Laura Phillips
Southampton,Hampshire
Summary
Results-driven procurement and category management professional with expertise in strategic sourcing, contract negotiation, and supplier relationship management. Demonstrates proficiency in procurement strategy development, stakeholder engagement, and tender management processes (RFI/RFQ/RFP), delivering cost reduction and value optimisation. Skilled in utilising SAP, SAP Ariba, Coupa, and Microsoft Office tools to streamline operations and enhance efficiency. Committed to driving sustainable value delivery while fostering strong supplier partnerships to achieve organisational goals.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
Work history
Category– HR Services, Employee Benefits and Recruitment
Carnival UK Ltd
2020.09 - 2026.07
- Lead procurement activities across HR Services, Employee Benefits and Recruitment categories, with a yearly spend of £10m
- 7% annual savings achieved.
- Develop and implement category strategies that deliver commercial value and support business objectives.
- Manage supplier relationships to ensure service quality and continuous improvement.
- Negotiate commercial terms and contractual conditions to secure competitive rates and maximise value.
- Build strong relationships with internal stakeholders to understand business requirements and deliver effective procurement solutions.
- Manage sourcing activities from market engagement through to contract award.
Senior Buyer – Technical Materials & Services
Carnival UK Ltd
2019.01 - 2020.08
- Managed Fixed Fees and Services category with responsibility for approximately £5m operational spend.
- Delivered procurement strategies to achieve annual savings targets.
- Negotiated service contracts and developed preferred supplier arrangements.
- Built strong relationships with senior maritime stakeholders to identify and deliver procurement opportunities.
Buyer – IT
Carnival UK Ltd
2018.01 - 2018.12
- Negotiated IT contracts and pricing with key suppliers.
- Led the end-to-end RFP process for a major telecommunications project.
- Delivered 33% cost savings through strategic sourcing and commercial negotiation.
Buyer – Indirect Materials & Services
Ericsson Television Ltd
2008.03 - 2017.12
- Managed procurement categories including IT hardware, software, temporary labour and mobile communications.
- Developed and managed preferred supplier lists.
- Led supplier governance and performance management activities.
- Delivered 15% savings on a £2.5m sourcing project.
- Supported SAP implementation through stakeholder engagement, user training and process improvement.
Assistant Buyer
Tandberg Television Ltd
2005.05 - 2008.03
- Supported operational sourcing activities across IT, stationery and print.
- Delivered 20% savings through an e-auction on IT accessories.
Education
CIPS Level 4 -
Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply
A Levels - English Literature, History and Media Studies
9 GCSEs - Mathematics and English
Skills
- Category Management
- Strategic Sourcing
- Contract Negotiation
- Supplier Relationship Management
- Procurement Strategy
- Stakeholder Management
- Tender Management (RFI/RFQ/RFP)
- Cost Reduction & Value Delivery
- SAP
- SAP Ariba
- Coupa
- Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint & Outlook
Timeline
Category– HR Services, Employee Benefits and Recruitment
Carnival UK Ltd
2020.09 - 2026.07
Senior Buyer – Technical Materials & Services
Carnival UK Ltd
2019.01 - 2020.08
Buyer – IT
Carnival UK Ltd
2018.01 - 2018.12
Buyer – Indirect Materials & Services
Ericsson Television Ltd
2008.03 - 2017.12
Assistant Buyer
Tandberg Television Ltd
2005.05 - 2008.03
9 GCSEs - Mathematics and English
CIPS Level 4 -
Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply