Member of Collection Utility team supporting recovery of firm capital. Key contributions: • Lead the semi-annual review of legal documents and worked cross functionally to determine revisions needed and ensured implementation • Continuously improved processes and put controls in place to better mitigate risk • Supported external counsel in pursuing termed advisor debt

Business Analyst on Advisor Collections project at AmeripriseAssisted in establishing the new Collection Utility within the Advice & Wealth Management Lead Finance Office. Key Contributions:• Developed and documented procedures for Collection Utility • Provided status updates via various reporting methods • Identified resources across the company to assist in the team’s efforts on document gathering for external counsel

Developed sales forecast and recommended to Senior Management changes to sales forecast through sales to budget variance analysis. Evaluated sales performance versus plan and adjusted plan as necessary. Analyzed sales trends and sell through data and made recommendations to Sales based on the results. Developed and presented various sales reports to upper management. Managed inventory investment. Analyzed customer demand and developed demand flow for operations. Key Contributions:• Developed and implemented a master planning schedule, in the absence of an ERP system, resulting in better buying decisions.• Analyzed inventory and reduced by 33%.

Joined Business Excellence team to manage improvement projects utilizing Lean methods. Set schedules and provided direction for the multi-functional project team members, coached and supported teams and individuals on identifying waste, drove teams to Root Cause utilizing problem solving tools and facilitated Value Stream Mapping. Facilitated Kaizen events including pre-planning, execution, and follow-up. Supported the development of Standard Work. Developed and delivered Lean training to employees.Key Contributions: • Managed the NSP project resulting in a 24 week reduction in the process.• Managed the Distributor Commission Payment project which resulted in accurate P&L bookings and timely Distributor payments.• Developed, trained, and conducted company-wide 5S events for 150+ employees.

Joined the Cultural Journey team to coordinate, personalize, and facilitate Team Summits with alignment to the vision and values of the global Carl Zeiss Organization. Worked with team leaders to adapt the training module to derive meaning and applicability of the values to the participants. Ensured that Team Summits were completed within the prescribed timeline and completed reporting and documentation requirements with submission to the corporate Cultural Journey office in Germany.Key Contributions: • Conducted 20 Team Summits for over 200 employees; includes leader coaching and pre and post meetings.

Joined Strategic Purchasing team to manage domestic and international suppliers for select product lines and to source assigned commodities. Negotiated multi-year agreements with suppliers to achieve Carl Zeiss’ business objectives. Implemented cost reduction activities with assigned suppliers through negotiation and process improvement. Conducted total cost analysis on strategic commodities for various suppliers. Key Contributions: • Negotiated building lease resulting in $267,600 savings over the 5 year lease term.• Negotiated a multi-year contract and Kanban program for bearing commodity which realized a $15,000 cost savings. • Negotiated a fleet lease agreement resulting in annual savings of $12,600.• Negotiated and implemented a hardware VMI program which reduced inventory by 76% and decreased the warehouse work load.• Implemented the global supplier performance tool (ACS) at the US plant.

Managed material availability in support of the production schedule. Developed requests for proposals, solicited quotations, evaluated bids, and negotiated price with suppliers in support of company objectives. Managed supplier relationships; including risk management, commodity strategy, inventory management, problem resolution, and evaluation of supplier performance. Executed strategies and tactics to achieve best total cost as it relates to pricing, logistics, and inventory.

Managed suppliers for select product lines, conducted strategic commodity quote packages, developed and negotiated cost reduction activities with assigned suppliers through negotiation and process improvement. Negotiated and purchased capital equipment. Negotiated multi-year strategic agreements with suppliers. Key Contributions:• Negotiated $163K in cost savings for Jostens in 2004.• Negotiated and implemented new supplier for office supplies in company-wide initiative, which resulted in improved processes and savings of $111K in the first 15 months of contract. • Collaborated on cross-functional team to successfully implement Jostens One Card Program company-wide that resulted in improved processes and cost savings of $65K.• Presented with a Jostens Leader Award for performance in process improvements that resulted in time reductions and increased department capacity.• Received formal recognition and “On The Spot” awards for exceeding annual goals and performance plans.

Managed select product lines and assisted with travel services. Conducted strategic commodity quote packages, negotiated with suppliers to achieve Jostens business objectives, and developed and implemented cost reduction activities with assigned suppliers. Provided purchasing input to other functional areas as requested for new products. Supported the Project Management team. Audited Visa Procurement Card program to ensure adherence to the process. Key Contributions: • Negotiated $150K in cost savings.

Provided domestic and international logistics support to other functional areas as requested. Obtained quotes from suppliers and expedited orders as required. Established and implemented company travel policies and ensured compliance. Liaison with preferred air, hotel, car rental, and meeting management companies for Jostens.

Provided project and administrative support for Purchasing / Project Office function. Acted as liaison with internal and external customers and Purchasing / Project Office function. Managed and balanced the Corporate Procurement Card program.