Olu Taiwo

Negotiated Statements of Work (SoWs) and managed multi-million-pound contracts, demonstrating a solid understanding of key procurement functions including RFPs, contract management, and vendor performance. Provided procurement expertise to drive business outcomes and influenced decisions at a senior leadership level, leading the full procurement lifecycle.

Negotiated contracts for Professional Services, Insurance, and Debt Collections across Booking Holdings Brands, leading renegotiations to optimize terms and pricing. Developed and maintained relationships with IT service providers, assessing and mitigating risks associated with contracts to ensure compliance.

Managed IT supplier and contract relationships within a large, matrixed organization, effectively bridging global and local sourcing needs. Maintained in-depth knowledge of evolving pursuit, negotiation, and post-contractual processes, establishing key relationships with various internal departments.

Supported cloud and workplace technology strategies by negotiating high-value cloud consumption and software licensing agreements with Tier 1 vendors. Provided recommendations on licensing, reconciliation, and re-harvesting to drive demand management savings opportunities.

Managed IT infrastructure contracts, renewals, and work orders, overseeing over 50 suppliers across hardware, software, cloud, and networking components. Supported the design and implementation of the IT Procurement strategy, facilitating the formulation of a Procurement Centre of Excellence.

Developed procurement strategies for technology projects, ensuring alignment with business objectives and maximizing value for money. Managed a large number of contract negotiations, renewals, and statements of work, guiding internal users through the supplier selection process.

Identified and delivered significant savings opportunities for software licensing and renewals, saving £1.3M in FY19. Ensured the SAM team acted as business partners, demonstrating value delivery to senior stakeholders and ensuring compliance with policies.

Managed process and system changes for IT and Technology categories, driving category management discipline for hardware, software, and professional services. Oversaw third-party IT spend, increasing procurement influence and reducing non-procurement-involved spending.

Determined the most appropriate sourcing strategy for specific sub-categories and transactions, reviewing existing contracts and assisting with global IT category strategy development. Coordinated all aspects of procurement, including vendor relationships, contract negotiations, and financial analysis.

Developed and implemented sourcing and sub-category strategies based on spend MI analysis, resulting in cost savings and improved quality. Oversaw the service quality of IT suppliers based on agreed SLAs and KPIs, ensuring compliance with procurement policy.

Managed the end-to-end purchase order process, from qualifying items and obtaining competitive pricing to timely order placement and completion. Developed and managed supplier relationships to secure best pricing, product availability, and value-added services.

Managed IT suppliers in the development of IT infrastructure services, ensuring delivery within time, budget, and quality, and acted as an escalation authority for operational performance problems. Facilitated the RFP process for new requirements, bridging the gap between IT and procurement.

Coordinated with internal and external customers to ensure proper product selection and supply chain efficiency, negotiating with vendors for improved pricing and delivery. Identified opportunities to standardize purchasing requirements and supported the company's IT procurement strategy implementation.

Completed a program in Digital Transformation from Imperial College Business School. This training focused on the strategic aspects of digital change within organizations.

Earned an MSC in International Business with a specialization in supply chain management from Aberdeen Business School. The curriculum covered global business operations and supply chain optimization.

Obtained a Certificate of Achievement in Contract Management from the University of Southampton. This certification focused on the principles and practices of effective contract administration.

Became an Affiliate (MER) Member of the Chartered Institute of Procurement And Supply. This membership signifies adherence to professional standards in procurement and supply.

Joined the Merchant Risk Council (MRC) as a member. This affiliation indicates involvement in the payments industry, focusing on fraud prevention and risk management.

Completed the Ethical Procurement and Supply certification in 2020 from CIPS. This program emphasized ethical considerations and best practices in procurement.

Obtained the ITILV3 Certificate, demonstrating proficiency in IT service management best practices. This certification covers the lifecycle of IT services.

Received the ISEB Specialist Certificate in Business Relationship Management. This certification focuses on building and maintaining effective relationships between IT and business units.

Acquired the ISEB Specialist Certificate in Change Management. This certification covers methodologies for managing organizational change effectively.

Undertook a specialized program in Negotiation Mastery at Harvard Business School. This course enhanced skills in complex negotiation strategies and tactics.