Learn how to source

Hello! I'm Dave Barr, also known as The Real Life Buyer. With over two decades of experience in purchasing, my career journey has been diverse and fulfilling. It all started when I was 16, commuting 20 miles to my technical apprenticeship on a 50cc bike, rain or shine. By 20, I was delving into Quality Engineering for industrial diesel engines, a field I deeply enjoyed. My commitment to quality led me to system and process improvements, and I played a key role in achieving BS5750 accreditation for my company. My passion for windsurfing took me to a seaside role as a Quality Manager, where I also began to dabble in purchasing. This interest blossomed into a career pivot, and I soon found myself as a Purchasing Manager. My dedication and hard work paid off, earning me a role as Commodity Manager, dealing with global manufacturing. A stint in procurement management with a major war gaming manufacturer followed, expanding my horizons in global supply chains and manufacturing. After a fulfilling five years there, I moved to a large business focusing on UK infrastructure, where I delved into a wider range of procurement activities, including facilities management. Family ties and the birth of my son eventually drew me back to the coast, where I rejoined a previous employer, bringing with me a wealth of experience. Ten more years have flown by, and my enthusiasm for procurement and facilities management continues unabated.