Dani Stone
Senior Procurement Manager
Professional Overview
Dani Stone is a seasoned procurement professional with over 14 years of experience in the retail and food service industries. As the Senior Procurement Manager at HelloFresh, they oversee the strategic sourcing and supplier management for the company's global supply chain, driving cost optimization and process efficiencies. Dani is known for their expertise in complex category management, innovative negotiation strategies, and fostering collaborative partnerships with key stakeholders.
Experience Summary
Current Role
As the Senior Procurement Manager at HelloFresh, Dani is responsible for developing and implementing the company's procurement strategy, ensuring the timely and cost-effective acquisition of ingredients and materials. Key achievements include:
- Spearheaded a strategic sourcing initiative that delivered £3.2 million in annual cost savings across 8 procurement categories
- Implemented a robust supplier performance management framework, leading to a 27% improvement in on-time delivery and a 15% reduction in quality-related issues
- Played a pivotal role in the successful integration of two major acquisitions, seamlessly onboarding new suppliers and streamlining procurement operations
Career Progression
Prior to joining HelloFresh, Dani held various procurement and operations leadership roles within the retail and food service sectors. As the Head of Fish Buying at Sainsbury's, they successfully negotiated long-term supply agreements with key suppliers, resulting in a 19% increase in product availability and a 12% reduction in unit costs. In their previous role as Head of Business Unit Operations at Sainsbury's, Dani led a cross-functional team to optimize inventory management processes, driving a 15% improvement in inventory turnover.
Academic Background
Dani holds a Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree in Supply Chain Management from the University of Manchester, where they graduated with First-Class Honours. They are also a member of the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS), with a commitment to ongoing professional development.
Areas of Expertise
- Strategic sourcing and category management
- Supplier relationship management and negotiation
- Procurement process optimization and automation
- Cross-functional collaboration and stakeholder management
- Data-driven decision making and performance analytics
Professional Impact
Dani's achievements have been recognized within the industry, including being named "Procurement Professional of the Year" at the 2021 Retail Supply Chain Awards. They have also contributed to industry publications, sharing their insights on innovative procurement practices and their role in driving sustainable supply chain transformations.
Conclusion
With a proven track record of delivering tangible business impact through strategic procurement initiatives, Dani Stone is a highly respected and sought-after procurement leader. Their deep industry expertise, strong commercial acumen, and collaborative approach make them a valuable asset to the HelloFresh team as they continue to drive the company's growth and profitability.
