Jim Blair Email & Phone Number

Arlington, Tn, Us

Arlington, Tn, Us

Aggressively recruited to turn the joint venture between Alibaba and Carzone into a leader in the auto parts aftermarket in China. Took on expanded role leading international operations. Develop business strategy and drive process improvements, including category management, cataloging, and introduction of Micro Application Placement (MAP) for improved inventory management.- Developed and launched a game-changing omnichannel strategy connecting online (300,000 customers) and offline through a franchise “Garage at the Center” philosophy, an end-to-end process, from factory to end consumer, leveraging the well-known Alibaba Tmall brand. Drove growth for garages and Carzone. - Built trust with end consumers by providing a dependable place for aftermarket services with a best-in-class warranty and online scheduling convenience. -Expanded offline auto parts stores from 600 to 1,200. Helped develop the strategy and implementation of 1,000 franchise garages across China. - Turned around the international export business, from losing $1M per year to breaking even year one and on target to deliver $25M in revenue with 10% net profit year two for operations with key customers in Central America, South America, the Middle East, Canada, and Southeast Asia.

Memphis, Tn, Us

Promoted as member of C-suite executive team for the leading retailer and distributor of automotive replacement parts ($11B in annual revenue). Broad role overseeing operations, including 1,000+ sourcing factories, quality control, and supply chain across operations in Asia, the US, and Mexico ($4B in purchasing). Held full P&L. - Formulated global sourcing strategy from zero, gained C-suite, board, and functional buy-in. Partnered with PwC for thought leadership and began scaling sourcing team in Memphis, China, and Mexico.- Increased global sourcing program 32% to $1B with 166% IRR.- Hired, trained, and scaled the international team from two to 60 across three countries. - Enhanced sourcing capability while driving change management and transitioning from third-party trading companies to a factory-direct purchasing model, achieving $120M in cost savings over two years. - Secured sourcing strategy champions critical to gaining buy-in for the new strategy across the company. - Delivered >$75M in product cost savings over four years through execution of global sourcing strategy, receiving Outstanding Achievement Award.- Developed new capabilities that improved sales through product development and differentiation. - Starters Club Winner for developing the global sourcing program driving $250M in savings over three years.

Memphis, Tn, Us

Challenged with building a global sourcing program to support 60% of products purchased internationally (~$7B) and to elevate the perceived value of the position and team. Developed a business vision to buy direct and built the capabilities to enable that vision. -Developed AutoZone quality/compliance program, including WCA, working place compliance, SQP, Supplier Quality Control, and GSV Global Security Verification program, ensuring quality, legal, and ethical sourcing. -Established AutoZone’s cataloging program that enabled direct sourcing from factories.-Partnered with VP of Tax to ensure the global sourcing program drove significant tax savings.

Memphis, Tn, Us

Promoted to lead the $700M brake system retail business with a team of category managers, supply chain, and analysts driving the growth of same-store sales, payables, inventory, and gross profit margin. Served on project teams to improve business development, including cataloging projects, Right Inventory Right Place, brand development, and quality. -Vital contributor bringing business insights to cross-functional teams, including the transition of catalogs from paper to graphic interface and introduction of MAP tool ensuring the right inventory per location.-Supported the development of the category development process for the teams. -Developed and inspired team to bring new ideas in a mature market to stay ahead of the competition. -Led team to win Starters Club Award for a successful relaunch of premium brake pad brand.

Montvale, Nj, Us

-Hired as Associate Quality Engineer for Japanese-owned manufacturing company and progressed through roles of increasing responsibility leading to Director overseeing quality in two manufacturing plants.-Recruited by HQ in Japan to do quality training in Sharp plants worldwide, including Brazil, South Korea, Thailand, Malaysia, and Japan.-Developed in-depth knowledge of manufacturing end-to-end while overcoming cultural and language barriers. -Won the Sharp Quality Award for the Worldwide Plant with Best Quality Program.

Bachelor Of Science Engineering Technology, Manufacturing Engineering

Leadership Development And Intensive Masters Graduate

Executive Development Progr, Business, Management, Marketing, And Related Support Services

Associate, Mechanical Engineering Technology