Purchasing and Inventory responsibilities for commodity items (pipe, valves, fittings) for the whole sale business, servicing plumbing concerns in the Northwest Ohio/Southeastern Michigan area. Aggressively negotiating total cost programs while maintaining optimum inventory service levels.

Provided plant purchasing perspective to cross functional team with corporate purchasing, IT and four plants on design, testing, and documentation of a company-wide, web-based purchasing system. Developed customized training documentation and managed initial and on-going instruction of 70 users at three locations. Served as SAP Functional Expert for "Blueprinting" of SAP to current processes. Responsible for Purchasing, Receiving, Inventory, and Ordering processes for SAP conversion.Purchased capital equipment and provided expertise to accounting and engineering on multi-million dollar capital projects including Warehouse Expansion, Beverage Plant Expansion and New Equipment Installation.Appointed as company Purchasing Liaison to a five-year re-engineering project, including the implantation of an integrated purchasing/accounting/inventory system for direct and indirect items. Developed and conducted all initial and continuing training for plant personnel.Led the implementation of a Warehouse Management System that improved productivity and efficiency. Directed the training on three shifts for 85 workforce members and management. Goals met on time, achieved annual efficiency improvement of 43%.CommunicationOrganized local implementation of "corporate select suppliers" through on-going meetings with suppliers and end users, insuring smooth transitions and clear communication. First-year savings of $1.5 million realized by quick implementation.Improved relationships with suppliers of direct materials though monthly review meetings and communications resulting in continuous improvement initiatives and cost saving recommendations.

Selected by senior management to provide leadership to a cross-functional team on first-ever integration of computerized inventory systems. Integrated distinct accounting, planning, purchasing, inventory, and receiving systems.Reengineered supply chain processes of purchasing, inventory management, and accounts payable into one seamless process. Led implementation of two integrated material management software packages (BPCS and ELKE), supporting the purchasing, inventory, and payment processes company-wide for ingredients, packaging, and services.

The plant produces 92 million+ cases annually, at a sales value of $1.2 billion.Manager of Purchasing 1997-2006Reporting to Manager of Logistics, directed daily, long-term activities and development of seven purchasing professionals. Responsible for buying, scheduling and inventory control of ingredients, packaging, stores and service facility. Managed two storerooms with18,000 items; controlled inventory and vendor base of 75.Administered annual capital budget purchases, installation of equipment and building contractors. Drove energy negotiations and agreements, warehouse contracting, supplemental services and co-packers.

Negotiated long-term purchases on uniforms, office forms and equipment, cleaning chemicals, and other annual storeroom "blankets." Progressed to commodity purchasing, including the procurement of sweeteners, oils, meats, and fresh vegetables. Aided in the development of Campbell's "Select Supplier" Program, fostering long-term vendor partnerships.