Andrew Christophers worked as an interim procurement manager for Tarmac between September and December 2009. His role was to generate savings in machining, welding, fabrication and electrical services, which had not previously been managed by procurement. Through analyzing spend data and meeting with stakeholders, he developed an understanding of the complex supply situation. He was able to leverage suppliers and negotiate annual savings of over £120,000 through contracts with cost transparency, safety standards, fixed rates, and rebates. The new agreements will help secure future procurement support across the region. His work received full support from operations managers and the results ensure the contracts will be sustainable.

1. Tarmac Limited
Millfields Road, Ettingshall
Wolverhampton
West Midlands WV4 6JP
th
5 January, 2010
Tel +44 (0) 1902 353 522
To Whom It May Concern:
Reference – Andrew Christophers – ARC Purchasing Management Ltd
Dear Sir / Madam,
Andrew Christophers worked on assignment with Tarmac as Interim Regional Procurement Manager between
23rd September and 23rd December 2009, reporting to myself. The summary below outlines the activities and
achievements relative to that assignment.
Andrew’s role was to generate savings within two specific external maintenance categories, these being
Machining Welding and Fabrication and Electrical Services. Neither of which had previously been managed by
the Procurement function. The expectation being that savings would commence 1st January 2010.
Detailed spend and supplier information was limited and all supplier relationships were being directly controlled
by frontline stakeholders (22 Operations Managers located across Northern England and Scotland) who were
unsure as to Procurement’s involvement in areas they considered highly specialised whose associated service
levels were vital to the operational efficiency of their business units.
Andrew was able to hit the ground running and subsequently develop through analysis of raw spend data and
meetings with stakeholders and suppliers a clear and detailed understanding as to the supply, spend and
geographical complexities of the categories in question.
He used his commercial acumen and negotiation skills to develop and execute strategies to leverage incumbent
suppliers enabling annualised savings in excess of £120K, formal contracts obligating suppliers to cost
transparency, safety health and environmental performance, fixed rates, rebate structures and risk mitigation. He
was also able to achieve this with the full support and involvement of frontline stakeholders in a way which will
ensure that the new contracts are sustainable and exploited and will help secure support for future procurement
initiatives across the region.
I would strongly recommend the use of Andrew’s services in the future and would be happy to discuss the above
further with any interested party.
Yours sincerely
Jim Townsend
Head of Supply
Registered in England No. 453791
Registered Office: Millfields Road, Ettingshall, Wolverhampton, West midlands WV4 6JP
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