Lucy Pywell
York
Summary
Commercially driven and diligent Procurement professional with over 8 years of experience across GFR and GNFR categories in high-speed industries; specialising in strategic sourcing, ocean freight, logistics, and contract negotiation. Proven success delivering high-value tenders and commercial wins, most recently a £29m (45%) cost saving on a global Ocean Freight contract and a £2m (17%) saving through unlocking operational cost efficiencies in a Container Transport and Storage tender.
Experienced in managing full Procurement lifecycles, bridging operational and strategic functions, and acting as a trusted advisor to C-suite level stakeholders. Comfortable embedding quickly into new environments and leading high-impact projects autonomously whilst showcasing confidence and emotional intelligence. I am now seeking interim or contract opportunities to deliver rapid commercial value and strategic procurement leadership in fast-paced, results-driven teams.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
6057
6057
years of post-secondary education
Work history
Category Buyer
Asda
Leeds
12.2024 - Current
- Led and delivered a high-impact global Ocean Freight tender within 5 months - delivering £29m (45%) in cost savings and negotiated surcharge protection clauses to guard against a 120% prior-year budget overspend.
- Joined the business and rapidly embedded into Procurement and Logistics teams leading end-to-end multi-million pound projects autonomously, including a Container Transport and Storage tender that delivered £2m (17%) in savings by unlocking multimodal opportunities and introducing new storage strategies.
- Served as the business’ trusted advisor on the Ocean Freight market, delivering 2 high-profile conference presentations to senior execs on freight market dynamics and the companies evolving logistics strategy.
- Acted as the strategic link between Logistics and Procurement functions to align commercial strategy, improve supplier accountability and accelerate decision making.
Purchasing Manager
Bond International
York
11.2022 - 12.2024
- Directed end-to-end Procurement across both GFR and GNFR categories, managing a team of 12 during a period of rapid expansion - supporting company growth from £142 million in 2017 to in excess of £450 million in 2024.
- Led global Ocean Freight operations delivering commercial value, market intelligence and aligning logistics and supply across a multi-site national distribution network, resulting in significant wasted storage fee reductions from £2.5 million to £0 in 2024.
- Held full commercial ownership of stock control operations, including direct responsibility for container sales. Cultivated strategic customer partnerships, securing commercial advantageous outbound agreements, contributing directly to bottom-line growth.
- Acted as a trusted advisor to the CEO and the Board of Executives on Procurement strategy, demand planning and project execution; shaping high-level decisions during a period of significant growth.
- Spearheaded the formation and negotiation of contractual provisions for 2 major multi-hundred million pound 3PL contracts and 3 sizeable business acquisitions,
- Purchasing goods and managing shipments of up to 8.5 million units a year from both international and UK suppliers over 15,000 SKUs, maintaining warehouse stocking levels between 1.7 and 1.9 million units.
- Develop and deliver high quality training regimes nationwide on the company's operating systems to new and existing employees.
Assistant Purchasing Manager
Bond International
York
02.2022 - 11.2022
Purchasing and Stock Control Administrator
Bond International
York
10.2017 - 02.2022
- Developed a broad, self-taught understanding of company systems and procedures across Procurement, Logistics, Sales and Finance.
- Managed supplier invoicing and financial audits for £400m + in stock annually, supporting month and year-end deadlines.
- Led stock data analysis and reporting to the board, identifying trends that enabled a £2.9m stock adjustment gain over 12 months.
- Maintained strong daily communication with UK and international suppliers, freight agents, and hauliers to ensure seamless operations.
Education
BA - Criminology
University of York
York 10/2019 - 07.2023
A-Levels -
York College
York 09/2015 - 06.2017
GCSEs -
Woldgate College
Pocklington, East Riding of Yorkshire 09/2010 - 06.2015
Available upon request. -
References
Skills
- Strategic sourcing (GFR & GNFR)
- End-to-end supply chain management
- Tender management and bid strategy
- High value contract negotiation and risk mitigation
- Supplier relationship management
- Executive-level stakeholder management
- Ocean Freight & Container Logistics
- Strong communication – Confident and diligent with effective listening, verbal and written skills and the ability to intelligently question
- Leadership – Enthusiastic for coaching individuals and helping them develop to reach company goals and their own personal ambitions whilst setting a personal standard to follow
- Conference speaking and executive-level presentation delivery
- Comprehensive sales and trend forecasting
- Project management and priority assessments
- Adaptable within both co-operative and independent working environments
- Container sales and outbound deal negotiation
- Incredibly IT literate, including 8 years of comprehensive Excel use
- A valued asset – Ability to establish and maintain strong professional relationships
- Outstanding work ethic with ambition and commitment
Earlier Employment Experiences
Jo Malone London - Christmas Stylist ~ York ~ 10/2015 - 12/2015
The Windmill - Waitress and Hotel Clerk ~ York ~ 07/2014 - 10/2015
Wenlock Arms - Waitress ~ York ~ 05/2013 - 07/2014
DPP Models - Sales Assistant ~ Nationwide ~ 01/2013 - 10/2017
- Developed a set of exceptional customer service skills and professionally handled a large span of responsibilities simultaneously within extremely fleet-footed job roles; most notably through earning a placement on the prestigious Jo Malone fragrance training programme, in which I was educated on how to deliver in-house signature services and experiences.
Timeline
Category Buyer
Asda
12.2024 - Current
Purchasing Manager
Bond International
11.2022 - 12.2024
Assistant Purchasing Manager
Bond International
02.2022 - 11.2022
Purchasing and Stock Control Administrator
Bond International
10.2017 - 02.2022
BA - Criminology
University of York
10/2019 - 07.2023
A-Levels -
York College
09/2015 - 06.2017
GCSEs -
Woldgate College
09/2010 - 06.2015
Available upon request. -
References
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