Ms. Sarah Smith
Chattanooga
Summary
Accomplished Purchasing Manager with a proven track record at Gestamp, enhancing supplier relationships and mastering procurement to drive significant cost savings. My collaborative approach has fostered professional growth across departments, optimizing purchasing processes for peak efficiency. Known for reliability, analytical thinking, and strong organizational skills.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
Work History
Purchasing Manager
Gestamp Plant 1
01.2024 - 02.2025
- Sourced vendors, built relationships, and negotiated prices.
- Purchased new products and oversaw inventory stocking and availability.
- Managed supplier relationships to ensure timely delivery of products and services.
- Achieved cost savings by negotiating contracts and pricing with suppliers.
- Performed monthly reconciliation of open purchasing orders.
- Established long-term agreements with strategic suppliers, securing favorable pricing and delivery terms.
- Implemented strategic sourcing initiatives, reducing overall purchasing costs. $1.5 million in savings on spare parts for 2024.
- Trained junior staff members on best practices in purchasing management, contributing to their professional development and growth within the organization.
- Managed R&M budgets.
- Progressed through various purchasing, warehousing and leadership roles.
- Ensured compliance with corporate policies.
- Conducted regular spend analysis reviews to identify opportunities for cost optimization within various categories.
- Managed and negotiated all CapEx spend.
- Generated reports, documents and analysis in Excel for my daily senior management meetings.
- Executed RFQ's.
- Led cross-functional team in executing cost reduction initiatives, resulting in significant savings on spare part purchases.
- Lead the integration of a new TAMS system for spare parts.
- Managed internal and external audits.
- Established performance metrics for procurement department, driving accountability and continuous improvement.
- Coordinated with finance and budgeting departments to align procurement strategies with fiscal objectives.
- Monitored inventory levels and avoided shortages with timely replenishment of stock.
- Established and maintained accurate records of purchases, pricing and payment terms.
- Reviewed and approved purchase orders and invoices for accuracy and completeness.
- Scrutinized purchasing data to identify areas for improvement and cost savings.
- Managed the repair process on all motors, pumps, and electrical equipment.
Purchasing Manager
Gestamp Plant 2
01.2020 - 12.2023
- Negotiated pricing and terms with vendors to secure best value for company.
- Reconciled invoices via VIM system.
- Implemented cost-saving initiatives.
- Managed 3 building expansions with our Corporate team.
- Supported the launch of 4 new Class A programs.
- Managed new spare part creation via SAP per the BOM.
- Managed R&M budget.
- Executed the integration of a new purchasing platform Ariba.
- Set-up and managed new suppliers through Buzon and Fullstep system.
- Executed RFQ's.
- Managed and negotiated racks and packaging for new programs.
- Planned all MRO domestic and international shipment's.
- Part of the launch team for new presses, assembly cells, cranes and blanking line.
- Established and maintained accurate records of purchases, pricing and payment terms.
- Created purchase orders for spot buy and MRP.
- Facilitated resolution of vendor disputes and discrepancies.
- Hired and trained purchasing staff to improve effectiveness of purchasing operations.
- Devised and implemented strategies to optimize purchasing processes and reduce costs.
Plant Buyer
Gestamp Plant 1, 2 and 3
10.2017 - 12.2019
- Supported all 3 Tennessee plants to improve purchasing, contracts, and MRO.
- Collaborated with internal departments to better understand needs and determine purchasing requirements.
- Reduced procurement costs through strategic sourcing, competitive bidding, and effective negotiations.
- Maintained key item stock levels and wrote or expedited purchase orders.
- Maintained a comprehensive database of supplier information, including contact details, capabilities, pricing structures, and lead times.
- Increased supplier efficiency by negotiating contracts and maintaining strong relationships with vendors.
- Achieved cost savings by identifying opportunities for consolidation and bulk purchasing across departments.
- Reviewed legal documents such as contracts and non-disclosure agreements to ensure compliance with company policies.
- Improved supplier relationships by establishing regular communication channels, resulting in enhanced product quality and reliability.
- Improved inventory accuracy and control by implementing new barcoding system, reducing discrepancies and improving audit results.
- Researched and identified new suppliers and vendors.
- Managed and maintained purchase orders and invoices.
- Prepared and analyzed reports to track inventory and purchasing trends.
MRO Attendant
Gestamp Plant 2
10.2016 - 10.2017
- Assisted with inventory management to ensure adequate stock levels were maintained.
- Executed daily tasks such as restocking supplies, receiving in new orders, maintaining 5S, and issuing items out.
- Assisted in training new attendants, sharing best practices and tips for efficient service.
- Issued purchase orders through MRP.
- Managed year end inventory count with a 99% accuracy result.
Education
High School Diploma -
Annapolis High School
Dearborn Heights, MI05-1999
Skills
- Supplier relationship management
- Budget management
- Procurement expertise
- Data analysis
- Global sourcing
- Inventory management
Timeline
Purchasing Manager
Gestamp Plant 1
01.2024 - 02.2025
Purchasing Manager
Gestamp Plant 2
01.2020 - 12.2023
Plant Buyer
Gestamp Plant 1, 2 and 3
10.2017 - 12.2019
MRO Attendant
Gestamp Plant 2
10.2016 - 10.2017
High School Diploma -
Annapolis High School
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