Andrew Ickes
Summary
Lean driven professional with expertise in contract negotiation and inventory management. Demonstrated success in revamping ERP systems, inventory reduction, and contract negotiations.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
Work History
Customer Service Representative - On Site Manager
Vallen Distribution Inc.
Davenport, IA
08.2025 - Current
- Lead and oversee MRO procurement operations to support current and forecasted customer demand while aligning with organizational purchasing strategies.
- Direct purchase requisitions and vendor purchase orders, managing delivery optimization through expediting and de-expediting decisions.
- Evaluate, select, and manage supplier relationships to ensure compliance with quality, cost, specifications, and service-level expectations.
- Monitor supplier performance, product quality, and order accuracy; resolve delivery issues, damaged goods, and accounts payable discrepancies.
- Drive cost-savings initiatives, ensure adherence to company and customer SOPs, and maintain high standards of operational excellence and professionalism.
PURCHASING MANAGER - SUPPLY CHAIN, PLANNER, & INVENTORY
BELLOTA AGRISOLUTIONS & TOOLS USA
Rock Island, IL
12.2022 - 06.2025
- Managed forecasts and procurement for steel and MRO materials, utilizing the CRU pricing index.
- Revamped ERP, MRP, and receiving systems to enhance ordering and inventory accuracy for over 5,000 SKUs.
- Implemented lean programs that reduced inventory from 17.5 million to 4 million within 18 months.
- Generated weekly production plans for four manufacturing areas, with 60 personnel.
- Maintained supplier and customer contracts, ensuring strict adherence to terms and conditions.
- Designed alternate supply chains to support business strategies adapted to changing market conditions, new business opportunities, and cost reduction strategies.
- Partnered closely with manufacturing, production, sales, and senior leadership teams to ensure uninterrupted material flow and on-time production.
- Oversaw ISO 9001 recertification processes for the Purchasing and Shipping Departments.
SENIOR ASSOCIATE - SUPPLY CHAIN - ORDER DELIVERY SPECIALIST
ARCONIC
Davenport, IA
06.2022 - 11.2022
- Established structured communication channels with supply chain, manufacturing, and shipping to prioritize impactful products for customer delivery.
- Implemented performance enhancement plans by intensifying focus on downstream production centers.
- Designed responsive procedures to address urgent customer requirements and coordinated actions with internal and external operating departments.
PURCHASING & SUPPLIER COORDINATOR
SUPERIOR BEVERAGE
Glenwillow, Ohio
04.2016 - 05.2022
- Managed over 2,500 SKUs from 70 suppliers, contributing to $250 million in revenue across multiple locations.
- Reviewed sales data to ensure products being sold adhered to state and county laws, and contracts.
- Monitored product pricing and availability, increasing gross profit margin, and reducing inventory.
- Collaborated with operations, pricing, and sales departments to optimize business performance.
- Created daily reviews of inventory and sales for senior-level management.
INVENTORY AND PURCHASING MANAGER
AKRON ZOOLIGICAL PARK
Akron, OH
02.2014 - 04.2016
- Executed contracts and purchase orders for $2 million in operations.
- Redesigned inventory procedures and updated tracking software to improve efficiency.
- Lead green initiative projects, resulting in a four-star certification rating for food service.
- Negotiated contracts with vendors to secure favorable terms and pricing.
- Managed and scheduled a staff of over 100 employees during the peak season.
EXECUTIVE CHEF & ACCOUNT MANAGER
PARKHURST DINING SERVICES
Cleveland, OH
09.2009 - 02.2014
- Oversaw inventory management, ordering, sales, hiring, training, and payroll for $5 million accounts.
- Created purchasing and sourcing programs to use locally grown food, environmentally friendly chemicals, and recyclable containers.
- Achieved annual reductions of 3% in food, labor, and overhead costs through detailed analysis.
- Implemented cost-control measures to optimize efficiency and reduce waste.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Management
INTERNATIONAL CULINARY SCHOOL AT ART INSTITUTE OF PITTSBURGH
06.2009
Skills
- Lean Manufacturing and Purchasing
- Supplier Relationship Management
- Contract Negotiation and Review
- Demand Forecasting
- Inventory Management
- KPI & Supplier Performance Metrics
- Cost Analysis & Budget
- Materials Requirements Planning (MRP)
- Sales and operations planning (S&OP)
- Just-In-Time Purchasing & Planning
- Lean Six Sigma Methodologies
- Continuous Improvement
Timeline
Customer Service Representative - On Site Manager
Vallen Distribution Inc.
08.2025 - Current
PURCHASING MANAGER - SUPPLY CHAIN, PLANNER, & INVENTORY
BELLOTA AGRISOLUTIONS & TOOLS USA
12.2022 - 06.2025
SENIOR ASSOCIATE - SUPPLY CHAIN - ORDER DELIVERY SPECIALIST
ARCONIC
06.2022 - 11.2022
PURCHASING & SUPPLIER COORDINATOR
SUPERIOR BEVERAGE
04.2016 - 05.2022
INVENTORY AND PURCHASING MANAGER
AKRON ZOOLIGICAL PARK
02.2014 - 04.2016
EXECUTIVE CHEF & ACCOUNT MANAGER
PARKHURST DINING SERVICES
09.2009 - 02.2014
Bachelor of Science - Management
INTERNATIONAL CULINARY SCHOOL AT ART INSTITUTE OF PITTSBURGH