Meet the Team – Senior Commercial Buyer

In the fourth of our meet the team series, we are chatting to our Senior Commercial Buyer – Natalia Cunningham

How long have you worked with Alternative Heat?

I have worked with Alternative Heat 6.5 years – in recent months I have been promoted from Buyer to Senior Commercial Buyer.

What qualifications do you have?

I have a Bachelors in Construction Management and a Post Grad in Technical Writing. Having a qualification in the construction industry has really helped me gain a better, rounded understanding of the sector. The construction industry is very different from retail buying – along with competitive pricing, we must also take into consideration adherence to technical specifications and product quality.

Tell me about a typical day?

I look after procurement mainly for data centers, and work with suppliers over the EU and GB. Sometimes due to requirements on site, last-minute materials can be required so the pressure is on to source and deliver emergency material requests.

Every day has different challenges – and within procurement it is our job to solve any challenges with regards to getting stock in the right place

I also look after the logistics of getting the materials to site. On any given day I can be working alongside Project Managers, the Production team, and Accounts department.

What is the best thing about your job?

I love the variety of works and building relationships with core suppliers across the globe. It is a fast-paced environment and I work with a great team.

Why would anyone consider a career with Alternative Heat?

There are so many diverse departments to be part of and being with the company I have seen first-hand the growth the company has gone through and the opportunities that lie ahead. The data centre market is continually growing and it’s great to be at the forefront of such a fast evolving industry. Alternative Heat place huge emphasis on their teams and the team building opportunities make it a great place to work.

Career Highlight?

I am just back from visiting our Main Boiler Manufacturers, Herz, at their factory in Pinkafeld, Austria. It was an honor to be invited out to meet the team, and to see their work facilities at their newly expanded factory.

A great opportunity to put faces to names and to see their product range in action, as I have been dealing with the Herz orders for the past 6 years.