Melanie Strong Email and Phone Number

Supplier Sustainability & SRM

Managed a regional team of Category managers and Project Sourcing managers. Core responsibilities included supplier evaluations, selections, negotiations, cost assessments. Worked with key management team members to deliver status of market trends, supplier risks and supply chain strategies. Reported into the VP Global Strategic Sourcing.

Primary responsibilities was working on cost savings projects, supporting supplier development through new product introduction, support CAPEX initiatives and coordinate all alternate source qualifications for the regional and global supply chain. In this role, internal coordination was absolutely critical with all functions including engineering, R&D, product management, operations, quality, and management. Reported into the Regional Sourcing Director.

Worked with all key stakeholders in processing incoming orders with key customers, reviewing specifications, supporting R&D on new product introductions and connecting with the procurement team to align supply chain requirements. Coordinated meetings internally for design reviews, negotiations and overall alignment. Managed the cost savings program which incorporated weekly meetings to brainstorm ideas, roll out new projects and implement changes to cut costs within the factory. Additionally, I led the effort to reduce inventory of returned material and completely revamped the return process. Together with the team, I led a training of over 50 employees on the new process with interactive engagement for best class training.While in this position, I obtained my green belt in Six Sigma and rolled out a lean program on the manufacturing floor. In this program, I helped organize work stations on the manufacturing floor to increase throughput and enable a safe workplace.Lastly, I supported the corporate marketing team by leading the project to update all of our promotional specification sheets on key products.