NATALIE ENGLAND

I am currently employed as a Category Manager for Facilities at Manchester Metropolitan University, where I oversee a range of key services, including waste management, window cleaning, catering, asbestos removal, security systems, and pest control, among others. In this role, I am responsible for managing and optimizing these categories to ensure efficiency, compliance, and cost-effectiveness across the university's facilities operations.

As a category manager with expertise in facilities and customer categories, I have consistently delivered significant value through cost optimization, supplier performance enhancement, and strategic sourcing initiatives.

Experienced with ensuring PCR procurement processes are followed to promote fair, transparent, competitive, and efficient tendering and contract outcomes.

Below is an overview of my key contributions:

Cost Savings and Efficiency

• Negotiated a 50% reduction in EPOS software license extension, saving £50,000 annually.
• Streamlined vehicle hire contracts by consolidating multiple agreements with a single, major provider.

Supplier Management

• Increased on-time delivery rates through enhanced collaboration and communication with stakeholders and suppliers. Implementing more structure into new project rollouts to embed SLA from the start.
• Managed a remediation process for a non-performing supplier, leading to a positive resolution and the continuation of the contract through effective communication, performance improvement plans, and close monitoring.

Business Alignment

• Collaborated with Slave Free Alliance to ensure compliance throughout the supply chain, implementing ethical sourcing practices and mitigating risks related to modern slavery and human trafficking.

These achievements showcase my ability to drive significant cost savings, improve operational efficiency, and align procurement strategies with broader business objectives. My efforts have also focused on fostering strong supplier relationships and promoting sustainable procurement practices.

• Collaborated closely with all stakeholders across the university to ensure appropriate access was granted to the relevant purchasing profiles.
• Supported suppliers throughout the onboarding process.
• Managed the inboxes for the P2P Helpline and Vendor Uploads, addressing and resolving all queries and issues efficiently.
• Recognized for significantly reducing query response times and enhancing my team's reputation within the wider university community.

• Conducted reviews and assessments of potential candidates through Indeed, making informed hiring decisions based on qualifications and suitability.
• Collaborated with successful candidates to verify employment-related documents and ensure compliance with company policies.
• Applied strong attention to detail when verifying DBS applications, reviewing medical histories, and conducting references in accordance with Care Quality Commission (CQC) regulations.
• Ensured all processes were executed in line with the relevant legal and regulatory frameworks within the care sector.

• Conducted thorough reviews and assessments of potential candidates through Indeed, making informed hiring decisions based on qualifications and suitability for the role.
• Collaborated with successful candidates to verify employment-related documents, ensuring compliance with organizational policies.
• Demonstrated strong attention to detail in verifying DBS applications, reviewing medical histories, and conducting reference checks in line with Care Quality Commission (CQC) regulations.
• Ensured all processes were executed in full compliance with applicable legal and regulatory frameworks within the care sector.

Recruited to develop, implement, and manage a comprehensive procurement process.

Key Achievements:

• Conducted a thorough review of the business model and submitted a proposal for the establishment of a procurement function, including the operation of its supporting payment and settlement systems.
• Following refinement and approval from the executive team, the implementation process began, focusing on key elements of the business model such as process layers (from macro to micro processes), roles and responsibilities, information services, policies and governance, and points of interaction with business units.
• Successfully established all procurement functions, overseeing the day-to-day operations and rolling out training programs to ensure the stability and sustainability of the model within the business.

Managed a diverse range of procurement projects, both international and UK-based, ensuring seamless delivery and compliance with project requirements.

Key Responsibilities and Achievements

• PFI Contract (Affinity joint venture with Elbit Systems): Led procurement for a flight training solution, overseeing a £500 million availability contract covering three flight training aircraft.
• Category Management: Oversaw the procurement of Aircrew Equipment Assemblies (AEA) and Survival Equipment, including base kits, helmets, and footwear. Ensured timely delivery and stock management while meeting 'fit to function' requirements for aircrew.
• Metropolitan Police OJEU Tender & Graduate Manager: Played a pivotal role in the PQQ/ITT stages of the Met Police Integrator contract, managing the evaluation of over 200 PQQ responses and training 20 employees in the process.
• Led bid work for the Pre-Planned Maintenance contract for all MOD sites in the UK, covering 15+ categories and managing relationships with over 100 suppliers.
• Graduate Manager Role: Managed the selection process for candidates, organizing selection days with activities designed to assess problem-solving and teamwork skills. Acted as the main point of contact for candidates and stakeholders, ensuring smooth communication and resolving any issues.
• Danakil Desert Mining Project (Ethiopia): Worked with existing and new suppliers to onboard them effectively, adapting procurement processes to account for cultural and economic differences while ensuring compliance with company guidelines.
• Subcontract Manager: Managed the full tender process, including sourcing, ITT management, report writing, post-tender negotiations, and contract reviews/redrafting. Focused on improving service levels and KPIs for clients.