Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
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Christopher Widener

Knoxville,TN

Summary

Proven leader in supply chain optimization and team development, I significantly reduced lead times at CarMax by spearheading continuous improvement initiatives. My expertise in vendor relationship management and critical thinking fostered a culture of teamwork and efficiency, driving notable advancements in inventory and procurement processes.

Overview

17
17
years of professional experience

Work History

Inventory Operations Manager

CarMax
06.2022 - Current


  • Maintained strict safety protocols within the warehouse environment ensuring a safe working atmosphere for all employees.
  • Drove continuous improvement initiatives through ongoing analysis of operational processes leading to significant reduction in lead times.
  • Led a team of inventory specialists, providing guidance, support, and performance management to drive success.
  • Promoted a culture of teamwork among inventory staff encouraging open communication channels for better problem-solving abilities.
  • Coordinated transportation logistics for inbound shipments from 3rd party transporters while minimizing delays or disruptions.
  • Collaborated with purchasing and production to maintain levels of quality and on-hand inventory.
  • Developed and implemented policies and procedures for inventory management.

Buyer

CarMax
02.2017 - 06.2022
  • 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 negotiation with vendors.
  • Forecasted purchasing trends and improved merchandising strategies.
  • Coordinated with logistics teams to resolve any shipping delays or discrepancies while minimizing impact on operations.
  • Increased supplier efficiency by negotiating contracts and maintaining strong relationships with vendors.
  • Analyzed current vendors and products to stay abreast of market trends and evaluate new suppliers.
  • Resolved procurement challenges, leveraging strong problem-solving skills and in-depth knowledge of supply market.
  • Conducted thorough market research to identify emerging trends, influencing strategic direction of product sourcing.

Administrative Manager

Lowes Home Improvement Stores
05.2007 - 01.2017
  • Ensured smooth daily operations with timely completion of all essential administrative tasks and responsibilities.
  • Provided exceptional administrative support for executive-level staff, ensuring that their needs were met promptly and accurately in order to facilitate smooth daily operations.
  • Supervised staff and delegated tasks to maintain positive, productive administrative operations.
  • Maintained accurate record-keeping systems to ensure easy access to critical information for decision-making purposes.
  • Established workflow processes, monitored daily productivity, and implemented modifications to improve overall performance of personnel.
  • Managed sensitive information discreetly, ensuring proper storage and disposal practices were followed at all times to maintain confidentiality compliance standards.
  • Nurtured a positive work environment by addressing employee concerns promptly and fairly, fostering open communication channels between staff members at all levels of the organization.
  • Reduced operational costs through effective management of staff schedules, resources, and vendor relationships.
  • Interviewed, recruited and onboarded new staff for high-performing administration teams.
  • Assisted in the development of strategic plans to achieve company objectives while maintaining a focus on excellent customer service delivery.
  • Maximized organizational effectiveness by conducting regular audits of company policies and procedures, recommending necessary improvements as needed.

Education

Powell High School
Powell, TN

Skills

  • Supply Chain Optimization
  • Warehouse Management
  • Demand forecasting
  • Budget Planning
  • Critical Thinking
  • Team Leadership
  • Shipping and receiving
  • Decision-Making
  • Customer Relationship Management
  • Team Development
  • Process Implementation
  • Process Improvement
  • Price Negotiation
  • Vendor Relationship Management
  • Vendor Sourcing

Timeline

Inventory Operations Manager

CarMax
06.2022 - Current

Buyer

CarMax
02.2017 - 06.2022

Administrative Manager

Lowes Home Improvement Stores
05.2007 - 01.2017

Powell High School

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Christopher Widener