* Primary point of contact between Brands+ Team, Brands+ Category Merchandising teams, region merchandising teams and sales teams. * Supports Brands+ merchandising with price changes, product availability, and vendor challenges. Identify opportunities and works to resolve issues among internal and external stakeholders.* Drives sales through managing the DSWI/Pallet Program

* Manage over $125 million in annual purchases for steel and indirect materials in support of manufacturing and overall company activities* Qualify suppliers, evaluate bids, and negotiate prices and terms for goods and services* Saved over $3.85 million through vendor cost negotiations, cost mitigations, product reformulations, improved discount terms, and improved freight charges,* Manage Procurement and Storeroom Teams

• Saved Farmer Brothers over $1.5 Million over the last 6 years through contract negotiations, improved vendor terms, vendor/sku consolidation, packaging re-design, and improved packaging sustainability by reducing material usage where possible• Manage the sourcing and purchasing of all packaging materials used for items we manufacture• Manage bid pricing for packaging and assist in packaging design and development for high profile customers• Manage inventory and forecasting for packaging materials. Work with sales and production to expedite components as needed• Design formal packaging bids and contracts that include cost savings, growth programs, and cost sharing arrangements• Monitor the performance of vendors through the review of major procurement transactions and on- site evaluations visits. Prepare report of findings pertaining to compliance with contract terms as observed during the review and provide recommendations for corrective actions• Mitigate complexities that may arise in areas of product label design and product performance irregularities by interacting with internal customers (Marketing, Sales, Warehouse, Production, QA) and external customers (vendors, suppliers other industry representatives)• Train buyers in ordering systems, inventory, forecasting, and company policies• Represent the company at industry events including the National Restaurant Association, Pack Expo, and Private Label Manufacturers Association• Supervise Assistant Buyers. Prepare and conduct employee performance evaluations. • Participate in panel interviews for new hires.

• Category Management experience in Paper/Packaging, General Merchandise, Health & Beauty Care, and Pet Care.• Successfully managed multiple non-foods categories totaling over $175 million in annual sales.• Responsible for sales, margins, promotions, and item introductions for multiple non-food categories.• Negotiated with vendors for cost of goods, problem resolution, and promotional allowances.• Consistently performed sales analysis at category, sub-category, and item level to identify issues and opportunities in assortment.• Managed and motivated three replenishment buyers to achieve category/company goals.

• Trained and coached new Assistant Category Managers.• Responsible for managing inventory and in-stock conditions for numerous grocery categories (Paper/Packaging, Party Supplies, Seasonal, Hot Beverage, Groceries, and Ethnic foods.)• Successfully forecasted for promotional lifts, new item introductions, and Seasonal LTO (Limited Time Offers) items.• Served as communication liaison between buying department and 185 Smart & Final stores.