Michael Melia

Responsible for all indirect spend equating to £250M annually and managing a team of two buyers. Spend was split between 17 categories such as Marketing, Imports, DC, Retail Operations and Facilities. Key responsibilities and achievements included:

- Personally managed and led tender processes for a diverse range of services such as DC maintenance, international freight, contact centre and courier services. Ensured that tender processes were managed in line with company policies, completed on time and delivered positive commercial outcomes for the business.

- Developed close working relationships with cross functional colleagues to understand their areas of the business, challenges with current suppliers and upcoming contract requirements. Then developed a plan to tackle these topics and began to carry out the necessary actions to move the business forward.

- Working with the legal department to review and assess supplier contracts, negotiate best terms for Matalan and secure sign off from senior management

- Conducted quarterly procurement reviews with business directors to identify risks and opportunities.

Responsible for ensuring the successful delivery of purchasing objectives for the client, achieving the overall business targets and managing a team of 8 buyers. Key responsibilities and achievements included:

- Provided guidance to the team on key decisions, supported critical supplier negotiations, directed price increase request discussions, ensured tasks were completed on time and in line with company processes.

- Ensured team were highly motivated by providing clear objectives, coaching and performance management.

- Monitored and assisted the team to ensure that suitable suppliers were identified and engaged.

- Created a framework for team vision, mission, goals and values which formed the basis for strategic decision making.

- Designed and implemented commodity category strategies and savings plans to achieve client and business objectives

- Personally managed all indirect spend, led tender activities, pricing analysis, negotiation and contract finalisation.

- Joined the Online Trading Campus to educate myself about trading and investing. Following an initial period of study, education and practice, I began trading my own portfolio on a full-time basis from early 2020 which I continue today.

- Onboarded as a trading mentor by the company owners in February 2021 after achieving strong 2020 trading results.

- I am now responsible for teaching and mentoring selected new students at the campus. Mentoring sessions are conducted online and I have taught students from a diverse range of locations such as UAE, UK, Italy, Iran and Kenya.