Kelson Q. Email & Phone Number

Chicago, Illinois, United States

Strategically managed sourcing and inventory across 5 nationwide locations. Harnessed data insights, supplier partnerships, and best practices to optimize costs, mitigate risks, and drive profitability.Key Responsibilities:-Developed and maintained supplier relationships, negotiating favorable terms and ensuring financial/purchasing controls.-Coordinated inventory management, optimizing lead times by monitoring demand forecasting systems.-Facilitated alternative sourcing to mitigate supply chain disruptions.-Implemented cost-saving measures during pandemic while maintaining quality.-Conducted financial analyses to identify cost drivers and improve margins, increasing profitability.-Collaborated cross-functionally to streamline purchasing processes.-Utilized data analysis for inventory level optimization, monitoring stock, and improving turnover.-Evaluated supplier performance against quality standards and delivery timelines.-Mentored new team members on inventory management best practices and policies.-Maintained inventory control procedures, ensuring accurate records and minimizing discrepancies.-Evaluated business needs for new supplier partnerships and product diversification.-Collaborated with suppliers to optimize packaging and logistics processes.-Managed freight forwarder/logistics provider relationships for on-time delivery and minimized delays.Key Achievements:Negotiated cost reductions in industrial supply categories through strategic sourcing.Onboarded new suppliers, expanding offerings and enhancing supply chain resilience.Recognized for strategic thinking and process improvements.

Chicago, Illinois, United States

Directly supervised and guided multiple teams' daily operations to drive business objectives. Utilized data and metrics to optimize labor budgets, inventory, and processes while fostering continuous learning and professional development within the teams.Key Responsibilities:-Orchestrated daily, short/long-term task allocation across teams, verifying progress through reporting.-Analyzed KPIs like productivity, sales, items, and transactions for fiscal reporting and accurate labor/inventory forecasting.-Managed schedules within cost, margin, expense, and labor targets, reducing budget deficits by 0.14% of sales target yearly while maintaining optimal staffing ratios.-Recruited and maintained adequate staffing levels per labor targets and status ratios for optimal team composition.-Drove 20% improvement in retention/conversion rates from 2017-2019 by supporting training and tracking advancement metrics.-Modernized Team Trainer program using HR metrics to enhance learning and development opportunities.-Oversaw weekly, bi-weekly, and fiscal payroll processes, ensuring accurate and timely compensation.Implemented ongoing training for onboarding, retraining, and upskilling teams and individuals.-Administered performance evaluations, feedback channels, surveys, and reviews to assess work performance and training pathways.-Supervised, evaluated, and trained support supervisors, contributing to leadership development, customer service, trainer programs, and managing buyers, receivers, and maintenance teams.Key Achievements:Optimized scheduling and staffing, eliminating overtime costs while maintaining service levels.Implemented cross-training, increasing flexibility and seamless coverage during peak periods.

Madison, Wisconsin, United States

Managed the accurate and timely processing of invoices, expense reports, and financial statements within an enterprise resource planning (ERP) system and SAP workflow environment. Streamlined processes, enhanced communication, and implemented operational improvements to drive efficiency and vendor satisfaction.Key Responsibilities:Indexed and coded daily incoming accounts payable invoices, expense accounts, and other financial documents, ensuring proper allocation and adherence to accounting standards.Utilized ERP software and SAP workflow management systems to record and track financial transactions, maintaining data integrity and facilitating seamless integration across multiple divisions.Optimized database and email structures, introducing collaborative tools like Slack to improve communication unification and streamline information sharing across teams.Consulted with supervisors on workload assignments and contract management lifecycles, fostering effective collaboration with preferred suppliers and vendors.Conducted monthly and quarterly account reconciliations, identifying discrepancies and ensuring accurate financial reporting.Collaborated with the IT division to address technological needs, implementing process improvements that increased daily work throughput by 15%.Recommended and implemented mid-period reconciliation deadlines, promoting a balanced workload distribution throughout the fiscal period.Spearheaded a project to detect and resolve utility supplier payment issues, addressing concerns and improving processes in anticipation of workload outsourcing.Conceptualized and led a survey project to assess vendor-to-payment issues within the division, auditing accounts to increase on-time payments by 58%.Maintained compliance with document storage policies and procedures, ensuring proper retrieval and purging of records.Key Achievements:Led a vendor survey project to assess vendor-to-payment issues which increased on-time payments by 58%.

Madison, Wisconsin, United States

Ensured unwavering product quality and safety standards in a fast-paced food manufacturing environment. Conducted meticulous inspections and testing throughout the production process, leveraging keen attention to detail and adherence to rigorous quality protocols.Key Responsibilities:Performed comprehensive visual, dimensional, and analytical inspections on raw materials, work-in-process items, and finished goods using calibrated tools and testing equipment.Executed critical quality tests, including moisture content analysis, pH level measurements, and [other specific tests], to validate product integrity and compliance with safety regulations.Documented inspection findings, non-conformances, and quality metrics with precision, maintaining detailed records in digital databases and generating comprehensive reports.Collaborated closely with production teams, communicating inspection results, providing guidance on issue resolution, and recommending process improvements to enhance quality and efficiency.Trained and mentored new inspectors and production staff on quality control procedures, inspection techniques, documentation requirements, and best practices.Identified and escalated systemic quality concerns, proposing preventive measures and continuous improvement initiatives to minimize waste and optimize production processes.Participated in Six Sigma certification training, acquiring foundational knowledge in process improvement methodologies and statistical analysis techniques.Key Achievements:Maintained an exceptional quality rating of over 98% preventing defective products from reaching consumers and safeguarding brand reputation.Streamlined documented inspection procedures, reducing cycle times while maintaining accuracy and thoroughness.Recognized for exceptional attention to detail and commitment to quality

Madison, Wisconsin, United States

Spearheaded strategic inventory management and category optimization initiatives to drive revenue growth, improve margins, and enhance customer experience. Collaborated with cross-functional teams and suppliers to streamline procurement processes and negotiate favorable contract terms.Key Responsibilities:Oversaw inventory control measures and analyzed key performance indicators (KPIs) such as revenue, item counts, and product movement to enable successful category and inventory management.Processed departmental purchase orders, ensuring adherence to receiving standards, financial targets, and end-of-fiscal period reporting requirements.Sourced products and managed procurement lifecycles with local and corporate suppliers, fostering strong vendor relationships.Consulted on contract management issues, negotiating favorable terms with corporate partners to maximize value.Conducted supplier and customer surveys to gather insights and drive continuous improvements in end-customer experiences.Addressed and resolved customer complaints and inquiries received through various channels, including in-person, email, telephone, and survey portals.Exercised discretion in determining optimal product quantities and selections based on demand analysis and market trends.Leveraged category management metrics, movement reports, and financial reporting tools to optimize SKU performance and maximize blended margins.Implemented process improvements in merchandising and inventory controls, establishing a comprehensive department handbook to streamline training and task completion for new team members.Key Achievements:Drove an 18% year-over-year increase in sales and a 4% improvement in margins through strategic inventory and category management initiatives.Negotiated favorable contract terms with key suppliers, resulting in significant cost savings.Reduced lead times and improved inventory turnover rates.

Madison, Wisconsin, United States

Facilitated the effective administration and delivery of academic programs, serving as a liaison between students, faculty, and university policies. Oversaw processes related to admissions, funding, teaching assistantships, academic progression, and degree completion. Supervised a team of 30 peer tutors, handling recruitment, training, evaluation, and team management.Key Responsibilities:Interpreted and communicated academic guidelines, degree requirements, and university procedures to students, ensuring clarity and understanding.Managed admission decisions, funding allocations, teaching assistant assignments, and performance evaluations for graduate programs.Monitored student academic progress, enforcing satisfactory academic performance standards and graduation eligibility criteria.Coordinated course offerings, scheduling, and enrollment management activities each semester.Processed and maintained accurate records for program-related forms, advising holds, permission requests, and academic misconduct proceedings.Assigned academic advisors to students and facilitated advisor-advisee relationships throughout the degree lifecycle.Provided guidance and support to students, addressing inquiries and concerns related to academic policies, deadlines, and requirements.Supervised a team of 30 peer tutors, handling recruitment, hiring, training, evaluation, and team management responsibilities.Key Achievements:Implemented a centralized advising system, enhancing student experiences and ensuring consistent policy application.Developed new training modules for academic advisors, improving knowledge of degree requirements and university policies.Restructured the peer tutor program, increasing tutor utilization and student satisfaction rates by implemeting GoogleTalk capability.

Bachelor Of Arts - Ba, Political Science And History

Graduate Certificate, Supply Chain Management