CANDI TAYLOR
Los Angeles,CA
Summary
Strategic Purchasing and Supply Chain professional with 7+ years of progressive experience managing multimillion-dollar procurement portfolios across cosmetics, retail, and consumer goods industries. Proven leader in vendor negotiations, contract manufacturing oversight, inventory optimization, and cross-functional execution. Demonstrated success improving fill rates (69% to 90%+), increasing on-time delivery performance by 30%, and managing $11.5M+ in annual spend. Recognized for driving operational efficiencies, strengthening supplier partnerships, and leading teams in high-growth, launch-intensive environments.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
Work History
Assistant Manager, Purchasing
Kosas Cosmetics
El Segundo, CA
01.2023 - Current
- Increased fill rates from 69% to 90%+, significantly improving product availability and reducing stockout risk.
- Scaled purchase order volume by 25% year-over-year while maintaining cost controls and service levels.
- Improved supplier on-time delivery performance by 30% through structured performance reviews and KPI tracking.
- Oversaw high-volume purchase order creation and revisions, ensuring accurate, on-time supply execution.
- Lead procurement operations across 47 contract manufacturers managing 2,000+ SKUs (finished goods and components).
- Audited vendor invoices against purchase orders, preventing financial leakage and protecting margin integrity.
- Led recurring contract manufacturer meetings to review open orders, forecasts, and mitigate supply risks.
Supply Chain Specialist
Beach House Group (BÉIS)
El Segundo, CA
02.2022 - 01.2023
- Issued purchase orders while balancing inventory across global warehouse locations to support demand fulfillment.
- Developed replenishment strategies to maximize sales performance and inventory turnover.
- Coordinated global logistics for ocean freight bookings, domestic transfers, and 3PL operations to streamline product delivery.
- Managed end-to-end product flow from factories to global distribution centers and retail partners.
- Led inventory synchronization efforts for global launches, restocks, and seasonal initiatives.
- Ensured supplier compliance with SLAs and quality standards to meet delivery timelines and maintain operational efficiency.
- Partnered cross-functionally with Marketing, Sales, Customer Service, and Planning teams to align operational execution.
Order Management Specialist
Sugarfina LLC
El Segundo, CA
08.2021 - 02.2022
- Contributed to 30% company growth through operational and process improvements.
- Executed sales orders, ensuring alignment with customer requirements and timely fulfillment.
- Prioritized fulfillment for distribution partners and resolved complex logistics issues.
- Negotiated MOQs, lead times, and shipping schedules with manufacturers to enhance service levels.
- Streamlined corporate gifting processes, improving internal coordination and execution efficiency.
- Developed and distributed detailed status reports to keep business stakeholders informed.
Buyer
Lakeshore Learning Materials
Carson, CA
06.2018 - 07.2021
- Managed 112 domestic and international vendors and 2,000+ purchase orders annually, supporting $11.5M in sales revenue.
- Sourced raw materials, components, packaging, and finished goods, ensuring uninterrupted supply for production.
- Negotiated pricing, lead times, MOQs, and delivery terms to optimize cost structure and inventory flow.
- Maintained optimal inventory levels through proactive replenishment planning.
- Analyzed supplier performance metrics, enhancing accountability and elevating service levels.
- Resolved invoicing discrepancies in partnership with Accounting to safeguard margin integrity.
- Managed centralized master data for SKU setup, pricing, and product attributes, maintaining ERP accuracy.
Purchasing Specialist
Dermstore
El Segundo, CA
01.2016 - 05.2018
- Managed 300 vendors and 600+ SKUs across multiple product categories.
- Generated purchase orders to align inventory with demand forecasting algorithms.
- Monitored backorders, stock levels, and lead time variances to ensure timely product availability.
- Resolved overdue deliveries and maintained accurate ETA updates within ERP systems.
- Coordinated shipments and delivery of promotional and deal-site orders.
- Communicated vendor promotions and pricing opportunities to Merchandising teams to optimize purchasing decisions.
Education
Business Management
California State University, Northridge
Northridge, CASkills
- Strategic Procurement & Spend Management
- Vendor Negotiation & Contract Management
- Inventory optimization
- Vendor management
- KPI tracking
- KPI Development & Performance Tracking
- Cost Control & Margin Protection
- SKU & BOM Management
- Global Logistics & 3PL Coordination
- ERP Systems (NetSuite)
- NetSuite ERP
- Microsoft Office Suite
- Inventory control
- Contract negotiation
- Cosmetic procurement
Timeline
Assistant Manager, Purchasing
Kosas Cosmetics
01.2023 - Current
Supply Chain Specialist
Beach House Group (BÉIS)
02.2022 - 01.2023
Order Management Specialist
Sugarfina LLC
08.2021 - 02.2022
Buyer
Lakeshore Learning Materials
06.2018 - 07.2021
Purchasing Specialist
Dermstore
01.2016 - 05.2018
Business Management
California State University, Northridge