Learn How To Source - Procurement training for buyers

Dave Barr - Real Life Buyer

Real Life Buyer Dave Barr

My name is Dave Barr, The Real Life Buyer, and I have been a Purchasing Professional for over 20 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 old 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 into becoming a Quality Manager. Within a few years, my influence and support for the Purchasing Manager grew and I regularly attended supplier meetings and developments. This then led me to becoming the Purchasing Manager a year or so later when the opportunity presented itself and 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 and was offered the new position of Commodity Manager buying Castings and Forgings worldwide. This exposed me to global manufacturing first hand and I embarked on significant international travels.


A few years later, a significant global manufacturer in the world of war gaming offered me the Procurement Management position. This presented me not only further in-house manufacturing exposure, but new opportunities to globalise the supply chain for incoming products and also global manufacturing, warehousing, distribution and retail. 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 coast. I returned to a former global manufacturer and employer, having now amassed further experience. Ten more happy years have passed and my thirst for procurement and facilities continues to drive me.

"In the Real Life Buyer Podcast I discuss business, management and self-development with experts in their field".