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Huw Mitchell
Commercial Specialist at ACC New Zealand
Professional Background
Huw Mitchell is a seasoned Senior Commercial Manager known for his expertise in commercial management, negotiation, leadership, and relationship management across multiple industries, including Information and Communications Technology (ICT), electricity, logistics, and tourism. With a robust track record of successful negotiations, Huw has been instrumental in driving results for organizations through skillful persuasion and partnership building.
With extensive experience in leading negotiations for both sales agreements and service procurement, Huw has managed multi-million dollar outsourcing relationships and has a keen understanding of the factors that ensure successful contract management. His strategic mindset makes him a valuable asset in the development and implementation of negotiation strategies, procurement planning, and stakeholder engagement.
Huw’s leadership abilities have been highlighted through his role as a team leader, where he has successfully managed staff remotely and led technical teams to excel in their roles. His commitment to performance management includes recruitment, coaching, and providing support during restructuring processes, ensuring that teams not only meet but exceed expectations in a competitive environment.
Education and Achievements
Huw is a firm believer in continuous professional development. He earned his MBA from Victoria University of Wellington, where he specialized in strategy, systems thinking, and leading change. This academic achievement complements his practical experience in commercial management, providing Huw with a well-rounded perspective that is essential in today’s ever-evolving business landscape.
Prior to his MBA, Huw completed a BSc (Hons) in Geology and Geophysics from Durham University, which provided him with a solid foundation in analytical thinking and problem-solving. His educational journey began at The King’s School, Macclesfield, where he developed critical skills that would serve him throughout his career.
In addition to his formal education, Huw has pursued professional negotiation training that enhances his capabilities as a negotiator. These skills are invaluable in his various roles, where negotiating effectively contributes significantly to driving business outcomes.
Professional Experience
Huw's extensive experience across a variety of esteemed organizations has shaped his career in commercial management. He has served as a Commercial Specialist at ACC New Zealand and previously held positions such as Commercial Manager at Fronde, delivering impactful sourcing strategies and contract management. His expertise has also led him to roles including ICT Procurement Consultant at the Department of Internal Affairs (New Zealand) and Commercial Consultant at Spark Digital.
Notably, Huw worked as a Senior Vendor and Contract Manager at the Department of Internal Affairs, showcasing his capacity to oversee complex procurement processes and vendor relationships. In addition, he has been instrumental as a Strategic Sourcing Manager for Technology at Telecom New Zealand, highlighting his dexterity in negotiating technology contracts.
His earlier career included responsibilities as an IT Consultant at NZTA and Project Delivery Manager at the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI). Each role has contributed to his comprehensive understanding of commercial dynamics, enabling Huw to design and implement effective service level development, governance frameworks, and relationship management programs.
Moreover, Huw has also served as the Director at Broadbent & May Limited, where he further honed his strategic insight and operational management skills.
Achievements
- Proven expertise as a lead negotiator in sales agreements and service procurement, managing contracts worth millions of dollars.
- Strong ability to develop and implement negotiation strategies and procurement plans tailored to organizational needs.
- Demonstrated success in managing and coaching teams remotely, fostering a culture of high performance and collaboration.
- Bachelor's degree holder with advanced analytical skills acquired from his BSc (Hons), Geology & Geophysics from Durham University.
- MBA graduate from Victoria University, Wellington with a focus on leadership and change management, enriched by professional negotiation training.
- Experience leading diverse teams during periods of restructuring, proving leadership strength and adaptability in changing environments.
Education
- MBA, Strategy and Systems Thinking - Victoria University of Wellington
- BSc (Hons), Geology & Geophysics - Durham University
- Secondary Education - The King's School, Macclesfield
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