KAREN CHIVERTON
Adelaide,South Australia
Summary
A detail-oriented, methodical, and commercially minded professional. Confident communicator with the ability to develop positive internal and external relationships on all professional levels, coupled with the ability to identify and deliver continuous improvement processes. Prepared to apply extensive knowledge and experience to challenging a new role in Project Management.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
Strategic Procurement Officer
University of South Australia
Adelaide, SA
03.2014 - Current
- Development of meaningful Management Reporting and Dashboards providing insightful analytics to facilitate data-driven decision-making in procurement activities
- Management of Vendor Maintenance function
- Facilitation of Vendor Maintenance processes through Appian, including facilitation of system upgrades and conducting rigorous system testing
- Established and maintained content on procurement webpages, enhancing accessibility and transparency for stakeholders
- Provided expert advice and guidance to internal departments on intricate procurement policies and procedures, ensuring regulatory compliance
- Facilitation purchase order process for Finance Unit, ensuring efficiency and accuracy in financial transactions
- Demonstrated proficiency in drafting comprehensive tender documentation including evaluation reports
- Provided strategic guidance to managers and project officers in service procurement and project management within university procurement guidelines, maintaining probity requirements
- Strategic prioritisation of workload to meet and exceed productivity standards, ensuring efficient and effective operations
- Successfully negotiated contracts and agreements with vendors, securing favourable terms that align with University's objectives
- Developed and implemented procurement policies and procedures in accordance with university guidelines, ensuring comprehensive regulatory adherence
- Drafted, reviewed, and managed contracts, ensuring compliance with both legal standards and university requirements
- Monitored contract performance, enforcing terms and conditions to guarantee optimal vendor compliance.
- Mentored new staff members, helping them develop their skills and understanding of University procedures.
- Enhanced communication between team members by organizing regular meetings and fostering open dialogue.
- Established effective relationships with key stakeholders both internally and externally for increased collaboration opportunities.
- Improved overall department efficiency by streamlining processes and implementing new policies.
- Coordinated cross-functional teams to address complex issues, leading to more efficient problem-solving processes.
- Built relationships with vendors to negotiate ideal terms for purchases.
- Maintained detailed records of all procurement activities for reference purposes as well as for auditing and compliance.
- Managed procurement projects from initiation to completion, ensuring timely delivery of goods and services.
- Prepared accurate purchase orders using relevant software applications, ensuring clear communication of requirements to suppliers.
- Input, analyzed and reported on data covering all aspects of procurement operations.
- Evaluated vendor performance regularly to maintain reliable supply chain operations and address issues promptly.
- Ensured compliance with organizational policies, legal requirements, and industry standards in all procurement activities.
- Organized competitive bidding processes among suppliers to ensure fair pricing opportunities while maintaining high product quality standards.
- Managed database of vendor details and pricing information to maintain organization.
Procurement and Contracts Officer (Strategic Procurement Group)
Hertfordshire County Council
Hertford, Hertfordshire, England
08.2005 - 12.2013
- Certification of compliance with EU and UK Contract Regulations and gains knowledge of budget processes through interdepartmental liaison within the Council
- Creation of tender documentation and evaluation reports
- Management of project management tracking and reporting
- Provision of communicating with unsuccessful tender respondents including chairing feedback meetings
- Provision of guidance to managers and project officers in service procurement and project management within EU and UK procurement regulations
- Strategic management of workloads to ensure optimal productivity standards
- Development of Best Practice Policies and Procedures
- Championing staff training and development, including enhancement of the corporate procurement training program
- Identification and capitalises on strategic sourcing opportunities
- Proactively identified new customer opportunities and maintained ongoing communication with existing clients to cultivate enduring business relationships
- Served as lead contact within team for multiple major services within the Council
- Provision of supervision and mentorship for assistant buyers and administration assistants, identifying further training needs and implementing individual development plans
- Identification of new products for inclusion in the yearly catalogue
- Addressed and resolved invoice queries and concerns
- Proficiently advises on tailored furniture solutions according to specific customer requirements and places precise orders.
- Expedited dispute resolution among parties by skillfully mediating conflicts and finding mutually agreeable solutions.
- Collaborated with legal counsel to address complex contractual issues, minimizing potential liabilities for the Council.
- Reviewed contractual documents from vendors for accuracy, completeness, compliance with corporate guidelines before approval or execution as needed.
- Developed comprehensive contract templates to standardize documentation and ensure consistency across all agreements.
- Drafted, reviewed and revised contracts for accuracy and completeness.
Education
Graduate Diploma -
Chartered Institute of Purchasing & Supply
02.2010
Short Courses -
University of South Australia
AdelaideSkills
- Procurement
- Vendor Management
- Finance System Management
- Project Management
- Data Analysis
- Document Preparation
- Contract and Service Management
- Planning and Coordination
- Process Improvement Development
- System Administration and Data Integrity Management
- Problem-Solving
- Team Player
- Empathetic and Compassionate
- Adaptable
- E-procurement Systems
- Project Coordination
- Bid process management
- Reporting Requirements
- Purchase order creation
- Vendor Relationship Management
- Effective written and verbal communication
- Deadline Adherence
Affiliations
- Australian University Procurement Network (AUPN)
- University Procurement Hub (UPH)
- Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS)
Key Abilities
- Strong organisational abilities, adept at project planning, workload management, and prioritising conflicting deadlines involving multiple stakeholders.
- Successfully managed supplier contracts, including tendering and awarding, ensuring optimal terms and outcomes.
- Expertise in interpreting and advising on internal and external policies, including privacy, confidentiality, and transparency.
- Proficient in analyses and statistical reporting.
- Extensive experience in maintaining accurate and integral data within procurement and financial systems.
- Demonstrated experience in developing online forms to automate and streamline procurement and payables processes, resulting in improved efficiency.
- Experienced user of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and TechnologyOne.
- Proficient in interpreting and applying the legal aspects of contractual procedures and documentation throughout the procurement process.
- Excellent written and verbal communication, adept at training, up-skilling, and knowledge sharing to empower colleagues in procurement strategy and system utilisation.
- Highly skilled in administration with a strong attention to detail.
- Extensive experience collaborating with individuals from diverse cultures and backgrounds.
- Trustworthy, loyal, and reliable. Flexible and adaptable in the face of changing and challenging circumstances.
References
- Ms Rebecca Sutherland, Project Manager: IT Operations, University of South Australia, Rebecca.Sutherland@unisa.edu.au, 08 8302 2273
- Mr Hai Quan, Manager: Procurement, University of South Australia, karen.chiverton@unisa.edu.au, 08 8302 0346
Timeline
Strategic Procurement Officer
University of South Australia
03.2014 - Current
Procurement and Contracts Officer (Strategic Procurement Group)
Hertfordshire County Council
08.2005 - 12.2013
Graduate Diploma -
Chartered Institute of Purchasing & Supply
Short Courses -
University of South Australia