CB People: Sourcing the most competitive materials solution

Written by Graeme Robertson

14 January 2021

Name: Wendy Webster
Job title: Material Quote Analyst

Describe your role:
I am responsible for working with new and existing customers on material quotations and supply chain issues. I support customers by helping them leverage best pricing and expand their approved vendors to de-risk the supply chain.

How would you explain your job to a member of the public?
My role is to source the most competitive materials solution for each customer. It isn’t always price that is the driver. It can be lead time, excess and MOQ management, freight and logistic considerations, or continuity of supply that may be critical to the customer.

What could you not do your job without?
The team around me who make the time to teach and nurture. Our Technical Support Engineer, Graeme Meiklejohn, is my go-to whenever there are any technical queries. By working closely together it ensures issues are resolved at source and minimises the impact on quote lead time or inaccuracy. Good relationships with suppliers is also key, resulting in responsive and competitive quotations to support the business.

What is the most important skill you need for your job?
Good communication with the internal team and our suppliers. Negotiation and build a trusting relationship is also key. A phone or video call replaces a thousand emails and allows for me to negotiate and build a trusting relationship with customers and suppliers.

Describe how your role relates to others/fits with the end to end solution at CB Technology:
My role is part of the front end customer service and Business Development team. Working with our existing and new customers we capture detailed business requirements allowing us to provide an optimised solution. It is then my responsibility to ensure that there is a seamless transfer of new customers into our Purchasing department to support the business launch.

How do you add value to the customer:
By being honest and open so building trust with our customers. Being available anytime, being proactive in finding solutions before issues occur.

What advice would you give your 21 year old self? (assuming you are over 21!)
Always strive to be the best version of yourself, be honest and if you need help, always ask.

How do you relax?
Walking my dogs (whatever the weather or conditions !! ). Running around after my two sons and weekends away in the summertime in my caravan.

What superpower would be most useful in doing your job at CB?
There are a few that would come in handy some days. Thinking of a superhero, I guess there can only be one – Wonder Woman, at least I have the same initials, I think her superhuman speed, enhanced senses and telepathy would be of great help some days.