Joel Gillespie Email & Phone Number

Redmond, Washington, Us

Microsoft serves diverse markets, globally, and we are convinced that our supplier diversity initiatives are a key competitive advantage, helping us win new business, retain customers and reinforce the Microsoft brand.We are a proud member of the Billion Dollar Roundtable, an organization that recognizes and celebrates corporations that have spent at least $1 billion with minority- and women-owned businesses in the United States. We achieved this milestone because our Procurement team is committed to increasing our annual diverse supplier expenditure.

Seattle, Washington, Us

Developed and administered all aspects of the Supplier Diversity program. Identify potential business opportunities for underutilized business segments (primarily women, minority & veteran owned small businesses) and advocated for inclusion in sourcing projects. Generated annual sourcing goals and report to internal & external business partners and government agencies on actual results.  Collaborated with cross divisional teams and lead sourcing efforts for specifically assigned projects. Analyzed & recommend solutions to business owner. Negotiated & implemented the final solution.  Managed all details of the Alaska Airlines/Horizon Air Company Store operations; including large retail store, 3 web stores (800+ SKU's), plus limited items in airport (Boardroom) lounges & corporate offices. Partner with Sales, Marketing and operations groups for sourcing of company logo/branded products. Work closely with Brand Manager to ensure compliance with brand standards and appropriate usage of company logos & images.  Supply Chain Management (SCM) liaison to Green Team, which focuses on cross divisional efforts to provide more sustainable sourcing solutions for goods & services.

Seattle, Washington, Us

Analyzed all major cost categories and developed annual sourcing plan for SCM focus. Partnered with category or divisional owner to ensure best value solution while maintaining or enhancing operational excellence. Team consistently delivered over $10 million (USD) annual, realized savings.  Led annual jet fuel sourcing team which sourced nearly $1.4 billion annual spend across both airlines. Ensured the best available pricing & adequate supply at all airports. Evaluated supply risk areas & developed mitigation plans. Provided input to Finance team for the development of fuel-hedging portfolio to decrease exposure to volatile jet fuel prices.

Seattle, Washington, Us

Guided the Horizon Air Purchasing team through significant change process, as we transitioned to a shared services organization at Alaska Airlines.  Oversaw the functional/user aspects of our primary Procurement system (PeopleSoft/Oracle Financials). Facilitated new user training and user authorization controls. Maintained online product catalogues. Partnered with IT to deliver upgrades & enhancements to the system.  Functional lead on testing & implementation of a new aircraft maintenance purchasing & inventory system (TRAX).  Designed & managed department intranet site to assist internal customers with procurement processes and tools.

Seattle, Washington, Us

Managed the team that supported all corporate (non-maintenance) purchasing requirements.  Oversaw the Uniforms department, responsible for supplying all Flight Attendant, Pilot, Maintenance, Airport & Ground Agent uniforms.

Seattle, Washington, Us

Managed all corporate (non-maintenance) purchasing activities, including support for; IT, Food & Beverage, Station Operations/ Airports, Facilities, Finance/Accounting, Reservation & HR.  Implemented the first Purchasing Card (Visa) program for use by operational groups for non-repetitive purchases under $1,000 (USD). Coordinated annual budget development for all divisions and consolidated company totals Analyzed consolidated totals for review by senior division leadership and final approval by Executives. Provided monthly, quarterly & annual variance reporting & course correction recommendations.  Prepared detailed financial analysis and modeling, utilizing advanced Excel skills.  Presented financial & operational data analysis to senior leadership. Generated business cases and financial forecasts to support capital expenditures.

Seattle, Washington, Us

Held various positions in operations, treasury & finance between Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air (both part of Alaska Air Group) since 1991.

Master’S Degree, Project Management

Bachelor’S Degree, Business Management & Finance

Education record