Christopher Suggs
Phenix City,AL
Summary
Accomplished logistics and procurement professional with expertise in supply chain optimization and strategic sourcing at Cherokee Fabrication. Proven track record in reducing costs through effective supplier negotiation and relationship management. Skilled in data analysis and project management, fostering collaboration and efficiency across teams.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
Logistics Coordinator
Cherokee Fabrication
11.2019 - Current
- Coordinated shipment schedules to optimize delivery timelines and reduce transportation costs.
- Managed inventory levels using ERP software, ensuring accurate stock availability for production needs.
- Collaborated with suppliers to finalize purchase orders and resolve discrepancies in shipments.
- Assisted in developing logistics strategies that improved supply chain efficiency and reduced lead times.
- Monitored compliance with safety regulations during transportation and handling of materials.
- Streamlined documentation processes for customs clearance, improving processing times for international shipments.
- Provided training to new team members on logistics procedures and best practices for inventory management.
- Analyzed shipping data to identify trends, leading to informed decisions on routing and carrier selection.
- Tracked orders and notified customers of status or potential delays.
- Trained new employees on logistics procedures, promoting a consistent approach across the team.
- Ensured compliance with industry regulations, reducing the risk of fines or penalties.
- Adapted quickly to unexpected disruptions in the supply chain, developing contingency plans to minimize negative impacts on business operations.
- Coordinated with suppliers to ensure timely delivery of goods, minimizing stockouts.
- Established an effective communication system between departments involved in logistics coordination ensuring seamless information flow.
- Developed relationships with key vendors, securing preferential treatment in pricing and terms negotiation.
- Enhanced supply chain efficiency by optimizing shipping schedules and routes.
- Managed cross-functional teams for efficient project execution and timely completion.
- Improved order accuracy through meticulous data entry and verification processes.
- Reduced transportation costs by negotiating favorable contracts with carriers.
- Implemented a warehouse organization system that increased storage capacity and accessibility.
- Optimized transportation strategies by analyzing route performance data and adjusting plans accordingly.
- Continuously monitored performance metrics, identifying areas for improvement within the logistics process.
- Streamlined shipment processes, resulting in fewer errors and increased customer satisfaction.
- Reduced delivery times to customers by optimizing route planning and scheduling.
- Negotiated contracts with freight carriers to lower transportation costs without compromising service quality.
- Implemented tracking system for inbound and outbound shipments, increasing transparency and reducing lost items.
- Organized back-office support for field operations, contributing to smoother project execution.
- Improved warehouse efficiency by redesigning layout for smoother flow of goods.
- Fostered relationships with vendors to secure better pricing and terms, enhancing profitability.
- Led sustainability initiatives within logistics department, reducing waste and enhancing environmental responsibility.
- Coordinated with suppliers for timely delivery of materials, ensuring continuous production.
- Adapted logistics strategies to meet changing market demands and customer needs swiftly.
Director of Purchasing
Cherokee Fabrication
11.2019 - Current
- Negotiated contracts with suppliers to ensure optimal pricing and quality materials.
- Developed purchasing strategies that aligned with production schedules and inventory needs.
- Analyzed market trends to identify cost-saving opportunities and improve procurement processes.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to streamline supply chain operations and reduce lead times.
- Managed vendor relationships to enhance service levels and product delivery performance.
- Implemented inventory management systems to track stock levels and minimize excess inventory.
- Trained and mentored staff on procurement best practices and compliance standards.
- Evaluated supplier performance regularly to ensure adherence to quality standards and contractual obligations.
- Ensured adherence to company policies, procedures, and ethical standards in all procurement activities.
- Developed strategic sourcing plans to identify potential suppliers and achieve best value for the organization.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to understand their needs and ensure timely delivery of materials.
- Reduced supply chain risks by diversifying the supplier base and implementing contingency plans.
- Achieved cost savings by negotiating contracts and managing supplier relationships.
- Launched training programs for staff members to enhance expertise in purchasing software applications.
- Evaluated new suppliers through a comprehensive qualification process to ensure quality products and services were sourced consistently.
- Championed sustainable sourcing practices, promoting environmentally friendly products and suppliers within the organization.
- Streamlined procurement processes for increased efficiency and reduced purchasing lead times.
- Enhanced supplier performance with regular evaluations, feedback sessions, and improvement plans.
- Improved supplier lead times through collaborative forecasting efforts.
- Conducted market research to stay informed on industry trends, competitor strategies, and emerging technologies in purchasing management.
- Established robust vendor management systems for better communication and tracking performance metrics.
- Managed annual budgets for purchasing activities, ensuring compliance with financial guidelines and targets.
- Spearheaded continuous improvement initiatives, driving process optimization in the procurement department.
- Led a team of procurement professionals, providing mentorship and fostering career development opportunities.
- Sourced vendors, built relationships, and negotiated prices.
- Purchased new products and oversaw inventory stocking and availability.
- Coordinated paperwork, updated spreadsheets, and maintained permanent records.
- Used Software to authorize and monitor purchase orders and consumables.
- Performed monthly reconciliation of open purchasing orders.
- Generated reports, documents and analysis in Software for senior management review and approval.
- Implemented policies to reduce cost and eliminate waste.
- Progressed through various purchasing, warehousing and leadership roles.
- Wrote standard operating procedures for department.
- Adjusted procedures to maximize department effectiveness.
- Monitored and evaluated vendor performance to determine compliance with quality standards.
- Conducted regular research to identify trends and cost saving opportunities.
- Negotiated pricing and terms with vendors to secure best value for company.
- Reviewed and approved purchase orders and invoices for accuracy and completeness.
- Established and maintained accurate records of purchases, pricing and payment terms.
Programming Engineer
Cherokee Fabrication
09.2018 - 11.2019
- Operated CNC machines to fabricate components according to technical specifications.
- Collaborated with team members to optimize production processes and enhance workflow efficiency.
- Conducted quality control inspections to ensure adherence to safety standards and product specifications.
- Assisted in troubleshooting equipment malfunctions, minimizing downtime through effective problem-solving techniques.
- Implemented process improvements that increased production speed while maintaining quality integrity.
- Wrote, reviewed and edited technical document in accordance with template requirements.
Programming Engineer
Kysor Warren
03.2012 - 09.2018
- Operated CNC machines to fabricate components according to technical specifications.
- Collaborated with team members to optimize production processes and enhance workflow efficiency.
- Conducted quality control inspections to ensure adherence to safety standards and product specifications.
- Assisted in troubleshooting equipment malfunctions, minimizing downtime through effective problem-solving techniques.
- Implemented process improvements that increased production speed while maintaining quality integrity.
- Wrote, reviewed and edited technical document in accordance with template requirements.
Education
Associate In Engineering Technology - Engineering Mechanics
Columbus Technical College
Columbus, GACertificate - Business Administration And Management
Columbus Technical College
Columbus, GASkills
- Logistics analysis
- Supplier relationship management
- Negotiation expertise
- Supply chain optimization
- Strategic sourcing
- Global procurement
- E-procurement systems
- Demand forecasting
- Budget planning
- Sustainability practices
- Cost reduction strategies
- Category management
- Purchase order management
- Procurement expertise
- Supplier negotiation
- Operations management
- Efficiency improvement
- Document preparation
- Strategic planning
- Supplier relations
- New vendor setup
- Project management
- Cost controls
- Compliance management
- Inventory coordination
- Data analysis
- Professional demeanor
- Bidding processes
- Quality assurance standards
- Property accountability
- Price negotiation
- Account management
- Budget management
- Stakeholder relations
- Vendor sourcing
- Program coordination
Timeline
Logistics Coordinator
Cherokee Fabrication
11.2019 - Current
Director of Purchasing
Cherokee Fabrication
11.2019 - Current
Programming Engineer
Cherokee Fabrication
09.2018 - 11.2019
Programming Engineer
Kysor Warren
03.2012 - 09.2018
Associate In Engineering Technology - Engineering Mechanics
Columbus Technical College
Certificate - Business Administration And Management
Columbus Technical College
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