Spar UK retail director Steve Blackmore has been appointed to the newly created post of supply chain and management information director as the group aims to improve cost effectiveness of supply.
Blackmore’s move coincides with this month’s launch of an inbound supply chain service to consolidate buying from 50 suppliers across UK mainland regional distribution centres.
In addition to accountability for inbound supply chain initiatives, Blackmore will be responsible for improving management information.
“To achieve our vision of maintaining sector leadership
and being the biggest and best c-store retailer in the UK, we are seeking to improve the quality and availability of both internal data and that which relates to our competitors,” he said.
In his five years as retail director, Blackmore has introduced Spar’s Gold Standard training programme, the Spar Stars initiative to reward the best Spar retailers, and the Smart Saving programme. Two of his long-term projects - Operation Excellence and the Virtual Academy internet support centre - will be launched soon.
Blackmore previously worked at Somerfield for 21 years, latterly on a project to overhaul its systems and procedures. He held various executive positions in the buying, distribution and operations divisions.
Spar is interviewing for the vacant director of retail position.
Fiona McLelland

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