My name is Dave Barr, aka “The Real Life Buyer”, founder of RLB Purchasing Consultancy Limited and have been a Procurement Professional for over 25 years. 

I started my career as a Technical Apprentice as a 16 year old riding my 50cc trials bike 20 miles to work and back every day, in all weathers. I graduated at 20 and moved into the world of Quality Engineering for the manufacture and testing of industrial diesel engines. I loved the world of Quality Management and studied this subject whilst stepping up and managing a team of inspectors ensuring parts supplied from around the world were to specification. Within a year, the BS5750 quality management system came to pass, which led me into systems and processes and I worked with a colleague to gain our business this accreditation.

Soon after, a new opportunity yearned and my growing love for windsurfing drew me to a new position by the sea implementing BS5750 for a new company, leading me to becoming a Quality Manager. Within a few years, my influence with and support for the Purchasing Manager grew and I regularly attended supplier meetings and business developments. This then led me to becoming the Purchasing Manager a year or so later, so I studied hard with the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply and gained my qualification and membership. I must have been doing something right, as within a few years I was approached by the Group Purchasing Director of a 15,000-headcount global business and was offered the new position of Commodity Manager for Castings and Forgings with responsibility for over Euro 40 million spend worldwide. This exposed me to global manufacturing, international supply chain and logistics strategy and planning.

A few years later, a significant global manufacturer in the world of war gaming offered me the Head of Procurement Management position. This presented me further in-house manufacturing exposure, global manufacturing, warehousing, distribution and retail and further opportunities to globalise the supply chain for foods and services. After a wonderful 5 years, new opportunities arose again with a large business delivering significant investment and growth in UK infrastructure. Once again, I was plunged into the procurement of different products, services and now also facilities management.

After the birth of my son, my family yearned for us to return to the south coast of England. I returned to a former global manufacturer and employer, having now amassed far reaching experience and knowledge. Many more happy years have passed and my thirst for outstanding business performance, leadership and management continues to drive me forward with high energy and enthusiasm.

It is now with this knowledge and experience that I feel compelled to help others. 

I want to help YOU to expand your knowledge, so you may excel in your career to make and contribute positive achieve success throughout your life’s journey. 

I look forward to delivering on my goal, whilst supporting and encouraging you, so you make a positive impact on this world and take humanity to the next level.