Benjamin M. Cropper

Responsible for eight prograde trailer manufacturing facilities located in four domestic states and one located in Mexico.

• Reduced working capital from $66M to $54M by streamlining best ordering practices, implementation of forecasting to suppliers tied to SIOP.
• Led cross functional teams that lead to inventory accuracy increase from 73% (January/2024) to 97% (July/2024)
• Developed and implemented an integrated S&OP framework, improving forecasting by 25%, resulting in reduced surplus stock.
• Led cross functional team to optimize inventory management, reducing holding costs by $500,000 annually.
• Trained staff members on the disciplines of the 8D model of problem solving.
• Introduced process improvements leveraging Six Sigma methodology, increasing supply chain efficiency by 30% within one year.
• Collaborated with suppliers using integration tools to enhance coordination, decreasing lead times by 20%.
• Implemented a critical parts / Kanban card system to identify shortages proactively to protect the production line needs.
• Mentored and trained a team of 15, elevating overall performance by 20% as reflected in quarterly evaluations.
• Designed comprehensive demand and capacity modeling strategies, enabling he acquisition of new business accounts worth $5 million.

Oversaw the entire supply chain network for a tier-1 supplier for Volkswagen.

• Managed a team of 10, consisting of buyers, inventory analyst, warehouse manager, and BOM analyst.
• Cultivated relationships with key suppliers, enhancing supply chain resilience by expanding vendor supply base by 15%.
• Developed supplier scorecards and KPI metrics, improving vendor performance evaluation and accountability by 20%.
• Conducted risk assessments and contingency planning, minimizing supply destructions and securing critical supplies during peak periods.
• Coordinated with production units to ensure alignment of supply schedules with manufacturing goals, achieving 98% on-time delivery rate.
• Collaborated with logistics teams to optimize transportation routes, achieving a 12% reduction in freight costs.
• Implemented warehouse management system (WMS) resulting in a reduction in stockouts by 40%.

Tier-1 manufacturing supplier for Volkswagen

• Optimized logistics operations, achieving a 10% increase in delivery efficiency through strategic planning and execution.
• Implemented data-driven strategies, enhancing the accuracy of logistics forecasts and contributing to a $2M reduction in costs.
• Facilitated continuous improvement initiatives, focusing on transportation optimization and resulting in enhanced service levels.
• Streamlined inventory management processes, improving the forecast accuracy by 30% and reducing stockouts and overages.
• Implemented a new Materials Requirement Planning (MRP) system which improved manufacturing efficiency by 20%.
• Reduced procurement costs by negotiating supplier contracts, saving the company an estimated $500k annually.
• Enhanced logistics management, decreasing transportation costs by 15% through strategic sourcing and vendor management.

Tier-1 manufacturing supplier for Ford and GM

• Led team to redesign logistics networks, achieving a 20% reduction in transportation costs by optimizing routes and scheduling.
• Implemented advanced analytics tools, increasing forecast accuracy by 15% and resulting in a more efficient inventory management system.
• Spearheaded strategic supply chain initiatives, improving network capacity and driving a 25% increase in throughput.
• Developed and managed cross-functional programs, leading to a 30% reduction in inefficiencies by leveraging lean processes at scale.
• Established partnerships with key stakeholders to facilitate agreements that enhanced the integration of logistics operations.
• Monitored key performance indicators (KPI) to ensure smooth flow of goods, leading to a 10% improvement in customer experience.
• Chief Kaizen facilitator for multiple locations, leading to the increase in production efficiency by 35%.

Tier-1 manufacturing supplier for Honda of America

• Reduced supply chain costs by 15% through strategic negotiations with suppliers and implementation of lean inventory management practices, resulting in annual savings of over $2M in the P&L.
• Streamlined the procurement process by implementing an automated purchasing system, leading to a 25% reduction in order processing time and a 10% increase in on-time delivery rates for critical materials.
• Developed and executed a comprehensive inventory optimization plan, which led to a 20% reduction in excess and obsolete stock, freeing up $1.5M in working capital and improving warehouse efficiency.

Honda OEM facility

• Responsible for coordinating and key contact with external service providers, i.e., 3PL’s, Carriers, FTZ management provider for import and export activity
• Have understanding of and utilize the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) for export control
• Receive electronic import shipment notifications; Prepare and issue import instructions to brokers (BIL) for the release of goods by customs
• Assist local and corporate IEG with managing our SOP and ensuring the adherence to it by our approved brokers
• Provide instruction to shipping and freight forwarders for the export of goods
• Provide the classification of goods, vehicles, test equipment, research equipment, personal effects (Expatriate transitions), samples or any other item shipped from country-country using the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and/or Schedule B by means of lookup and research; Prepare electronic support packets to support generated classifications
• Determine the ECCN of exported goods through similar methodology and include in the electronic support packets
• Maintain HTS logs for quick reference
• Maintain/generate all records including but not limited to daily import and export transaction logs, liquidation notices and entry verification notices
• Spearheaded the development and introduction of new airfreight services which captured an additional market segment and contributed to a 35,000-ton increase in annual handled cargo.

Tier-2 manufacturing supplier for Honda of America

• Supervise purchasing and planning teams while ensuring optimal inventory levels are maintained.
• Developed and monitored the master production schedule, aligning it with finished goods target leading to a 99% on-time delivery result.
• Enforced compliance with corporate procedures, facilitating continuous improvement initiatives.
• Collaborate with underperforming suppliers to establish corrective action plans and recovery schedules.
• Enhanced the integrity of the inventory management system through user training and standardized practices.
• Coordinate engineering changes and phase-outs, ensuring seamless transitions across department. This led to a reduction in obsolete material by 35%.
• Redesigned purchasing functions, elevating standards, writing standard operating procedures (SOP) to better support operational needs.

Managed the procurement function for a tier-1 supplier of Honda, ensuring efficient sourcing of goods and services.

• Negotiated contracts and service agreements with suppliers, resulting in a 12% cost savings.
• Developed strategies for global supplier performance monitoring, improving supplier quality and delivery time.
• Implemented relevant training programs, enhancing the capabilities and efficiency of the procurement team.
• Forecasted price trends and predicted their impact on the organization, enabling proactive cost management.
• Maintained secure and compliant contract files, ensuring legal and regulatory requirements were met.
• Collaborated with cross-functional teams to identify and implement cost reduction initiatives, achieving a 8% reduction in procurement expenses.