Oversee and evaluate inventory levels of raw materials, packaging, and Marketing SWAG. Initiate identification and onboarding of new suppliers and products to diversify sourcing options. Update inventory details, including pricing, pack size, MOQ, and lead times. Document and manage records of incoming ingredients. Drive effective price negotiations and actively seek new bids along with managing existing ones. Generate and dispatch purchase orders in alignment with the production schedule.• Generated significant annual cost savings of $58K in 2023 and $64K in 2024 by negotiating ingredient contracts. • Implemented strategic procurement strategies to ensure uninterrupted production with 3rd party partners.• Cultivated positive relationships with vendors and co-packers, enhancing supply chain efficiency.• Developed and executed plans for the timely receipt of goods based on the production schedule. • Ensured comprehensive documentation and retention of certifications for all ingredients.

Supervised inventory levels for raw materials and packaging to optimize supply chain efficiency. Generated daily reports and addressed shortages based on production needs, validating against the weekly schedule. Oversaw budget management and facilitated timely payments within allocated resources. Maintained an updated item list, including pricing, pack size, MOQ, and lead times.• Identified and onboarded new suppliers and products in alignment with raw material and packaging specifications. • Collaborated with teams on product testing and quality control processes to uphold production standards. • Conducted price negotiations and initiated bids to ensure cost-effective procurement. • Saved company over $500K by negotiating pricing for ingredients.

Utilized historical trends, current orders, and future demand to forecast and strategically plan. Offered insights on market trends and recommended informed actions to the purchasing team. Informed Program Managers of discrepancies between existing forecast plans and actual outcomes. Coordinated development and implementation of key performance metrics for packaging and ingredients. Managed the Master Production Schedule (MPS) tool based on received orders and forecasts.• Addressed shortages stemming from food production blends and out-of-stock scenarios.• Reviewed weekly schedule with the VP of Operations to ensure production aligns with the established plan.• Organized weekly scheduling meetings with Program Managers, Buyer, and Head of Production.

Oversaw day-to-day operations of the Grocery Replenishment Team, ensuring smooth and efficient functioning. Performed various key tasks, including supervising, motivating, and cultivating collaborative team environment to guarantee timely product delivery and availability. Managed, trained, and enforced departmental SOPs, employing disciplinary measures as per needs. Reviewed and oversaw fulfillment of purchase orders in alignment with open-to-buy parameters.• Accomplished a career progression from replenishment analyst to inventory planning and replenishment manager, attesting to consistent performance and growth.• Analyzed reports, raw data, and trends to identify and rebalance inventory, addressing overstock items and regulating movement on depleting items.• Reviewed and authorized purchase orders under $25,000, demonstrating a keen eye for detail and responsibility. • Addressed and proactively resolved escalated stock quantity discrepancies with inventory management.

Maintained optimal inventory levels, ensuring a four to six-week supply in each store. Addressed and minimized out-of-stock instances, enhancing product availability. Procured bulk quantities to support quarterly sales for each store and liaised with store managers on Request for Quotations (RFQs) as required.• Led the procurement and forecasting efforts for small wares lines across West Coast stores.• Analyzed profit reports as well as identified areas for improvement and cost optimization.

Drove the procurement of both stocked and special-order small wares, ensuring comprehensive inventory coverage. Coordinated special orders and facilitate drop shipments for non-stock items. Purchased products in alignment with inventory control goals, while minimizing line items out of stock. Evaluated new vendors for both stocked and special-order items. Maintained optimal days of inventory, balancing stock levels with demand. Optimized service levels and inventory management to meet guidelines for days on hand and minimize out-of-stock instances.• Ensured timely recovery of inventory due to shortages and backorders, enhancing overall supply chain resilience. • Scheduled backhauls for daily pickups, streamlining logistics and ensuring timely product availability.• Negotiated competitive pricing for both stock and non-stock products to achieve cost savings. • Completed Request for Quotations (RFQs) for large or opening orders.

Responsible for buying all stocked small wares, chemicals, packaged beverages, and canned and dry goods. Coordinator for all orders from remote warehouse in Reno, NV. Purchase product according to guidelines established for days on hand, out of stocks, and other inventory control goals• Ensured and maintained service level goal of 99.5 or better• Maximize service level and maintain 25 days of inventory• Negotiated competitive pricing for both stock and non-stock products to achieve cost savings. • Completed Request for Quotations (RFQs) for large equipment and non-stock orders• Reduce or eliminate out of stocks for proprietary items and Gold or Silver Customers