Brian Ou Email & Phone Number

Chicago, Il, Us

Galesburg, Il, Us

• Forecasted and monitored raw material inventory levels, extracting data from ERP and MRP • Developed, maintained, and enhanced a working relationship between the company and our suppliers• Specialized in raw materials such as recycle PVC, steel, corrugated boxes, and wooden pallets• Negotiated prices for raw material and delivery with suppliers, vendors, and/or freight companies• Engaged in sourcing to find alternative or new vendors to improve quality, cost and/or lead-time• Analyzed sales history and forecasts to project future inventory needs• Worked internally on team projects such as new products or rebranding• Conducted all purchasing and inventory functions• Process indirect purchases: Employee training, facility maintenance, outside services, advertising • Proactively resolved issues (i.e., material shortages, quality issues, etc.) with vendors and internal customers using organizational savvy and critical thinking skills • Maintained strong internal stakeholder relationships through follow up and communication regarding material arrival issues arising in the supply chain • Participated in department meetings that assess vendor quality control, pricing, and availability.

Lake Forest, Illinois, Us

- Sourced over 10k quotes annually resulting in over $10M in converted sales- Negotiating and controlling product cost and purchase quantity requirements based on company and product profitability guidelines- Provided cost savings to customers finding them alternates on their obsolete or unknown stock/inventory- Work cross functionally with Sourcing Administrators, Field Support, and Supplier Development to expedite quote requests, resolve PO issues, and mitigate vendor challenges- Partnered with Grainger’s sales force (DSM’s, Account managers, Sales Specialists, Branches) to price quotes competitively to drive for optimal GP margin; using available resources (Pricing tool, Suppliers, internet)- Handle strategic customers - UPS, FedEx, Monogram, Grainger Metal Working, Grainger Export, and strategic suppliers - Stormroom Solutions, Acuity Brands Lighting and Brady Services opportunities.

Lake Forest, Illinois, Us

- Provided the utmost customer service to our Field Agents via phone and Third Party Customer Service Forms- Used database called SAP to make applicable changes on quotes, sales orders and purchase orders- Contacted Grainger’s business partners (vendors, manufactures, etc.) for status on sourcing orders- Ability to multi-task and be organized in a fast paced environment

Lake Forest, Illinois, Us

- Provided shipping details for our customer or business partner’s request- Manage outstanding purchase order reports and that entails in resolving issues- Resolved pricing discrepancies, quantity and description issues while working with Sourcing Specialists along with requesters- Expedited open purchase orders with our suppliers to confirm receipt of order and delivery information- Processed information supplied from suppliers and updated in SAP - Processed incoming order acknowledgements from suppliers which will contribute to measuring supplier performance

Lake Forest, Illinois, Us

- Produced tables for the Grainger catalog pages using database attributes and publishing software functionality- Assisted Catalog Merchandise Associates (CMA) and presented them with data in a timely manner- Linked images with captions and inserted logos in STEP for the catalog- Reviewed work with Designers and Copywriters to ensure data accuracy

San Francisco, Ca, Us

- Managed a pipeline of clients in a myriad of industries- Consulted, educated, strategized, and successfully sold Yelp advertising program through high volume sales calls- Built expertise in marketing solutions adapted product recommendations to suit specific client needs for online advertising- Implemented exceptional negotiation and closing skills- Consistently made more than 60 dials and 1.5 hours of talk time per day, averaging 20 pitches a month