As a Senior Category Manager, I've had the privilege of leading impactful initiatives and playing a key role in optimizing supply chain and procurement operations. During my tenure, I have successfully:- Managed and upheld responsibility for ensuring the quality and productivity of my dedicated team, as well as led, developed, and coached Category Managers and Specialists to achieve their best potential.- Spearheaded contract and price negotiations with both US and global suppliers, particularly for strategic high-value enterprise-level vendors. My expertise includes a deep understanding of key contract clauses, allowing us to reduce costs, ensure vendor quality, and minimize business and legal risks.- Led software rationalization efforts to optimize the organization's software portfolio, resulting in cost savings and improved operational efficiency.- Successfully managed all Cloud and hosting-related spend, ensuring cost-effectiveness and optimal utilization of resources.- Managed the Procure to Pay process, ensuring internal client compliance and policy adherence. I've worked directly with leadership to proactively drive initiatives within our existing supply base and provide leadership in all vendor and sourcing activities.- Acted as a go-to expert in Sourcing and Procurement, interacting cross-functionally to provide high-quality customer service to internal clients, drive savings, and implement efficient contract negotiations.- Conducted comprehensive global spend analysis, driving strategic sourcing initiatives across commodities worldwide. This focus allowed us to consistently reduce costs, optimize the supplier base, and improve cash flow.

As a dedicated Category Manager, I had the privilege of overseeing General Goods and Services across the US, Canada, and Mexico while shaping the commercial strategy for the region. This dynamic role spans a wide range of categories, including IT (software, hardware, peripherals), Fleet Management, EHSQ (Environmental, Health, Safety, and Quality), and all corporate/business service topics. My journey in this capacity has been marked by a commitment to excellence and a global perspective.Key Highlights:Category Oversight: As the Category Manager, I was entrusted with the responsibility of defining and executing the commercial strategy for a diverse array of categories critical to business operations. This role required a deep understanding of the nuances within IT, Fleet Management, EHSQ, and other corporate services.Team Leadership: I had the privilege of leading and guiding a team of dedicated buyers who support these categories, ensuring that we worked cohesively to achieve our strategic objectives and drive performance excellence.Global Experience: My journey in category management has been enriched by global exposure, allowing me to bring a diverse and well-rounded perspective to my role. I've leveraged this experience to identify opportunities, streamline processes, and implement best practices.Working as a Category Manager in such a diverse and multifaceted role was an exciting and rewarding experience. I am passionate about driving value, fostering strong partnerships with suppliers, and ensuring that the organization's needs are met efficiently and effectively.

Site Buyer Expertise: As a Site Buyer, I took on the responsibility of managing procurement operations for multiple North American sites. This experience allowed me to gain a deep understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities within the Resource Efficiency, Oil Additives, and Nutrition & Care segments.Operational Procurement Automation: I had the distinct pleasure of leading an Operational Procurement Automation project aimed at streamlining transactional activities for indirect materials and services. The goal was to create efficiencies, reduce manual work, and enhance our operational effectiveness.Ariba Power User: I became a proficient Ariba Power User and Trainer for the Guided Buying Module, a testament to my commitment to staying at the forefront of procurement technology. This expertise has been invaluable in optimizing our procurement processes.Special Projects: I've been actively engaged in special projects geared towards enhancing productivity and achieving procurement excellence. These initiatives have been instrumental in driving continuous improvement and cost-effective solutions.Working in the dynamic and challenging realm of procurement within the chemical industry has been an exciting journey. My passion lies in embracing innovation, leveraging technology, and driving efficiency to ensure that the procurement function becomes a strategic asset for the organization.

Consumables and PPE Expertise: I've managed contracts for consumables and PPE, ensuring that our procurement strategies align with organizational goals. My role has been instrumental in securing critical supplies while optimizing costs.Ariba Power User and Trainer: My proficiency in the Ariba platform, particularly in the Catalog, Contracts, and Sourcing modules, has empowered my teams and peers to harness the full potential of this powerful procurement tool.Cost Savings Champion: In 2016, I documented and secured over $1 million in approved savings, a testament to my commitment to identifying and implementing cost-effective solutions.Synergy Reporting: I've shouldered the responsibility for Synergy Reporting during acquisition activities, ensuring a seamless transition and alignment of procurement strategies in the Chlor Alkali division.Credit Card Program Administrator: Managing the Division Procurement Credit Card Program, I've facilitated efficient purchasing processes and ensured compliance with policies and procedures.SAP Administration: As an SAP Electronic Approval Process Administrator, I've streamlined workflows and managed vendor and material master data, ensuring the integrity and efficiency of procurement processes.ISO Coordination: I've taken on the role of Procurement Department ISO Coordinator, contributing to quality management and process improvement initiatives.Capital Projects: I've been the designated Buyer for Capital Projects exceeding $100,000, ensuring that these significant investments are made cost-effectively and in alignment with project objectives.MRO Procurement: Managing MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Operations) procurement for multiple plant locations, I've overseen Pipes/Valves/Fittings, Mechanical, Instrumentation, Electrical, and Consumables.

During my tenure as the Plant ISO Lead at General Motors, I had the privilege of playing a pivotal role in upholding the highest standards of quality and ensuring compliance with ISO 9001:2008. This role, marked by precision and dedication, encompassed a range of critical responsibilities:ISO 9001:2008 Leadership: As the Plant ISO 9001:2008 lead, I was responsible for establishing and maintaining ISO compliance, a task that demanded precision and commitment to quality.Internal Audits: I conducted thorough internal audits to guarantee that our processes aligned with Built-in Quality and Global Quality Requirement standards, emphasizing a culture of continuous improvement.Information Quality Administration: I served as the administrator for the plant's Information Quality SharePoint site, a pivotal role in ensuring the accessibility and integrity of critical data.Quality Management Systems: I administered the plant's Quality Management Systems software, which was essential in streamlining and enhancing quality control processes.Supervision and Leadership: When needed, I supervised hourly employees, fostering a culture of teamwork and excellence on the shop floor.GMS Basket Weave Team: I represented the department on the GMS (Global Manufacturing System) Basket Weave Team, contributing to the overarching goal of achieving operational excellence.Training and Development: A key aspect of my role involved training plant personnel on various Quality System topics, such as Torque, ISO standards, and Business Plan Deployment, empowering the team with the knowledge and skills necessary for success.My passion in this role lay in aligning quality systems with strategic objectives, driving a culture of excellence, and ensuring that the plant consistently met and exceeded quality standards.

• Designed, created, and implemented production audit to improve quality in response to consumer reported complaints. Audit now conducted at least once per day. • Carried out several daily production audits to verify quality standards are being met.• Taken part in various continuous improvement projects and practical problem solving investigations in conjunction with both the Quality Assurance department and General Assembly Production staff.• Under supervision of Business Manager, completed several payroll functions including overtime equalization and manpower moves for hourly employees.• Conducted production floor supervisory and administrative duties under supervision of production first line supervisors• Responsible for managing plant-wide safety project involving scope, contractor bidding, and product acquisition. Company appointed liaison to outside sales consultants. Project budget in excess of $10,000.• Served as a plant ambassador and conducted public and private plant tours on a daily basis.• Updated standardized work procedures as necessary to minimize risk of defects, reduce waste, and improve efficiency of regular job functions. • Managed and tracked quantity and cost of damaged production materials for the General Assembly department. Compiled weekly reports determining scrap loss per unit, and high cost areas. • Completed weekly engineering change reports to update production supervisors of changes to be implemented. • Updated and maintained a General Assembly Safety Concern database weekly to ensure employee complaints are being documented and remediated in a timely manner.• Completed weekly production summary reports to communicate current production data to management and other departments.