Professional Summary

Professional Overview

May Lai is an experienced procurement professional with a focus on the kitchen and construction industry. As a Kitchen Buyer at Howdens Joinery Co, she is responsible for sourcing and managing the procurement of kitchen components and materials to support the company's nationwide network of trade showrooms.

Experience Summary

Current Role

Kitchen Buyer, Howdens Joinery Co (2016 - Present)

• Oversees the procurement of a diverse range of kitchen products, including cabinets, appliances, countertops, and accessories

• Collaborates closely with suppliers to negotiate favorable pricing, delivery terms, and quality standards

• Leverages data analytics to forecast demand, optimize inventory levels, and improve supply chain efficiency

• Spearheads the implementation of new procurement strategies and technologies to drive cost savings and operational improvements

Career Progression

Commercial Manager, Ministry of Justice UK (2016)

• Managed the procurement and supply of goods and services for the UK's justice system, including courtrooms, prisons, and administrative facilities

• Negotiated contracts with vendors to ensure cost-effective and reliable service delivery

Commodity Buyer, OneSubsea (2012 - 2016)

• Procured specialized equipment and components for the oil and gas industry, including subsea production systems and related infrastructure

• Leveraged global supplier networks to secure competitive pricing and delivery timelines

Project Buyer, Vision Alert Automotive Ltd (2012)

• Supported the procurement of parts and materials for the production of automotive safety systems

• Collaborated with engineering and production teams to optimize supply chain processes

Academic Background

• Bachelor of Business Administration, University of Leeds (2010)

• Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP), APICS (2014)

Areas of Expertise

• Strategic procurement and supply chain management

• Supplier relationship management and contract negotiation

• Inventory optimization and demand forecasting

• Cross-functional collaboration and project management

• Data analysis and process improvement

Professional Impact

• Spearheaded the implementation of a new e-procurement platform at Howdens Joinery Co, resulting in a 12% reduction in procurement processing costs

• Streamlined the supplier onboarding and evaluation process at the Ministry of Justice UK, improving supplier reliability and service quality

• Developed and maintained strong relationships with key suppliers, ensuring a consistent and reliable supply of critical components for OneSubsea's subsea production systems

Conclusion

With a diverse background in procurement across multiple industries, May Lai has demonstrated her ability to drive cost savings, improve supply chain efficiency, and enhance the overall procurement function. As a Kitchen Buyer at Howdens Joinery Co, she continues to leverage her expertise to support the company's growth and success in the kitchen and construction market.