Recruited to maintain operational needs through pricing, quality, and delivery. Met market demands and maximized revenue by effectively managing the supply chain and evaluating global sourcing regarding market trends and supplier inventory. Worked alongside internal and external stakeholders on price discrepancies, risk management, logistics, and cost-effective initiatives. Gathered requirements for RFQ and RFPs, as well as supported multiple internal projects. Maintained vigorous, consistent, and sustainable supply chain that maximized profitability for the business by evaluating industry trends and reviewing forecasts. Achieved cost savings, reduced lead time, and maintained brand integrity through the development and implementation of new vendor consignment programs that restructured contractual obligations. Selected Achievements:o Saved $1.7M from the $17M budget by building new vendor relationships that provided better EDLP, freight concessions, shorter lead times, and on-time deliveries leading to increased overall margin and profits.o Delivered a 19% increase in total sales volume for the restaurant division of the company. o Negotiated a $1.2M purchase from Rational, which was the largest single purchase in company history.o Spearheaded the project management of a $750,000 Juicing Production Program for 76 locations across two markets in California and Texas.

Managed the $600M supplement and herb category with accountability for ensuring the best EDLP from all vendors, as well as promotional dollars, special opportunity buy, rebates, growth incentives, delivery, minimizing possible damages from expiring product, and payment terms. Recruited to the organization to rectify two key issues: overstock and expired inventory. Established competitive market advantage while reflecting customer requests by building, editing, and maintaining product assortment. Attained key metrics (KPIs) for new and existing brands, pricing, gross margin, promotions, and product lifecycle. Maintained market competitiveness by renegotiating previous contracts at lowering the overall EDLP or including an incentive rebate that was associated with sales growth. Developed and maintained a supplier and product database, as well as evaluated RFQ packaging, product evaluation, and quality issues. Created a new product/brand onboarding process that ensured timely addition to the market; collaborated with the marketing team on effective promotional marketing campaigns. Negotiated marketing co-ops for vendors for country-specific advertising by analyzing sales by country and building a plan based on the analysis.Category Manager Selected Achievements:o Saved $1M in possible damages from expiring product by managing the logistics from distribution center to distribution center, coordinating with distribution managers to maintain accurate inventory levels, and collaborating with vendors to determine which products could be returned.o Negotiated a 25% rebate for the $500,000 Sunwarrior product and generated 10% growth the first 6 months.o Generated several million dollars to the bottom line by adding a 3% margin to all items while remaining competitive in the marketplace.

Senior Buyer Material Planner (2015 – 2019)Led a team of Buyers and Assistant Buyers to consistently hit sales goals YOY. Delivered significant annual cost savings by negotiating with vendors and reducing inventory levels, while adhering to all company guidelines. Led the RFQ process for specific categories with current vendors and outsourced new vendors. Consistently met inventory goals to support sales and financial objectives by purchasing, controlling, and coordinating the continuous product supply. Led the end-to-end process for merchandising new store openings, including directly managing and motivating the teams on setup of the space to maximize sales. Trained staff on the proprietary ERP system and leveraging reports from the server, as well as trained store managers on roles within the warehouses. Maintained competitive retail pricing and strategically promoted the right item each month; ensured proper inventory levels by executing a strategic ordering process. Completed monthly shop outs of the biggest competitors, while analyzing and making adjustments to remain competitive in the market. Reduced supply chain costs and Cost of Goods Sold (COGS) by championing various cost reduction and containment efforts, while maintaining a reliable product supply.Selected Achievements:o Generated a 25% savings on the $5M terry towel category by outsourcing to a new vendor.o Exceeded annual goals by 5% for 7 consecutive years; drove the category to $77M.o Delivered up to $1M in annual cost savings by reducing product costs and lowering overall inventory levels; led RFQs and inventory management across all West Coast locations.o Leveraged monthly flyers and tent sales to increase item sales; realized up to a 25% increase through flyers and 100%+ through tent sales in specific items.o Generated $1M in sales the first year in the role by establishing and leading a department that bid on commercial restaurant projects.

• Buyer/Planner (2012 – 2015) Oversaw multiple locations and diversified product selections for West Coast locations. Consistently met goals for inventory days on hand, out of stock, and additional inventory performance metrics. Collaborated with key suppliers/brokers regularly through email, phone, and text message. Made informed purchasing decisions by analyzing price lists, marketing conditions, and MRP/ERP data. Ensured on-time delivery of purchased materials by leading sourcing projects; negotiated and approved any price discrepancies on the purchase orders by vendor

• Procurement Specialist (2010 – 2012)Promoted to ensure excellent purchasing service levels across the 41 West Coast locations. Received and reviewed department supply requisitions and placed orders based on need and available funds. Maximized inventory turnover by reviewing real-time inventory from the projected market gains/losses report. Minimized cost variances and shrink by managing products with shelf life.

• Performed demand forecasting and consistently maintained appropriate stock levels of materials to ensure well-run operations, without interruptions.• Maintained less than a .01% of inventory shrinkage by strict inventory control, monthly audits, careful ordering and receiving.• Co-ordinated financial and budget activities for maximum operational efficiency • Reviewed performance data (financial, sales and activity reports) to monitor and measure productivity, goal progress and activity levels • Responsible for the achievement of department/division/unit productivity and quality goals• Managed and Developed staff to maximize potential, monitor and assist staff for productivity and quality goals.• Increased sales volume by 20% by better merchandising the on floor products.• Established customer loyalty through product availability, efficient stocking, pricing and friendly service.