• Established and executed change management processes to align with evolving needs of the business.
• Fostered strategic cross-functional collaboration with key departments, including sales, purchasing and finance, to achieve organisational objectives.
• Streamlined processes to enhance and optimise operations.
• Applied and resolved complex resource management issues across the business.
• Maintained smooth-running business operations through effective delegation and strong leadership.
• Implemented technology solutions to enhance operational capabilities.
• Negotiated contracts with vendors, securing optimal pricing and terms.
• Introduced cost-saving measures to reduce overheads.

• Business has seen exponential growth in recent years and requires strong lead to drive operational change.
• Implemented KPI suite across production and warehouse teams, for safety, quality, efficiency and delivery. Exposed periods of surplus resource and presented MD with solutions.
• Reviewed range of areas using data analysis and collaborating with stakeholders; including warehouse layout, packaging spend, dead and slow moving stock, target pricing, resource requirements and operational structure.

• Moved into Procurement in 2023, as part of pathway to Directorship.
• Accountable for £15 million spend - £130k savings executed in first 6 months.
• Rationalised stocked lines by 12% and supplier base by 8%.
• Built relationships to strengthen partnerships across supplier base. Negotiated contracts and terms successfully, delivering cost and operational efficiency for group.
• Maximised supplier base, developing strategic plans for improved profitability, product and service levels.
• Delivered reviews across tender process , supplier performance charter and implemented KPIs amongst procurement team.

• Overall accountability for 20,000 pallet NDC / 170,000 sq ft Operation
• Warehouse Mgr, Transport Mgr, Stock and Systems Mgr and Site Safety teams reporting into myself.
• Structure consisted of 5 Senior Managers, 9 Shift Leaders, 120+ colleagues, approx 150 in peak.
• £7million budget; delivering YoY operational improvements.
• Significant culture shift - YoY improvements in attrition, and +25% employee feedback. The site became a destination employer in area. Empowered staff members to contribute to continuous improvement, quality and growth of site.
• Delivered significant savings when reviewing and tendering the national Fedex contract.
• Responsibility for defining strategy whilst leading, motivating and developing leadership team to implement and execute these objectives.
• Implemented full KPI suite across site, to monitor resource and performance.
• Responsibility for Health, Safety and Compliance from site perspective driving standards and cultural change.
• Role relied heavily on building strong relationships with key stakeholders across Sales, Procurement, HR and Finance.
  

Key successes in role:

• Developed robust operation capable of storing and despatching 10million+ cases per annum.
• YoY savings delivered ranging from 1.1%-1.8% of operating budget, across 4 years (circa £100k per year vs budget)
• Executed Voice technology across core warehouse functions, from concept to implementation, enabling monitoring of performance and resource requirement.
• Relocation of existing stand-alone operation, to within NDC, including full site closure.
• Delivered multiple divisional recruitment tools, aimed at attracting very best talent, white and blue collar.
• Pivotal in engineering a leadership training program, to give our front line manager the skills to succeed. Now being rolled out to 500+ FLMs across UK & Ireland over next 3 years.

• Accountable for 24 hour operation, with Shift Managers as direct reports. Overseeing receipt and despatch of 10mil units per year, whilst maintaining accuracy of £25 million stock.
• Lead and coach frontline leaders with team of 50 employees plus temp labour.
• Delegated tasks and coordinated warehouse workflow to support continuous productivity.
• Managed warehouse inventories, implementing ideas to improve product movement processes.
• Spearheaded improvements in warehouse operations and workflow to optimise efficiency.
• Responsible for entire employee life cycle - recruitment, appraisals, disciplinary, dismissals etc.

• Led overall direction, coordination and evaluation of department functions. Warehouse, Transport, and Stock Control reporting into myself.
• Reduced costs and improved operations by analysing processes and stakeholder feedback.
• Strategically scheduled and managed 40+ staff members, maintaining high-performing business operations.
• Managed and motivated high-performing teams for successful KPI attainment.