Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Donna Thompson

Asheville,NC

Summary

• Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
• Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
• Skilled at working independently and collaboratively team.
• environment.
• Worked well in a team setting, providing support and guidance.
• Assisted with day-to-day operations, working efficiently and productively with all team members.
• Managed time efficiently in order to complete all tasks within deadlines.
• Organized and detail-oriented with a strong work ethic.
• 25 years' experience Purchasing/Supply Chain.
• 8 years' experience Project Management.
• Purchased, negotiated materials Metal, Steel (Steel Structure), plastics, PVC, PPE, HDPE, PPO, FDA, Chemicals (refrigerated, hazardous chemicals) electronics, electrical, non-woven fabric, wood,
• (PPAP's automotive), material deviations, (RMA, return authorizations)
• ISO/TS 16949, ISO 9001-2015, ANSI.
• Monthly EPA reports.

Overview

21
21
years of professional experience

Work History

Purchasing Manager–Project Manager

System-Logistic
Arden NC
06.2021 - 10.2023
  • Managing 6 Purchasing Agents.
  • Sourced vendors, built relationships, and negotiated prices.
  • Writing work instructions for purchasing department
  • Negotiating contracts, working on yearly rebates, and cost savings
  • Manage budgets current and new projects.
  • Prepare bids for new projects installations for electrical, mechanical, and steel.
  • Work with site managers to ensure contractors are on jobsite in time and performing required work Ensure material is delivered to jobsite in correct order, and on time.
  • Approve milestone invoices for projects, and work on other invoices issues.
  • Negotiated capital equipment, and plant expansion, requested necessary permits.
  • 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.
  • Solved diverse supply chain problems involving numerous sources, logistics, and scheduling factors.
  • Performed monthly reconciliation of open purchasing orders.
  • Coordinated paperwork, updated spreadsheets, and maintained permanent records.
  • Implemented policies to reduce cost and eliminate waste.
  • Established long-term agreements with strategic suppliers, securing favorable pricing and delivery terms.
  • Implemented strategic sourcing initiatives, reducing overall purchasing costs.
  • Reduced order processing time by automating purchase orders and invoicing systems.
  • Optimized inventory levels by implementing demand forecasting techniques and just-in-time purchasing strategies.
  • Trained junior staff members on best practices in purchasing management, contributing to their professional development and growth within organization.
  • Contacted location managers and department supervisors to assess requirements.
  • Analyzed market trends and adjusted procurement strategies accordingly for optimal results.
  • Monitored and evaluated vendor performance to determine compliance with quality standards.
  • Wrote standard operating procedures for department.
  • Ensured compliance with corporate policies and applicable regulations governing procurement activities, mitigating company risks.
  • Conducted regular spend analysis reviews to identify opportunities for cost optimization within various categories.

Supply Chain Analyst- Project Manager

Harley Davidson Motor Company
Wisconsin (Contract -Remote)
03.2019 - 07.2021
  • Responsible for supporting supply chain operations: aftermarket sales, engineering, quality and, plant by executing purchasing activities, Negotiated with vendors for new, and aftermarket material.
  • Ensure on time completion, and release of new product on time.
  • Send out new motorcycles for testing, and provide data to engineers, and quality team for further evaluation.
  • Handle freight export/import, and work on invoice issues.
  • Improved cycle count discrepancy rates 95% through process improvements and maintaining high levels of data integrity.

Purchasing/Planning

Consolidated Metco -ConMet
Caton, NC
08.2018 - 07.2019
  • Assisted finance department in budget planning by providing accurate forecasts of future purchasing requirements.
  • Contributed to annual budget planning process by accurately forecasting purchasing needs based on historical data analysis.
  • Assisted in budget planning for purchasing equipment and supplies necessary for efficient operations.
  • Assisted with budget planning facility by monitoring supply inventory levels and making cost-effective purchasing decisions.
  • Analyzed market trends to identify potential risks or opportunities, informing purchasing decisions and budget planning.
  • Coordinated closely with planning teams for better forecast accuracy, enabling more strategic purchasing decisions.
  • Assisted in budget planning activities related to purchasing additional licenses or expanding system capacity.
  • Generated material purchasing list from provided blueprints during pre-production planning.
  • Monitored inventory levels closely to minimize waste while keeping costs under control through careful planning and purchasing decisions.
  • Developed accurate demand forecasts for better planning and more informed purchasing decisions.
  • Facilitated smooth communication between internal departments such as sales, purchasing, production planning for seamless logistical coordination.
  • Coordinated closely with finance department on budget planning, forecasting purchasing needs based on historical data analysis, seasonal fluctuations, or anticipated demand changes due to marketing campaigns or promotions initiatives.
  • Collaborated effectively with internal stakeholders such as purchasing, production planning, and transportation departments to ensure smooth operation supply chain.

Purchasing Manager

Forbo Siegling, Belting Industry
Huntersville, NC
02.2016 - 08.2018
  • Asheville NC)
  • Sourced vendors, built relationships, and negotiated prices.
  • Purchased new products and oversaw inventory stocking and availability.
  • Responsible for purchasing all raw materials for plant: PVC, chemicals, colorant, fabric (textile) used in belting industry FDA and non-FDA product.
  • Managed supplier relationships to ensure timely delivery of products and services.
  • Solved diverse supply chain problems involving numerous sources, logistics, and scheduling factors.
  • Performed monthly reconciliation of open purchasing orders.
  • Achieved cost savings by negotiating contracts and pricing with suppliers.
  • Purchased fabricated parts, and capital equipment for new project.
  • Negotiated contracts, worked on yearly rebates, and cost savings.
  • Maintained vendor score card every 6 month Working with R&D, engineering, plant manager, quality and sales on new product releases and new materials trials Import/Export of raw materials to our other plant locations.
  • Approved inventory adjustments and worked on invoices issues with accounting.
  • Established long-term agreements with strategic suppliers, securing favorable pricing and delivery terms.
  • Implemented strategic sourcing initiatives, reducing overall purchasing costs.
  • Optimized inventory levels by implementing demand forecasting techniques and just-in-time purchasing strategies.
  • Analyzed market trends and adjusted procurement strategies accordingly for optimal results.
  • Monitored and evaluated vendor performance to determine compliance with quality standards.
  • Evaluated supplier performance through regular audits and assessments, ensuring compliance with quality standards and contractual terms.
  • Conducted regular research to identify trends and cost saving opportunities.
  • Streamlined procurement processes for increased efficiency and reduced lead times.
  • Monitored inventory levels and avoided shortages with timely replenishment of stock.
  • Negotiated pricing and terms with vendors to secure best value for company.
  • Established and maintained accurate records of purchases, pricing and payment terms.
  • Reviewed and approved purchase orders and invoices for accuracy and completeness.
  • Identified opportunities to reduce lead times and improve inventory management.
  • Facilitated resolution of vendor disputes and discrepancies.
  • Reduced costs by streamlining contract bidding and procurement processes to assure best prices for materials and services.

Material Manager

Samuel Strapping Systems
Fort Mill, SC
04.2007 - 09.2014
  • Improved cash flow management by accurately forecasting material requirements based on historical trends and anticipated changes in demand.
  • Collaborated with quality assurance teams to develop robust inspection processes that reduced instances of non-conforming products being received.
  • Fostered a culture of continuous improvement within the team by regularly soliciting feedback and encouraging open communication.
  • Managed budget allocation effectively by monitoring expenditures closely and identifying cost-saving measures where possible.
  • Collaborated with production teams to ensure timely availability of materials, minimizing production delays.
  • Enhanced inventory accuracy by implementing an advanced tracking system and conducting regular audits.
  • Identified opportunities for process improvements through regular reviews of existing systems and workflows.
  • Conducted root-cause analyses to identify recurring issues within the supply chain, recommending corrective actions to prevent future occurrences.
  • Implemented a centralized purchasing system, resulting in cost savings and improved visibility of expenditures.
  • Established strong relationships with suppliers to negotiate better pricing and delivery terms.
  • Optimized warehouse layout for improved accessibility, reducing time spent locating materials.
  • Coordinated cross-functional teams to resolve supply chain disruptions and minimize impact on operations.
  • Increased transparency of material movements by implementing real-time reporting tools accessible to relevant stakeholders.
  • Developed comprehensive inventory reports for upper management, facilitating informed decision-making.
  • Managed material flow through plants across global markets in support of lean manufacturing operations and measured cost management.
  • Monitored inventory levels and avoided shortages with timely replenishment of stock.
  • Negotiated pricing and terms with vendors to secure best value for company.
  • Reviewed and approved purchase orders and invoices for accuracy and completeness.
  • Established and maintained accurate records of purchases, pricing and payment terms.
  • Generated reports on purchasing activities to support management decisions.
  • Analyzed market and delivery systems to assess present and future materials availability.

Purchasing Agent

Britax Child Safety Distribution and Assembly Center
Charlotte, NC
10.2005 - 12.2006
  • Assist with purchases of fabric, plastics seat mold, hardware, and other material for different baby seats models.
  • Worked with engineering, and quality on returns, new products trial runs.
  • Assist corporate attorney prepare documents to take in front of congress to have new seat model design approved.
  • Contributed to positive work environment through collaboration, professional development, and open communication among team members.
  • Communicated with vendors regarding inventory needs and negotiated prices to maintain profit margins.
  • Maintained complete documentation and records of all purchasing activities.
  • Ensured timely delivery of materials through effective planning and coordination with suppliers.
  • Negotiated policies and contracts with vendors to achieve optimal pricing and consistent availability.
  • Reduced lead times by implementing strategic inventory management practices.
  • Tracked inventory shipments and prepared spreadsheets detailing item information.
  • Determined lowest possible cost, factoring in quality, and reliability and negotiated favorable contracts.
  • Performed monthly reconciliation of open purchasing orders.

Senior Buyer

Aksys Inc
Gastonia
05.2002 - 09.2005
  • Overseeing purchasing, shipping, and receiving department
  • Negotiated long, - short term contracts, yearly rebates vendors.
  • Maintained vendor score card every 6 months.
  • Work with employees on inventory cycle counts, approve all inventory adjustments, invoices issues, and purchase orders.
  • Providing monthly reports to US, and Germany, and providing EPA report monthly, and yearly to Gaston County.
  • Material being purchased PVC, EDPM, EVA, PE, PPO, explosive and non-explosive chemicals, and non-woven fabric.
  • Participated in continuous improvement initiatives, contributing ideas for more effective procurement processes.
  • Developed strong relationships with suppliers, fostering collaboration and mutual growth.
  • Analyzed inventory usage and assessed trends to provide maximum coverage for each time period.
  • Reduced lead times by closely monitoring inventory levels and forecasting demand accurately.
  • Evaluated supplier proposals objectively, selecting partners based on total value rather than just price alone.
  • Collaborated with buyers for special events and seasonal promotions to maintain adequate product stock and drive sales.
  • Communicated with vendors regarding inventory needs and negotiated prices to maintain profit margins.
  • Collaborated with cross-functional teams to identify opportunities for cost reduction and process improvement.
  • Negotiated favorable contracts with suppliers, securing optimal terms and pricing structures.
  • Standardized inventory quarterly reporting and analysis and instituted corrective action for close-outs and out-of-stock items to keep inventory records current.
  • Maintained up-to-date knowledge of industry trends, providing valuable insights to inform purchasing decisions.
  • Identified new suppliers through market research, generating competitive bids for better pricing.


  • Purchased, negotiated materials materials Metal, Steel (Steel Structure), plastics, PVC, PPE, HDPE, PPO, FDA, Chemicals (refrigerated, hazardous chemicals) electronics, electrical, non-woven fabric, wood,
  • (PPAP's automotive), material deviations, (RMA, return authorizations)
  • ISO/TS 16949, ISO 9001-2015, ANSI.
  • Monthly EPA reports.

Education

Associate of Applied Science - Business Administration And Management

Asheville Buncombe Technical College
Asheville, NC
05.1998

Skills

  • Vendor Relationship Management - Purchase Order Management - Computer Skills: -Supplier Relationship Management - Supply Chain Management - Inventory Coordination - New Vendor Setup - Vendor Sourcing - Contract Negotiation - Logistics Coordination - Cost Reduction Project Management - Strategic Planning - Procurement Process Improvement - Vendor evaluation - Spend Analysis - Stakeholder Relationship - Demand forecasting - Bid process - Cost Assessments

Computer Skills: SAP, Windchill, JD Edwards, Sytline, EDI, Microsoft 365

Timeline

Purchasing Manager–Project Manager

System-Logistic
06.2021 - 10.2023

Supply Chain Analyst- Project Manager

Harley Davidson Motor Company
03.2019 - 07.2021

Purchasing/Planning

Consolidated Metco -ConMet
08.2018 - 07.2019

Purchasing Manager

Forbo Siegling, Belting Industry
02.2016 - 08.2018

Material Manager

Samuel Strapping Systems
04.2007 - 09.2014

Purchasing Agent

Britax Child Safety Distribution and Assembly Center
10.2005 - 12.2006

Senior Buyer

Aksys Inc
05.2002 - 09.2005

Associate of Applied Science - Business Administration And Management

Asheville Buncombe Technical College

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Donna Thompson