• Implemented sourcing strategies resulting in 5.3 points to the gross margin improvement of +15.5%. This is a 34% overall contribution to the margin.• Reduced cost by 20% to 30% by partnering with strategic global vendors.• Managed vendors and negotiated payment terms NET60 and NET90 in a restrictive credit and working capital environment.

• Led global sourcing strategies for frozen fruit. Facilitated and promoted supplier relationship management process, working with 120 active suppliers in 20-plus countries.• Negotiated and implemented contractual agreements to secure 100 million pounds of frozen fruit.• Evaluated market trends and provided solutions to manage demand, positions, cost, pricing, budget variances, cash flow, and deliver price savings. Implemented best practice process to manage fruit sourcing strategies in competitive market.• Drove frozen fruit strategy to ensure profitability of primary stakeholders through private label as well as internal brands in retail, food service, and industrial sectors.• Developed frozen fruit budget and worked with finance to meet budget goals.• Evaluated opportunities for product innovations and suggested new fruits and geographical regions.• Identified new frozen fruit vendors and collaborated with cross-functional team in supplier selection process and qualification.• Created various food procurement reports and presentations.• Collaborated and partnered with leadership team, sales, marketing, commercialization, quality, R&D, packaging, production, and logistics to drive initiatives to completion.• Worked with environmental, social, and corporate governance ESG team to develop sustainability, biodiversity, and social initiatives to support organization and customers’ visions.• Created sales channels in industrial sector for baby food and food ingredients.• Developed, coached, and enabled food procurement team to meet and exceed targets. Established highly positive communication and managed team’s objectives, priorities, and goals.• Communicated effectively and with integrity in global cross-functional team environment. Used interpersonal skills to effectively build relationships and influence internal and external stakeholders.• Attended industry trade shows (international travel 30-40%).

• Advanced procurement and business development strategies of frozen fruit ingredients in Americas, Europe, and Asia.• Qualified global suppliers and developed sales leads. • Enacted company’s core business strategy and good manufacturing/agricultural practices. • Managed supply chain operations, purchasing agreements with suppliers based on clients’ product specifications, final product application, food safety, costs, and overall requirements. Oversaw fruit commodities and supplier relationships. • Analyzed and improved operational procedures, internal policy, and sourcing strategy. • Formulated sourcing budget and managed cost structure and pricing. Led and managed inventory positions. • Maintained continuous communication with sales executives, logistics, and customer service in Japan and US. • Attended HQs’ annual meeting in Tokyo. Presented current activities and promoted new business trade opportunities. • Coordinated product inspections at manufacturers’ locations based on clients’ specification requirements. • Handled product complaints from customers and vendors. • Collaborated with quality and food safety team on preventive and corrective actions. Traveled to meet with client and supplier to assess problem and provide solutions (as needed). •Partnered with Accounting-AP/AR department to reduce customer payment risks and ensure payables. • Supervised customer service and logistics team to track, troubleshoot, and ensure business deliverables. • Represented at food industry trade shows, including AFFI, SIAL, Natural Product West, IFT, and Fruit Logistica.• Trained personnel on array of company subjects, including core business best practices, international trade, operating procedures, and import and export documentation.

• Developed marketing materials to promote study abroad programs for engineering students.• Assessed study abroad programs in other engineering universities. • Created historical reports from previous students and faculty participating in international programs.• Promote study abroad program within engineering college.

• Developed unit cost analysis of Elder Help nonprofit.• Teamed with SDSU business professor and Qualcomm representative.

• Assessed market and identified industry trends of nonprofit organizations’ volunteer services. • Primary and secondary research, focus groups and surveys for Volunteer San Diego’s partners.• Customer research and assessment of their current 800 non-profit partners. • Reported key information to Volunteer San Diego to improve clients’ requirements.

• Collaborated with marketing and sales to assist with clients’ key accounts.• Conducted research on client relationship management software. • Support and organized online direct marketing campaign using Sugar CRM Software.

• Provided sales and marketing support. Wine Industry.• Analyzed statistics and evaluated sales performance. • Supported supplier and distributor management in Latin America and Caribbean. • Organized events to promote key brands.

• Participated in cross-functional team to conduct research with SDSU, UCSD, and COLEF-Mexico. • Performed focus groups, research, interviews, and transcribed and translated all data to English. • Presented results in annual Association of American Geographers conference in 2004.