LESLEY WESTERN MIFST BSc (Hons)
Retail and Technical Consultant
Lesley is a consumer goods industry professional with 20 years retail experience in driving quality and sustainability at a senior level.
She has a pragmatic and balanced approach to implementing technical requirements in demanding commercial environments.
Lesley started her career in technical management implementing quality systems in the drinks industry before moving to retail to combine a passion for products and how they are sourced.
She is experienced in working closely with a wide variety of suppliers (UK and overseas) to develop their plans and build their supplier-retailer relationships and now works directly with product manufacturers and suppliers to develop their businesses and customer relationships.
Broad experience of different industries including Ambient food, Brewing, Soft drinks and Hot beverages, Household and Pet, Baby, Health and Beauty and General Merchandise
Lesley has an extensive network across retail which helps to maintain a strong understanding of retailers' requirements.
With a strong network of service providers as well, Lesley can bring a one-stop solution to delivering a project calling in further expertise where appropriate.
Specific experience:
Senior Product Development experience and success in implementing new development processes and innovation platforms
Implementation experience of ISO 9000 and HACCP in the drinks industry
Trained in a number of quality and risk management systems including the Tesco Manufacturing Standards for Food and Non Food, ISO 9000 Lead Auditor, BRC, FMEA based risk assessment approach, Campden BRI HACCP and TACCP.
Commercial Training including Negotiation Skills (the GAP Partnership, FXL, Scotwork) + Range Management
Trained in Coaching and Mentoring + Train the Trainer
Associate Member of the Institute of Brewing
Tesco Nominated Expert
Member of the Institute of Food Science and Technology (MIFST)
Approved Auditor and Mentor for IFST and SALSA (Safe and Local Supplier Approval)