Jonathan Marklew

• Built and implemented a structured procurement function, introducing governance, reporting frameworks, and performance KPIs.
• Reduced inventory from £2.56M to £1.32M, significantly improving inventory turnover, working capital and reducing LME (commodity price) exposure.
• Conducted overhead cost review across marketing, premises, material handling equipment, packaging, and transport, highlighting savings opportunities worth over £400k per annum.
• Delivered 4% cost savings across 30 product categories through strategic sourcing, price negotiations, and rebate structures.
• Reduced lead times and strengthened supply resilience through increased UK sourcing and supplier negotiations.
• Developed advanced procurement analytics and KPI dashboards to identify operational improvement opportunities.
• Introduced a procurement-led pricing strategy supporting sales competitiveness while protecting margins.
• Improved forecasting, reduced aged and slow moving inventory through enhanced demand planning.
• Renegotiated credit terms from 0 to 45 days, improving cash flow and supply reliability.
• Delivered additional savings through cable waste reduction and yield optimisation strategies.
• Led cross-functional team meetings to deliver to projects on time.

Led procurement, trading and commercial operations for an international metals trading business, managing supplier and customer relationships.

Key responsibilities and achievements:

• Founded and scaled a startup business to £8m annual turnover, securing high-value contracts with major organisations such as The Royal Mint.
• Secured £500k overdraft facility to support growth, strengthening working capital and enabling business scale-up.
• Developed and managed global supplier and customer relationships across key international markets, including Spain, Germany, New Zealand, and South Korea.
• Implemented hedging strategies to manage commodity price volatility and protect margins
• Negotiated supplier contracts and managed commercial trading relationships
• Identified new markets for master alloys enabling international trading expansion
• Managed logistics, optimising inventory flow, delivery performance, and operational efficiency.
• Oversaw commercial performance and business growth initiatives

• Directed procurement strategy for major UK manufacturing operation.
• Oversaw £170m in annual spend.
• Sourced and delivered 30,000 tonnes of raw materials annually.
• Championed raw material recycling strategy, achieving over £1m in annual savings.
• Partnered with manufacturing and finance departments to coordinate delivery schedules, forecast requirements, and control budgets effectively.
• Negotiated favourable copper cathode (raw material) premiums, saving over £500k per year.
• Managed commodity hedging to reduce exposure to copper market fluctuations.
• Produced comprehensive procurement forecasts and KPI analyses for board review.
• Handled contract disputes effectively, minimising business disruptions and maintaining supplier relationships.
• Conducted thorough supplier audits to strengthen performance across UK supply base.
• Led negotiations of international contracts with key suppliers to establish advantageous pricing and terms.
• Conducted market research to identify potential suppliers and evaluate their capabilities.
• Attended industry events regularly to maintain professional network and learn about new market trends.
• Managed inventory levels efficiently, avoiding stockouts or excess inventory.

• Controlled planning activities to balance inventory levels, minimise shortages, and support on-time production delivery.
• Improved communication between departments for smoother operations flow.
• Introduced reports and KPIs using ERP systems and Microsoft Excel to track performance, highlight improvements, and identify key focus areas.
• Organised regular stock checks to maintain optimal inventory levels.
• Managed team schedules and ensured smooth operation of production lines.
• Prepared detailed production reports for management review.
• Liaised with sales team for accurate customer demand and production planning.
• Modified operational schedules, adapting to daily production capacity and order volume.
• Ensured timely delivery of products, maintaining customer satisfaction levels high.
• Assessed potential suppliers, ensuring quality and reliability.
• Maintained strong working relationships with suppliers and vendors to obtain favourable contract terms.

• Responsible for quality systems, health & safety compliance and operational risk management.
• Key responsibilities:
• Successfully Implemented ISO9001 quality management system
• Conducted audits, incident investigations and safety training
• Developed operational risk assessments and compliance procedures
• Handled non-conformance issues proactively, reducing customer complaints and production delays significantly.
• Ensured adherence to health and safety guidelines within the organisation protecting employee wellbeing.
• Aligned all departments to comply with ISO 9001 standardisation requirements improving organisational credibility.
• Analysed root causes of defects; implemented corrective actions avoiding recurrence of errors.