CARI GOWIN
Ringgold,GA
Summary
Dynamic and detail-oriented Project Manager with over twenty years of proven experience in office management, team leadership, and operational improvement. Skilled in leveraging extensive knowledge of office operations to streamline administrative processes, enhance productivity, and improve overall efficiency. Proficient in Microsoft Office, Quickbooks, and Epicor. Currently pursuing a BS in Business Administration at the University of Phoenix, with a focus on Supply Chain and Operations Management.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
Work History
Buyer
Card Monroe Corporation
01.2023 - Current
- Manage procurement processes, including the selection and negotiation with suppliers to ensure cost-effective purchasing decisions.
- Built long-term supplier relationships with vendors to establish quality and competitive pricing.
- Collaborated with internal departments to better understand needs and determine purchasing requirements.
- Reduced procurement costs through strategic sourcing, competitive bidding, and effective negotiations.
- Developed strong relationships with suppliers to secure favorable pricing terms and conditions for the company''s benefit.
- Maintained complete documentation and records of all purchasing activities.
- Communicated with vendors regarding inventory needs and negotiated prices to maintain profit margins.
- Maintained key item stock levels and wrote or expedited purchase orders.
Office Manager
Card Monroe Corporation
05.2017 - 01.2023
- Acted as the point person for maintenance, mailing, shipping, supplies, equipment, and bills.
- Handled sensitive information with discretion, maintaining confidentiality of company documents and personnel records.
- Provided exceptional customer service when addressing client inquiries or concerns via phone calls or email correspondence.
- Maintained computer and physical filing systems.
- Updated reports, managed accounts, and generated reports for company database.
- Maintained accurate financial records by reconciling accounts payable/receivable transactions regularly to ensure balanced budgets.
- Created, maintained and updated filing systems for paper and electronic documents.
- Developed and maintained successful relationships with vendors, suppliers and contractors.
Project Manager
QLCS
04.2016 - 05.2017
- Managed national client accounts, focusing on commercial lighting distribution for projects worth $1M to $5M.
- Successfully managed multiple projects simultaneously by prioritizing tasks according to urgency, resource availability, and alignment with organizational goals.
- Planned, designed, and scheduled phases for large projects.
- Coordinated cross-functional teams and resolved conflicts, maintaining a positive work environment throughout the project lifecycle.
- Provided detailed project status updates to stakeholders and executive management.
- Developed and initiated projects, managed costs, and monitored performance.
Director of Warehouse Operations and Customer Service
Apparel Sewn Right Inc. / U.S. Cavalry
02.2015 - 04.2016
- Directed operations improving productivity, efficiency, and profitability of corporate and e-commerce distribution channels.
- Coordinated efforts between transportation providers or freight forwarders to secure optimal shipping rates and delivery schedules.
- Facilitated the seamless flow of goods between departments or partner organizations by maintaining clear channels of communication and prompt resolution of any logistical challenges that arose.
- Reduced order processing time with the introduction of new picking and packing strategies.
- Evaluated emerging trends within the warehousing sector, such as advanced software applications or automated equipment solutions, to determine their potential impact on existing operations and implement necessary changes accordingly.
Office Manager
Apparel Sewn Right Inc. / U.S. Cavalry
10.2014 - 02.2015
- Acted as the point person for maintenance, mailing, shipping, supplies, equipment, and bills.
- Handled sensitive information with discretion, maintaining confidentiality of company documents and personnel records.
- Provided exceptional customer service when addressing client inquiries or concerns via phone calls or email correspondence.
- Maintained computer and physical filing systems.
- Updated reports, managed accounts, and generated reports for company database.
- Created, maintained and updated filing systems for paper and electronic documents.
- Developed and maintained successful relationships with vendors, suppliers and contractors.
Executive Administrative Assistant
Apparel Sewn Right Inc. / U.S. Cavalry
09.2013 - 10.2014
- Handled administrative tasks such as expense report processing or invoice reconciliation efficiently; allowing executives to focus on high-priority responsibilities without distraction.
- Coordinated and booked airfare, hotel and ground transportation and prepared itinerary to facilitate successful trips.
- Managed inventory levels for office supplies, reducing waste while guaranteeing availability when needed.
- Responded to emails and other correspondence to facilitate communication and enhance business processes.
- Handled scheduling for executive's calendar and prepared meeting agenda and materials.
- Reviewed incoming communications for urgency or importance; prioritized correspondence accordingly for executive review or action.
- Scheduled appointments promptly, ensuring optimal use of executive time while minimizing conflicts or cancellations.
- Managed budgets and expenses, maintaining financial records for accurate reporting and analysis.
- Scheduled appointments and handled calenders for senior leadership.
- Maintained confidentiality when handling sensitive information, protecting company interests and employee privacy.
Human Resource Director
The Bridge at Monteagle
06.2012 - 10.2013
- Implemented comprehensive HR systems that improved staff retention and satisfaction rates by over 25%.
- Processed employee claims involving performance issues and harassment.
- Maintained human resources regulatory compliance with local, state and federal laws.
- Handled on-boarding process for newly hired employees and distributed all paperwork.
- Directed job fairs to bring in local talent for long term and seasonal positions.
- Streamlined HR processes for increased efficiency and improved service delivery.
- Maintained company compliance with local, state, and federal laws, in addition to established organizational standards.
Administrative Assistant
Universal Technologies Inc.
01.1999 - 05.2012
- Managed multifaceted clerical tasks, including data entry, filing, and records management, supporting government contracting processes.
- Answered multi-line phone system, routing calls, delivering messages to staff and greeting visitors.
- Maintained confidentiality of sensitive information by adhering to strict privacy policies and implementing secure filing systems.
- Assist with the preparation and submission of bids and proposals for government contracts.
- Organize and maintain contract files, correspondence, and document management systems.
- Schedule and coordinate meetings, appointments, and travel arrangements for the contracting team.
- Manage communications with internal teams and external stakeholders, including government agencies.
- Prepare and edit correspondence, communications, presentations, and other documents.
- Handle incoming and outgoing mail, including bid documents and proposals.
- Maintain and replenish office supplies and inventory necessary for efficient office operation.
- Support the contracting team with compliance checks and contract audits.
- Adept at integrating DFAR and FAR clauses into proposal development and contract management.
- Skilled in ensuring compliance with DFAR and FAR clauses in both defense and civilian federal contracts.
Education
BS degree in Business Administration -
University of Phoenix
Phoenix, AZ01.2026
Skills
- Business Acumen: Microeconomics, Business Law and Ethics, Financial Management, Risk Management
- Operations & Supply Chain Management: Supply and Demand, Operations Management, Material Requirements Planning, Procurement, Inventory Management
- Management & Leadership: Business Management, Strategic Planning, Performance Management, Leadership, Employee Development
- Financial Skills: Budgeting, Financial Statements, Forecasting, Fiscal Management, Profit and Loss Management
- Technical Skills: Advanced Analytics, Microsoft Office Suite, Quickbooks, Epicor, Computer Literacy
- Communication & Interpersonal Skills: Business Communication, Interpersonal Communications, Negotiation, Customer Relationship Management
- Human Resource Skills: Training and Development, Human Resource Management, Conflict Resolution, Coaching
- Purchase Order Management
- Multi-tasking strength
- Relationship Building
- Materials sourcing
Websites
References
Available upon request.
Timeline
Buyer
Card Monroe Corporation
01.2023 - Current
Office Manager
Card Monroe Corporation
05.2017 - 01.2023
Project Manager
QLCS
04.2016 - 05.2017
Director of Warehouse Operations and Customer Service
Apparel Sewn Right Inc. / U.S. Cavalry
02.2015 - 04.2016
Office Manager
Apparel Sewn Right Inc. / U.S. Cavalry
10.2014 - 02.2015
Executive Administrative Assistant
Apparel Sewn Right Inc. / U.S. Cavalry
09.2013 - 10.2014
Human Resource Director
The Bridge at Monteagle
06.2012 - 10.2013
Administrative Assistant
Universal Technologies Inc.
01.1999 - 05.2012
BS degree in Business Administration -
University of Phoenix
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