Casey Benz
Marcellus,New York
Summary
Procurement professional with expertise in sourcing and supplier engagement for new product development. Proven ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance inventory management and implement process improvements. Achievements include ensuring timely delivery of goods while achieving significant cost reductions.
Overview
27
27
years of professional experience
Work History
NPI-Senior Buyer
NOVANTA Corporation
09.2023 - Current
- Managed sourcing and supplier engagement for new product development programs from concept to ramp-up.
- Sourced materials and components for new product launches, coordinated engineering and manufacturing teams to ensure alignment on project goals.
- Collaborated with engineering, program management, quality, and operations to build costed BOMs and mitigate risks during product development.
- Implemented automation tools and developed sourcing strategies to streamline procurement processes and enhance operational efficiency.
- Inventory Management: Ensure timely delivery of goods and services, manage inventory levels, and support cost reduction initiatives.
- Cross-Functional Meetings: Participate in meetings with management and support functions to ensure project execution.
- This role requires strong communication skills, adaptability, and a deep understanding of procurement principles.
Production Planner/Senior Buyer
INFICON Inc.
02.2021 - 09.2023
- At INFICON, as a planner my focus is to implement and drive the production schedule to ensure an optimization of production resources to meet market needs, customer delivery and lead time requirements for my specific Line.
- Aligned supply and demand across production areas to ensure clear direction and visibility.
- As a planner, I collaborated with manufacturing to expedite operations and minimize impact on customers.
- Monitored and communicated current capacity to provide lead-times for new opportunities, establish standard lead-time for products, and ensure data integrity of SAP system.
- I am Accountable for key performance indicators that measure plan and schedule execution and drive implementation of action plans.
- I actively participate, identify and lead continuous improvement projects.
- Collaborated with purchasing, production development, operations, product centers, R&D, and project management to influence and attain executable plans.
Senior Buyer
Xylem Inc.
01.2019 - 02.2021
- Oversaw purchase orders and conducted contract negotiations to support company cost-saving initiatives.
- Managed projects and supplier relationships to ensure alignment with organizational goals at Xylem.
- Maintained metrics for on-time delivery and performance tracking.
- The buyer led the meetings to completion.
- The buyer provides information to QA, product Engineering, along with sustaining Engineering on tasks for upcoming items that need each department's input.
Senior Buyer
Saab Defense and Security LLC.
East Syracuse, NY
05.2017 - 01.2019
- At Saab I negotiate price, delivery and terms and conditions of purchased items.
- Obtained and evaluated quotes to ensure competitive pricing.
- Analyze cost/price factors for pre-award and post-award actions for purchases.
- Identified and qualified potential suppliers to expand sourcing options.
- Coordinate RMA (Return Material Authorization) with suppliers.
- Reviewed technical drawings to ensure compliance with specifications.
- Communicated verbally and in writing with internal and external customers.
- Effectively use problem solving skills and analytical thinking.
- Understanding of the FAR and DFAR, processes and procedures with capability to drive improvements.
Material Planner
JADAK LLC
North Syracuse, NY
08.2014 - 05.2017
- Updated and maintained material forecasts and master schedule monthly to reflect changes in demand and material availability.
- Collaborated with sales team and production planner to ensure material sourcing aligned with current customer forecasts and production master scheduling.
- Coordinated with sourcing to adjust material forecasts and master scheduling in response to demand fluctuations.
Buyer
JADAK LLC
North Syracuse, NY
08.2012 - 05.2017
- Maintain Material Request planning within our ERP system.
- Schedule materials for production build’s in a timely manner.
- Managed materials from Honeywell, Motorola, and Intermec, ensuring alignment with production needs.
- Maintained strong vendor relationships to ensure steady material flow and negotiate pricing for cost control throughout the year.
- Support sales, production, and engineering through the sales app., QF47 app., and the Prototype app.
- Requested timely quotes from vendors for upcoming engineering and production builds to support project timelines.
Costumer Support Specialist
AXA Equitable
Syracuse, NY
08.2010 - 08.2012
- Delivered optimal, prompt, and accurate responses and services to Financial Advisors at all times.
- Proactively responded to AXA Advisors' inquiries about in-force policies, ensuring timely updates on status and activity.
- Processed incoming policy conversion requests, providing regular status updates to Financial Advisors on conversion activities.
- Maintained positive relationships with carrier representatives to expedite problem resolution for in-force business.
Customer Support Specialist
ComDoc Inc.
East Syracuse, NY
07.2007 - 08.2010
- Supported sales by leading product demos and participating in sales calls, troubleshooting network issues, and training customers on new and refurbished hardware to enhance customer understanding.
- Researched current software solutions for customers and sales team to identify optimal options and improve service delivery.
- Managed customer meter read data using Excel spreadsheets.
- Displayed PowerPoint slides during demos and created study sheets and tests in Microsoft Word to facilitate effective training.
Machine Operator & Assembly Line Worker
Magna Drive Train (New Process Gear)
East Syracuse, NY
04.1999 - 06.2006
- Performed manual and mechanical assembly and troubleshot production problems.
- Operated machinery and equipment for automotive component production.
- Monitored production processes to ensure quality standards were met.
- Conducted routine maintenance on machines to maintain optimal performance.
Education
Bachelor of Arts Degree - Communications
Oswego State University
Oswego, NY05-2005
Associates Degree - Humanities
Onondaga Community College
Syracuse, NY05-2003
Skills
- Data analysis
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Word
- Interpersonal communication
- Relationship building
- Active listening
- Persuasive communication
References
Available upon request.
Activities
- Oswego State University, Varsity Baseball Team. 2004., Intramural Softball League. 2005.
- Onondaga Community College, Varsity Baseball Team. 2003, 2004.
Timeline
NPI-Senior Buyer
NOVANTA Corporation
09.2023 - Current
Production Planner/Senior Buyer
INFICON Inc.
02.2021 - 09.2023
Senior Buyer
Xylem Inc.
01.2019 - 02.2021
Senior Buyer
Saab Defense and Security LLC.
05.2017 - 01.2019
Material Planner
JADAK LLC
08.2014 - 05.2017
Buyer
JADAK LLC
08.2012 - 05.2017
Costumer Support Specialist
AXA Equitable
08.2010 - 08.2012
Customer Support Specialist
ComDoc Inc.
07.2007 - 08.2010
Machine Operator & Assembly Line Worker
Magna Drive Train (New Process Gear)
04.1999 - 06.2006
Bachelor of Arts Degree - Communications
Oswego State University
Associates Degree - Humanities
Onondaga Community College