AYANA MERCHANT
Buffalo Grove,Illinois
Summary
Meticulous and results-driven supply chain enthusiast passionate about optimizing processes, enhancing efficiency, and driving strategic improvements. Proficient in Sage, Microsoft Office Suite, and Google Workspace, leveraging these tools for data analysis, logistics management, inventory control, and operational support. Experienced in procurement, with hands-on knowledge in purchase-to-pay processes and developing sourcing strategies. Eager to bring strong skills in data analytics, inventory management, logistics coordination, supplier relationship management, and effective communication to contribute meaningfully as a Supply Chain Intern.
Overview
2
2
years of professional experience
Work History
Career and Job Placement Intern
College of Lake County
Grayslake, Illinois
10.2023 - Current
- Project Leadership: Led projects to update handbooks and design training and marketing materials, ensuring clear communication and streamlined processes for end-users. This demonstrates your ability to lead process improvement initiatives, a key aspect of S&OP.
- Compliance Frameworks: Ensured adherence to educational compliance frameworks by developing structured processes and materials, supporting high standards and regulatory alignment.
- Mentoring & Onboarding: Mentored and onboarded students, guiding them through application processes and offering support to ensure smooth integration.
- Organizational & Communication Skills: Demonstrated organizational and communication skills by managing multiple priorities and effectively engaging with team members at all levels.
- Application Development & Digital Transformation: Developed a prototype application for college students and contributed to digital transformation projects, showcasing adaptability to new technology and innovation.
Brand Manager and Strategist
SFT Energy Group
Centurion, South Africa
11.2022 - 07.2023
- Brand Strategy (market research & analysis, brand architecture, positioning & reporting media statistics)
- Event Management (sourcing; venues, caterers, decorators as well as all costing, budget allocation & implementation responsibility)
- Physical Branding (sourcing PPE, distributing nationally, signage sourcing & installation)
- Business - to - Business (B-2-B) Management (vendors, suppliers, products, deadlines, communication etc.)
- Marketing & Sales Support (aggregating data, presenting strategy, campaign support)
Junior Operations Assistant
Corporate Mall
Johannesburg, South Africa
06.2022 - 11.2022
- Financial Management (all customer invoicing, quotes, purchase order & requisition management, account reconciliation)
- E-Commerce Management (stock management, website development, survey management)
- Account Management (customer feedback, stakeholder input & engagement, project scope and management)
- Corporate Gifting & Distribution (catalogue management, sourcing, packaging, and distributing to employees nationally)
- Project Co-ordination (updating trackers, inter-company liaison, leading feedback sessions)
- Operational Co-ordination (warehouse relationship management, inbound & outbound)
- Brand Development (aggregating products & services in line with market/customer trends)
- General Administration (any ad-hoc tasks in achieving project deadlines)
Education
Associate in Applied Science - Supply Chain
College of Lake County
Grayslake, Illinois06-2026
Bachelors of Commerce - Strategic Brand Management
Vega Independant Institute of Education
Johannesburg, South AfricaSkills
- Supply Chain Management: Procurement, Inventory Control, Sourcing Strategy, Purchase Order Management
- Data Analysis: Proficient in Sage, Microsoft Excel, Google Sheets
- Lean Manufacturing: Knowledge of process improvements and lean principles
- Project Management: Experience in managing logistics, budgets, and cross-functional teams
- Interpersonal & Communication skills: Strong verbal and written communication skills; experience in stakeholder engagement and team leadership
- Technical Skills: Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite, Google Workspace, and data analytics tools
- Critical Thinking and Problem Solving
- Fluent in English and Afrikaans/Dutch Basic Understanding of Portuguese and French
Languages
English
Native/ Bilingual
Afrikaans
Native/ Bilingual
Dutch
Professional
Portuguese
Limited
French
Limited
Global Exposure
- Having lived and worked in both South Africa and the United States, I bring a unique adaptability to diverse cultural contexts and a keen understanding of international market dynamics. My exposure to these distinct environments has enhanced my ability to engage with global perspectives and tailor strategies for diverse client needs, making me well-suited for companies with a global reach.
Accomplishments
- Received an award for girls soccer as well as captaincy
- Provincial Netball Colours
- Being selected out of a number of candidates to represent South Africa as an International Peer Mentor
Affiliations
- Design capabilities on Canva and Adobe
- Sage 500 Experience
- First Aid NQFL1
- Junior Financial Management Certification
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Career and Job Placement Intern
College of Lake County
10.2023 - Current
Brand Manager and Strategist
SFT Energy Group
11.2022 - 07.2023
Junior Operations Assistant
Corporate Mall
06.2022 - 11.2022
Associate in Applied Science - Supply Chain
College of Lake County
Bachelors of Commerce - Strategic Brand Management
Vega Independant Institute of Education
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