Luke Tomlinson

About Luke Tomlinson

Procurement is either a cost centre… Or a commercial lever. I build the lever. I lead global procurement activity across budgets of up to £30m, unlocking value, reducing risk, and turning supplier relationships into competitive advantage. I specialise in spotting what others miss, I.e. margin leakage, supply fragility, ESG gaps, and converting it into measurable results. Some outcomes I’m proud of: • Delivered 35% cost savings on direct spend through strategic RFPs in an SME environment. • Drove 40% category sales growth within a FTSE 100 through supplier-led innovation and structured negotiation. • Built a greenfield ESG supply chain strategy from the ground up, embedding responsible sourcing into core commercial decisions. • Steered sourcing strategies through inflation shocks, tariffs, COVID disruption, and geopolitical volatility. My approach blends data-led insight, stakeholder alignment, and straight-talking commercial judgement. Procurement should drive transformation, not just police compliance. I’m here to build resilient supply chains that perform under pressure and deliver in the real world.

Experience

1. Global Category Manager

   RS Integrated Supply

   Dec 2024 — Present · Warrington, Cheshire United Kingdom

   Global Category Manager specialising within the MRO sector. I manage a portfolio of 50+ suppliers across Pipes, Valves & Fittings, and Power Transmission and Bearings for the world’s leading independent MRO supply chain partner, delivering commercial impact through strategic sourcing and supplier optimisation for big name clients across F&B, Pharmaceutical, Automotive and Manufacturing. Some of my key activities and experience is focused on: - Global category strategy and cost reduction across UK, Europe and Americas. - Supplier performance and risk management - SRM Framework lead - UK - EDI and e-marketplace/hosted content adoption. - Driving process automation for enhanced operational efficiency. - Data-led decision making and spend analytics - Cross-functional delivery with procurement, ops, and sales - ESG integration and supplier relationship management Trusted to align procurement with business OKRs and enable successful commercial delivery through scalable, resilient supply chain solutions.

2. Committee Member

   CIPS - The Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply

   Apr 2024 — Present · United Kingdom

   Proud to support the procurement community in the Humber region through my voluntary role with CIPS. Involved in: -Organising local networking and learning events -Speaking at branch sessions on procurement, careers, and industry trends -Hosting interactive webinars with professionals from across the UK -Leading outreach to grow engagement and connect with future procurement talent -Championing better practice, open conversation, and a stronger local network.

3. Category Manager

   MS3 Networks Limited

   Nov 2023 — Dec 2024 · Hessle, East Yorks, England, United Kingdom

   As Multi-Category Lead at MS3 Networks, I managed all key spend areas, including direct materials and contractor services, across a £10M+ portfolio. I led the transformation of procurement from reactive to strategic, delivering cost savings, improving supplier performance, and embedding ESG into the supply chain. My focus was on aligning procurement with business goals through smarter sourcing, stronger supplier partnerships, and robust stakeholder engagement. Expertise spans RFPs, contract lifecycle management, process optimisation, and market analysis to drive operational efficiency and commercial value. Key Achievements include: -Delivered significant cost savings through full review of direct materials spend -Introduced a company-wide requisition system to streamline purchasing -Built a supplier and contract management matrix to drive visibility and control - Strengthened supplier relationships through strategic procurement and clear SLAs -Designed and implemented ESG framework in a greenfield supply chain -Payed a key role in transforming procurement into a strategic business enabler -Champion for wellbeing, leading initiatives as part of the internal wellbeing team Results-driven, commercially astute, and values-led, I create procurement functions that deliver impact well beyond savings.

4. Assistant Category Manager

   RS UK & Ireland

   May 2023 — Oct 2023 · North Ferriby, East Yorks, England, United Kingdom

   Key Achievements - Managed a £2 million portfolio, exceeding annual targets for cost savings and profitability - Excelled in supplier negotiation and relationship management - Oversaw range management, Own Brand initiatives, and successful new product introductions - Streamlined procurement functions and facilitated supplier onboarding - Tracked and reported on over 50 supplier rebate agreements - Led and nurtured a high-performing team of four colleagues - Delivered accurate monthly financial reports to senior management Professional Summary As a highly accomplished ACM, I successfully managed a £2 million portfolio, consistently surpassing targets for cost savings, sales profitability, and contractual performance while upholding exceptional product quality. My expertise here spanned supplier negotiation, relationship management, category optimisation, and procurement strategy, with a proven track record in delivering complex Own Brand initiatives and overseeing seamless new product launches. Responsible for supplier rebate management, I effectively tracked and reported on over 50 rebate agreements, ensuring full compliance and maximising financial returns in line with CY and FY. A dedicated leader, I developed and led a high-performing team of four colleagues, ensuring professional growth and driving success. My ability to deliver financial reports to senior management highlighted my fiscal competence and ability to provide actionable insights to support strategic decision-making.

5. Procurement Specialist

   RS UK & Ireland

   Nov 2019 — May 2023 · North Ferriby, East Yorks, United Kingdom

   Key Achievements - Managed multiple categories, maximising value across business departments - Coached a team of four people to optimise operational effectiveness - Utilised market data and intelligence to drive down pricing - Negotiated favourable commercial terms with multiple suppliers, leveraging synergies created from business acquisitions - Ensured compliance with BRC audits and maintained essential codes and technical data sheets - Supported commercial, procurement, and compliance functions, delivering successful outcomes across multiple business facets . Professional Summary In a dynamic, cross-functional role engaging all business departments, I managed several categories and coached a high-performing team of four to enhance operational effectiveness. I excelled in cost-saving initiatives within PPE and hygiene categories, delivering measurable value through strategic contract negotiations, rebate agreements, price support requests, and mitigating price increases. My expertise here included conducting in-depth price change analysis, managing tenders, and ensuring full compliance with BRC audits and governance. I also oversaw the maintenance of technical data sheets and codes, ensuring seamless operations and regulatory alignment. By supporting commercial, procurement, and compliance functions and driving product rationalisation efforts, I showcased my adaptability and commitment to achieving excellence. My ability to balance operational detail with strategic oversight consistently delivered successful outcomes and tangible results across the business.

6. Accounts Assistant

   RS UK & Ireland

   Apr 2019 — Nov 2019 · Hull, United Kingdom

   Progressed from sales support to this accounts role, selected by Needler's finance manager. Managed import documents, collaborated with shipping brokers for accurate information processing, including landed costs and USD invoices. Verified supplier invoice details and reconciled GBP, USD & Euro accounts. Investigated and resolved invoice discrepancies and booking-in/Stock queries. Posted Company credit card expenses, maintained electronic and physical import data records. Handled GBP-USD purchase order conversions, payment dates, and delivery estimates. Skilled in processing shipping invoices.

7. Sales Support Administrator

   RS UK & Ireland

   Apr 2018 — Apr 2019 · Hull, United Kingdom

   Engaged in sales support responsibilities at Needlers, a PPE & safety supply firm, reporting to sales office management and the sales director. Proficient in various systems such as SAP, Figuru & Salesi, skilled at creating comprehensive reports encompassing sales analysis, KPIs, QMS, sales variance, and management insights. Conducted GP margin analysis, investigated discrepancies, and mastered data-driven sales analysis. Managed product coding/pricing for tenders, contributed to high-level tender initiatives, and offered crucial support to Account Managers. Efficiently oversaw company stationary orders

Education

• Lincoln International Business School - University of Lincoln

  Master of Science - MS · Supply Chain & Management

  2024 — 2026

• The Open University Business School

  Bachelor of Arts - BA · (Hons) Business Management (Innovation & Enterprise)

  2018 — 2024

• ActivFirst

  Level 2 Diploma · Business Administration

  2018 — 2019

• Oplex Careers

  Level 3 Intermediate Certificate · Economics

  2019 — 2019

Skills

• Continuous Improvement
• Senior Stakeholder Management
• Strategic Planning
• Influential Communicator
• Supply Chain Management
• Risk Management
• Purchasing
• Leadership
• Business Planning
• Cross-functional Collaborations
• Data Analysis
• Change Management
• Indirect Purchasing
• Supply Chain Optimization
• Category strategy
• Market Analysis
• Procurement
• Problem Solving
• Negotiation
• Supplier Sourcing
• Cost Savings Strategies
• Logistics Management
• Vendor Management
• Team Leadership
• Organization Skills
• Strategic Procurement
• Microsoft PowerPoint
• Contract Negotiation
• Operations Management
• Relationship Building
• Communication
• Project Management
• Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG)
• Supplier Relationship Management
• Supplier Management
• Microsoft Excel
• Supply Management
• Contract Management
• Project Planning
• Strategic Thinking