Summary
Overview
Work History
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Candaca Burns

Procurement Specialist
Edgewater,Maryland

Summary

Experienced and adaptable Purchasing Professional, with strong communication skills and a proven ability to work both independently and collaboratively. Known for a strong sense of accountability and urgency in managing supplier, vendor, and internal stakeholder relationships. Skilled in sourcing materials, optimizing procurement processes, and ensuring timely, cost-effective delivery of goods. Committed to supporting high-quality production through effective sourcing, negotiation, and supplier relationship management, while contributing to long-term organizational success.

Overview

17
17
years of professional experience

Work History

Buyer

PERI Formwork Systems, Inc.
01.2024 - 08.2025
  • Create, enter, and manage multiple purchase orders in the ERP system based on internal and external requirements across seven U.S. locations, ensuring accurate, timely procurement of materials and uninterrupted production flow in compliance with procurement policies.
  • Collaborate with internal departments and external vendors to ensure order accuracy, resolve lead time and material availability issues, and drive on-time delivery through proactive supplier communication and performance monitoring.
  • Adjust and reschedule purchase orders as necessary, including expediting urgent items to meet shifting priorities and deadlines.
  • Coordinate supplier RFQs for both custom-fabricated (steel, wood/lumber, foam, etc.) and standard items to support cost-effective sourcing and meet diverse project and operational needs.
  • Ensure all material-related documentation is requested, received, and properly filed.
  • Gather requirements and create annual blanket purchase orders to ensure consistent supply and foster long-term vendor relationships, while collaborating closely with cross-functional departments to align purchasing strategies with operational goals and production demands.
  • Maintain and nurture strong relationships with new and existing suppliers to ensure reliable, high-quality support for production and maintenance needs, while performing various procurement-related tasks and supporting additional duties to drive departmental and organizational success.

Buyer

Airboss Defense Group
03.2022 - 07.2023
  • Analyze purchasing reports and emails for inventory needs, late purchase orders, and urgent needs to prioritize workload.
  • Purchase goods for Production of Shelters and MRO (Maintenance, Repair and Operations) for Jessup location.
  • Strategic Sourcing of domestic and international raw materials using data security measures.
  • Request Quotes, place Purchase Orders within lead time requirements to meet production and customer need by dates, follow up on orders for timely delivery, late deliveries and provide updates to necessary internal customers as well as update ERP System.
  • Work closely with Materials Planner, Engineering and Receiving for material needs, discrepancies, NCR’s (Non-Conformance Report) and ECR’s (Engineering Change Request).
  • Attend Sales and Engineering Project Start-up Meetings and provide BOM (Bill of Material) information as required and update ERP System.
  • Maintain, nurture, and build existing and new Supplier business relationships for production and maintenance needs.

Purchasing Associate

Federal Resources
03.2018 - 02.2022
  • Generate purchasing reports and prioritize workload.
  • Develop and maintain strong relationships with suppliers and internal departments.
  • Follow up with suppliers to determine delivery dates, project schedules and impending issues, effectively communicating to ensure customer expectations and minimize organizational impact, updating ERP system.
  • Interface with appropriate colleagues to ensure purchase order closure.
  • Create purchase orders as required.

Production Manager

Compass Languages
05.2016 - 01.2018
  • Receive customer requests, manage reoccurring assignments, and organize workflow to meet specifications and deadlines.
  • Contact and negotiate rates with appropriate Interpreters.
  • Maintain all project information in Compass databases (Salesforce, QuickBooks, Office 365).
  • Ensure efficient collaboration between relevant departments.

Order Fulfillment Associate

HD Supply
09.2012 - 08.2015
  • Compile builder/customer flooring selections, spreadsheets and floor plans for each scheduled installation.
  • Calculate material totals for ordering and billing, proof for accuracy prior to submitting to the purchasing department.
  • Prepare floor plans for project manager.
  • Complete monthly reports from Sales and Management.

Flooring and Decor Sales Associate

The Home Depot
03.2008 - 06.2012
  • Provide fast, friendly, and enthusiastic service by actively seeking customers and providing information on product features and related items.
  • Maintain in-stock conditions, follow all safety policies and standards, complete specified safety training, immediately correct hazards and unsafe conditions.
  • Assist with special order and installation sales, cutting keys, rope, wire, blinds, carpet, wood and mixing paint.

Skills

  • Purchase order management
  • Multi-tasking strength
  • Relationship building
  • Materials sourcing
  • Customer service
  • Negotiation
  • Purchasing strategy
  • Vendor relations
  • Delivery management
  • Vendor coordination
  • Supplier oversight
  • Vendor vetting
  • Ordering and purchasing
  • Procurement procedures

Timeline

Buyer

PERI Formwork Systems, Inc.
01.2024 - 08.2025

Buyer

Airboss Defense Group
03.2022 - 07.2023

Purchasing Associate

Federal Resources
03.2018 - 02.2022

Production Manager

Compass Languages
05.2016 - 01.2018

Order Fulfillment Associate

HD Supply
09.2012 - 08.2015

Flooring and Decor Sales Associate

The Home Depot
03.2008 - 06.2012

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Candaca BurnsProcurement Specialist