The Purchasing Manager is responsible for the procurement of commodities through implementation of purchasing strategies and systems developed in conjunction with the Purchasing Director as well as overseeing and supporting the team of Purchasing Agents. The Purchasing Manager is responsible for supporting the Purchasing Director with analysis, strategic and special projects as assigned by performing the following duties either personally or through subordinates.Oversee the team of Purchasing Agents responsible for the day to day purchasing activities, to ensure the manufacturing and inventory goals are being met. Operate and integrate ERP system as a tool to oversee manufacturing needs at an overall level by reviewing general MRP to plan and execute blanket/pricing Purchase orders and evaluating Min/Max entries for accuracy. Work with Purchasing Agents to build and develop relationships with local suppliers. Support Purchasing Agents in troubleshooting quality and service-related issues with vendors and suppliers to bring these to resolution. Attend Tier 2 meetings for all facilities, reporting any results/updates and critical challenges to the Purchasing Director. Perform analysis of purchasing data as requested by the Purchasing Director. Participate in supplier audits. Support in the creation, editing and refinement of supplier score cards. Work closely together with Purchasing Director on additional projects such as taking lead on certain product development projects, data collection, generating reports related to the purchasing team and suppliers. Report KPI (Key Performance Indicator) data as requested by Purchasing Director to assess, analyze and track supplier performance and purchasing department performance. Participate in and implement strategic cost reduction activities such as but not limited to Requests for bids, and on boarding new vendors and suppliers. Handle additional duties and assignments as assigned.

The Senior Purchasing Agent is responsible for the procurement of commodities through implementation of the Purchasing Strategy and systems developed by the Purchasing Director and Purchasing Manager. Worked closely with suppliers to ensure orders are fulfilled on a timely basis. Worked closely together with and supported the Purchasing Manager with analysis and special projects as assigned. The following duties were performed.Operated and integrated ERP system as a tool to meet manufacturing needs such as MRP Min/Max entries. Attended facility production meetings and provided updates/feedback for orders currently in process and updates provided Purchasing Director and Purchasing Manager. Managed communication for purchase orders with suppliers, analyzed, and resolved purchasing issues/discrepancies. Ensured material inventories were maintained at proper levels with the support of the Inventory Control Assistant and Plant Manager. Reported KPI (Key Performance Indicator) data as requested by Purchasing Director and Purchasing Manager to assess, analyze, and track supplier performance. Built and developed relationships with local suppliers. Reported quality issues to suppliers, requested corrective action and reported any results/updates to the Purchasing Manager, Plant Manager, and the QMS Manager per Nonconforming guidelines. Communicated monthly, weekly, and daily to the Plant Manager and Purchasing Manager on all critical supply issues that could develop in shortages of material that will effect on the Production Schedule and sales. Participated in process improvement activities as requested by Purchasing Director and Purchasing Manager. Performed analysis of purchasing data as requested by the Purchasing Manager. Served as an additional resource in troubleshooting complex matters together with the Purchasing Manager. Handled additional duties and assignments as assigned.

Managed the strategic procurement for the paper categories for Shiseido Americas while maintaining the lowest total cost possible, at agreed upon service and cash levels. Responsible for all paper categories across all brands (Shiseido, NARS, Bare Escentuals, etc.) and product lines (color cosmetics, skin care, fragrance, etc.). Directly responsible for regional spend of $20MM. Reviewed and analyzed product costing to guarantee pricing is competitive and in correlation with market trends. Fostered supplier relationships with core strategic suppliers while ensuring they fit with the overall strategic strategy. Negotiated payment terms with suppliers to provide additional cash flow. Executed strategies for responsible category. Established alignment from internal stakeholders with selected supplier. Led and assisted in RFX efforts and negotiated supply agreements where needed. Monitored the use of appropriate KPI’s to measure and improve the effectiveness of the key elements of the procurement organization. Analysis of the business portfolio and identifying cost savings opportunities by performing a spend analysis. Coordinated and worked closely with cross-functional teams.

Managed Request for Proposals (RFPs) of 2 per year to ensure fair, reasonable, and competitive pricing. Provided market intelligence and direction on supply, cost, and commodities. Negotiated costs with suppliers that met budget and delivered the best financial deal, while achieving a sustainable relationship with the supplier. Provided overall management of the supplier relationship. Identified, selected, and developed suppliers who were able to meet current and future needs. Forecasted product volume to improve efficiency of inventory levels across 5 distribution centers. Resolved price discrepancies from supplier invoices. Managed open risks in the Risk Opportunity Assessment Database for Success (ROADS) to confirm that risks are carefully monitored and mitigation tasks are created. Led in defining aligned and documenting processes that support the Procurement best practices.

Managed procurement for packaging while maintaining the lowest total cost and highest quality and service. Directly responsible for regional spend of $60MM. Led the category/supplier segmentation and strategy development efforts. Assisted in category segmentation and developed strategies for all materials to allow for further classification and analysis. Analyzed market trends to formulate purchasing strategies. Placed purchase orders (POs) in S2K (National DCP Purchasing System) and verified that PO receipts were confirmed and suppliers were paid in a timely manner. Analyzed pricing of purchase orders and completed Request for Quotes (RFQs) and Request for Proposals (RFPs). Expedited products on a daily basis to assist with meeting delivery schedules and tight deadlines. Managed and provided rapid service of grief, stock out, and back orders while reducing the probability of issues and concerns of promotions. Notified the entire purchasing organization of any changes in pricing due to inflation and market trends.

Monitored the movement of promotional products to determine sufficiency of inventory levels across multiple distribution centers. Handled quality assurance issues with products and elevated appropriate risks. Coordinated with Accounts Payable to resolve invoice variance problems. Assessed vendor performances on a monthly basis to ensure robust supply chain partnerships. Directed and agreed upon pricing and freight rates with suppliers.