Michelle Holdway
Shefford,Bedfordshire
Summary
Results-driven professional with expertise in strategic sourcing, supply chain management, and cost optimisation. Demonstrates proficiency in project management, risk mitigation, and stakeholder relationship management to deliver measurable savings and operational improvements. Skilled in raw materials procurement, purchasing compliance, and NPI deliverables, with a focus on continuous improvement and change management. Adept at leveraging data analysis and reporting to inform decision-making and drive efficiency across procurement processes. Committed to fostering strong supplier partnerships while achieving organisational goals through innovative strategies.
Overview
30
30
years of professional experience
5
5
years of post-secondary education
Work history
Career Break
2025.03 - 2026.06
- Took a planned personal break after redundancy to focused on reflection and goal-setting, spending meaningful time with family, friends and travelling. This period allowed me to reassess long-term career goals, reset priorities, and return with renewed clarity and focus for the next stage of my professional development.
Global Data Analyst for EHS
Johnson Matthey
Royston, Hertfordshire
2024.10 - 2025.02
- Led EHS managers across multiple sites to validate spend data.
- Mapped cost drivers to create spend transparency and pinpoint improvements.
- Coordinated contract-usage reporting to expose consolidation and cost reduction options.
Product Procurement Lead
Johnson Matthey
Royston, Hertfordshire
2018.10 - 2024.09
- Reviewed procurement compliance against laws, regulations, EHS, ethical policies, and procedures.
- Produced project and business performance reporting for key metrics.
- Drove continuous-improvement initiatives across work programmes to meet strategic objectives.
- Owned complexed procurement projects end-to-end with accountability to operational priorities achieving an internal innovation award.
- Scheduled procurement milestones and technical requirements for internal stakeholders for customer deadlines.
- Delivered measurable cost savings through collaboration totalling over £7m.
- Maintained innovation-driven sourcing strategies aligned with global roadmaps.
- Governed NPI phase reviews for procurement to standardise product change implementation, minimising any risk to the business or customer.
Global Category Manager, Commodity Chemicals
Johnson Matthey
Royston, Hertfordshire
2018.03 - 2018.10
Direct Buyer (Car Catalyst)
Johnson Matthey
Royston, Hertfordshire
2016.10 - 2018.02
Buyer (Pharmaceuticals)
UL Medicines
Watford, Hertfordshire
2016.05 - 2016.09
Global Commodity Buyer (Pharmaceutical)
GSK
Ware, Hertfordshire
2014.10 - 2015.10
Buyer (Pharmaceutical)
Johnson & Johnson
, Bedfordshire
2014.04 - 2014.09
Global Sourcing / Commodity Buyer (Pharmaceutical)
GSK
Ware, Hertfordshire
2011.08 - 2014.02
Customer Service Representative (Cosmetics)
Azelis Life Sciences Ltd
, Hertfordshire
2010.05 - 2011.08
Buyer (Pharmaceutical)
Aesica Pharmaceuticals
, Middlesex
2006.01 - 2009.07
Senior Purchasing Assistant (Pharmaceutical)
Merck Sharpe & Dohme
, Middlesex
2002.01 - 2006.12
Purchasing Assistant (Pharmaceutical)
Merck Sharpe & Dohme
, Middlesex
1996.01 - 2002.12
Education
Bullsmoor School
Hertfordshire 1981.09 - 1986.06
Skills
- Strategic sourcing
- Project management
- Risk mitigation
- NPI deliverables
- Raw materials procurement
- Purchasing and compliance
- Supply chain management
- Cost optimization and savings delivery
- Stakeholder and supplier relationship management
- Data analysis and reporting
- Change management and continuous improvement
Qualifications
CSE’s, Commerce, English, Maths, Geography Pitman’s Intermediate, IT2 Presentations – MS2000, IT2 Word Processing – MS2000, Intermediate and advanced purchasing “O” Level Office Practice, Distinction – Computer Literacy, IT, IT2 Spreadsheets – MS2000, Aerobics Instructor. Youth Training Scheme for administration/PA and order processing.
Courses/Training
Customers Services, JD Edwards - SAP, Ariba, 2 Sprinter, Outlook, Lotus notes, EDMS, SAP ECC6, Dynamics, Risk Mitigation. Red Sheeting Negotiation, Play to Win. SWOT Analysis, Pest & Pestle Analysis, Cost Benefit Analysis
Hobbies / Interests
Travel, Family, Gardening and Swimming
Timeline
Career Break
2025.03 - 2026.06
Global Data Analyst for EHS
Johnson Matthey
2024.10 - 2025.02
Product Procurement Lead
Johnson Matthey
2018.10 - 2024.09
Global Category Manager, Commodity Chemicals
Johnson Matthey
2018.03 - 2018.10
Direct Buyer (Car Catalyst)
Johnson Matthey
2016.10 - 2018.02
Buyer (Pharmaceuticals)
UL Medicines
2016.05 - 2016.09
Global Commodity Buyer (Pharmaceutical)
GSK
2014.10 - 2015.10
Buyer (Pharmaceutical)
Johnson & Johnson
2014.04 - 2014.09
Global Sourcing / Commodity Buyer (Pharmaceutical)
GSK
2011.08 - 2014.02
Customer Service Representative (Cosmetics)
Azelis Life Sciences Ltd
2010.05 - 2011.08
Buyer (Pharmaceutical)
Aesica Pharmaceuticals
2006.01 - 2009.07
Senior Purchasing Assistant (Pharmaceutical)
Merck Sharpe & Dohme
2002.01 - 2006.12
Purchasing Assistant (Pharmaceutical)
Merck Sharpe & Dohme
1996.01 - 2002.12
Bullsmoor School
1981.09 - 1986.06