Negotiated and lead implementation of VMI (Vendor Managed Inventory) program on “C” class items reducing on hand inventory, improving cash flow and inventory turns. Consolidated packaging suppliers and implemented a JIT program for wood shipping crates/foam sets on 20 top level products saving floor space and reducing costs.Reduced tooling expenses through supplier consolidation, price negotiations and vending machines.Standardized processes/tasks in MRO procurement to comply with corporate financial requirements.Outsourced all active connector assemblies, wiring harnesses and PCBAs to full turnkey product and selling existing components for those products to our suppliers. Identified obsolete products and removed planning criteria in MRP. Currently working with PCBA second source on LTAs to increase production flexibility and have netted $79K YTD cost savings.Procurement liaison for assigned cross-functional product line team keeping members abreast of potential supply issues and resolutions.Negotiated discounted payment terms for annualized savings of $44K for assigned commodities.Completed supplier profiles/certifications updates which included identifying Small Business/Minority suppliers and inactive suppliers.Played key role in determining new ERP system capabilities for procurement, testing and training buyers.

Managed overall supply chain operations for $150M in spend including global sourcing, quotations/price negotiations, cost analysis, delivery, payment terms, quality/warranty issues, material certifications, vendor evaluations and relationships.Focused on cash flow improvements such as inventory turns, extended payment terms, and cost down initiatives.Participated in the development and implementation MRP system upgrade to reduce past due sales backlog and improve on-time delivery to our customer base over 85%.Managed material planning function (MRP) for raw materials/purchased components over a rolling historical time horizon utilizing order points and order multiples based upon vendor lead times in support of $40M annual sales of hydraulic lifting equipment and actuators in an industrial market.Increased annual inventory turns utilizing kanban, JIT, and visual planning which has contributed to a compounded annual growth rate of 12.6% over the last 5 years.Participated in various LEAD events (Lean Across All Disciplines) which included 5S, Value Stream Mapping, Makigami, and MBF (Manage by Fact). Utilized MBF concepts to identify, plan, and execute $1.6M in savings for a corporate 5% cost down initiative, which included LCC (Low Cost Country) sourcing and out-sourced machining, delivering $531K for FY2009 and the balance by 1st Qtr FY2010.Standardized processes/tasks in procurement function through feedback for best practices both internally and through other Actuant businesses including reporting of cost increases and cost downs, supplier concessions, and quality.Realigned buyer assignments to supply chain according to commodity types to promote supplier consolidations, competitive position, and quicker response time for quotes.

Sourced, obtained quotes, negotiated, and procured from optimal suppliers to support manufacturing, finance, and sales objectives of the business within assigned product groups.Developed and executed the process for utilizing a pull system for component replenishment to meet customer demand and delivery schedules within assigned product groups which improved supplier delivery performance and increased inventory turns. Built and managed the relationship between the Business Unit and its suppliers.Proactively contacted suppliers regarding delivery and pricing discrepancies on their Sales Order Acknowledgments which decreased production downtime and invoicing discrepancies.Assisted Finance in the reconciliation of quantity and price discrepancies on supplier invoices.Updated cost pressure files and notifications to upper management.Maintained accuracy of all data fields in system for supplier performance for delivery, quality, cost management, and other measures as defined by supplier evaluation program.Coordinated timely disposition and corrective actions for non-conforming purchased materials by teaming with suppliers and other business functions within the organization.Provided product/material availability information to Customer Service representatives and Production Planners through internal electronic mail.Managed EWR (Engr Work Requests) and ECN (Engr Change Notifications) processes, prepared supplier notifications of engineering drawing revisions, and maintained Purchasing data fields within assigned product groups.Pursued cost down opportunities within assigned product groups through data collection and analysis of industries, marketplace drivers, processes, and emerging technologies.Promoted early supplier involvement in new product development initiatives with Engineers.Responsible for all aspects of cost management within assigned product groups (i.e. standard purchase cost, PPV).