Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Timeline
Generic

Lucia Valaskova

Category Manager
Stevenage

Summary

Proactive and achievement-oriented Category Manager with over 6 years of progressive experience at Autoglym, advancing from Administrator to Buyer and now Category Manager, committed to continuous professional growth through leadership and professional training.

Holds full CIPS qualification, a Graduate Diploma in Law (both completed alongside full-time work), a Master's in Law from home country and a Lead Auditor training, seeking to build on this foundation through the Senior Leader Apprenticeship.

Skilled in procurement, supplier relationship management, and category strategy development. Demonstrates team collaboration and leadership capabilities with suppliers and indirect employee groups. Adept at managing complex challenges, while delivering cost savings and ensuring continuity of supply. Native Slovak speaker with strong English proficiency and additional language capabilities.

Overview

8
8
years of professional experience
2
2
Certifications
5
5
Languages

Work History

Category Manager

Autoglym
09.2024 - Current

Worked alongside R&D and supplier to incorporate sustainable packaging solutions into business processes (PVC - HDPE)


  • Ongoing management of the tender activity for corrugated packaging projected to deliver significant cost saving and switch that provides FSC certified cardboard packaging


- Broadened the supplier base and reduced risk related to single sourcing of the key components


- Partnered with local supplier to switch from overseas sourced bags to cardboard packaging leading to cost saving, cutting transport related emersions and storage charges

- Negotiated with suppliers reduced MOQ levels for printed cartons and other raw materials, leading to cutting obsolete inventory and reducing stock holding

- Collaborated with suppliers and operations on optimizing the packaging sizes for the purpose of waste reduction and employees health and safety


- Successfully managed critical supplier risk during the closure of a key component supplier's plant, ensuring continuity of supply.


  • Built strongsupplier relationships through regular communication and collaborative problem-solving efforts.
  • Supported Head of Procurement, assuming delegated authority during absence,


  • Visited supplier offices and plants to asses the capacity to meet quality requirements, cultural fir with our organisation and Assisted in conducting the audits


  • Liaised with the leaders of one of our key suppliers to address supplier performance issues and develop solutions.


Buyer

Autoglym
02.2021 - 09.2024
    • Managed purchasing activities and supplier relationships across allocated categories, ensuring timely delivery aligned with production needs.
    • Supported development of category strategies and conducted supplier negotiations to secure improved terms.
    • Delivered measurable cost savings through competitive sourcing while ensuring compliance with procurement best practices.
    • Balanced procurement responsibilities while completing CIPS and Graduate Diploma in Law qualifications.
    • Contributed to procurement KPI reporting, risk management, and process improvement initiatives.
    • Ensured timely delivery of products by closely monitoring vendor performance and addressing any issues promptly.
    • Built long-term supplier relationships with vendors to establish quality and competitive pricing.
    • Maintained complete documentation and records of all purchasing activities.
    • Collaborated with internal departments to better understand needs and determine purchasing requirements.
    • Forecasted purchasing trends and improved merchandising strategies.
    • Reduced procurement costs through strategic sourcing, competitive bidding, and effective negotiations.
    • Coordinated with logistics teams to resolve any shipping delays or discrepancies while minimizing impact on operations.
    • Developed and improved account relationships.
    • Developed strong relationships with suppliers to secure favorable pricing terms and conditions for the company''s benefit.
    • Collaborated with internal stakeholders to understand their needs, ensuring accurate product specifications were met in all purchases.
    • Participated in trade shows and conferences to stay informed of the latest industry developments and maintain a strong professional network.
    • Computed and created purchase orders to monitor stock levels, verify purchase requisitions and expedite customer orders.
    • Reviewed legal documents such as contracts and non-disclosure agreements to ensure compliance with company policies.
    • Developed cost-effective purchasing strategies to maintain inventory levels and improve operational procedures.

Administrator

Autoglym
02.2018 - 02.2021
    • Provided administrative support for procurement operations, including purchase order management, supplier communication, and documentation control.
    • Built a foundation in supply chain processes and contributed to improved data accuracy and reporting.

Education

Professional Diploma in Procurement And Supply L6 - Procurement And Supply

Chartered Institute of Procurement And Supply
United Kingdon
04.2001 -

Graduate Diploma in Law - Law

The University of Law
London, United Kingdom
08-2021

Master of Law - Law

Comenius University Bratislava, Faculty of Law
Bratislava
08-2017

Skills

  • Strategic sourcing management
  • Supplier negotiation and relationship management
  • Stakeholder engagement and cross-functional collaboration
  • Leadership potential and team development
  • Risk mitigation & supply continuity
  • Sustainability & waste reduction initiatives
  • Cost optimization & tender management
  • Contract compliance & governance
  • Mentoring & leadership potential
  • Supplier contracts

    Sustainability initiatives

    Risk mitigation

    Pricing strategies

    Process development

    Raw material spend

    Supplier reviews

    Cost reduction strategies

    Self motivation

    Adaptability and flexibility

Certification

CIPS – Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (completed while working full-time)

Timeline

Category Manager

Autoglym
09.2024 - Current

Buyer

Autoglym
02.2021 - 09.2024

Administrator

Autoglym
02.2018 - 02.2021

Professional Diploma in Procurement And Supply L6 - Procurement And Supply

Chartered Institute of Procurement And Supply
04.2001 -

Graduate Diploma in Law - Law

The University of Law

Master of Law - Law

Comenius University Bratislava, Faculty of Law
Lucia ValaskovaCategory Manager