Cindy Pereira
Bristol
Summary
Positive and results-oriented Strategic Buyer with extensive experience in procurement and supply chain management. Expertise in negotiating favorable terms and cultivating strong vendor relationships to ensure timely delivery and maximize cost efficiency. Proven ability to leverage analytical skills and strategic thinking to enhance purchasing decisions, driving alignment with organizational objectives. Committed to continuous improvement and delivering value through innovative procurement strategies.
Overview
2026
2026
years of professional experience
Work History
Strategic Buyer
TLD-Alvest Group
South Windsor, CT
06.2024 - Current
- Outlined terms of contract for a group negotiation. Achieved 12.5% cost reductions on $5M spend with key sheet metal supplier. Utilized dual sourcing incentives on high tariff products from China.
- Analyzed market trends and managed sheet metal commodity plan to ensure OTD of parts for prototype production in support of successful new product launches at key GSE trade shows.
- Identified risk for single sourced critical parts through comprehensive supplier risk assessments. Developed plan for strategic action that will reduce potential for disruptions.
- Managed relationship with strategic supplier to enhance collaboration and innovation with production and engineering teams. Saved production 4 hours of labour time per unit, with value added solutions.
- Participate in global sourcing initiatives with TLD teams in China, Eastern Europe, India, US and Canada that leverage access to high-quality materials at reduced costs.
- Led initiatives to streamline vendor base for designated portfolio. Cultivated strategic partnerships with preferred suppliers, resulting in a significant cost reduction of 40% on transferred components.
- Led collaboration among sales, engineering, warehouse, and production teams to ensure timely delivery and effective management of critical customer-supplied components. Drove identification of challenges and implementation of solutions to fulfill customer requirements through thorough root cause analysis.
Buyer
TLD-Alvest Group
South Windsor, CT
06.2022 - 05.2024
- Achieved a 30% decrease in inventory in 2023 through effective initiative management. Enhanced order accuracy by conducting a thorough analysis of MRP demand. Boosted operational efficiency by refining system lead times and optimizing item data settings.
- Engaged suppliers to address price hikes and re-evaluated parts sourcing, resulting in optimized supplier alignment and substantial savings.
- Achieved timely delivery of products by proactively addressing shortage reports and coordinating with suppliers, production managers, and warehouse personnel to eliminate potential delays.
- Developed strong relationships with suppliers to secure favorable pricing terms and conditions for the company''s benefit.
- Maintained key item stock levels and wrote or expedited purchase orders.
- Ensured timely delivery of products by closely monitoring vendor performance and addressing any issues promptly.
- Coordinated with logistics teams to resolve any shipping delays or discrepancies while minimizing impact on operations.
Purchasing Manager
Bull Metal Products
Middletown, CT
10.2020 - 05.2022
- Provided critical communication and support to enhance collaboration among production manager, sales team, quality control, and ISO/Lean coordinator.
- Assisted in product kick-off meetings for new product launches. Communicated material availability to support timely project completion.
- Achieved optimal vendor partnerships by sourcing alternatives that aligned with budgetary and quality requirements. Streamlined delivery monitoring processes to uphold high standards of service.
- Mentored junior staff on best practices in procurement and supplier relationship management.
Senior Buyer/Planner
Bob’s Stores and Eastern Mountain Sports/SDI
Meriden, CT
2012 - 07.2020
- Over a 3-year period, increased category sales by 48% and improved gross margin by 650 basis points by proactively testing new items to stay ahead of emerging trends.
- Delivered $24M in net sales across multiple categories with an 6% increase, which outpaced overall company performance by 5 points.
- Delivered 3 consecutive years of profitable sales growth in an already mature business totaling a 16% increase by focusing on key vendors and key items through a bidding process, reduced costs without compromising quality.Planned, managed, and implemented a profitable $40M annual sales strategy across multiple categories through bottom-line buying.
- Collaborated with cross-functional partners in merchandising, marketing, planning and allocation to achieve aggressive sales goals. Introduced new products and brands and gained buy in on ideas.
- Bi-annually developed and presented business strategies to senior management. Built focused assortments around key items. Test marketed new items and eliminated items that under-performed and distracted from assortment focus.
- Strong strategic vendor relationships enabled profit balance and growth through opportunistic buys, preferred pricing, and the ability to swap out better selling products for slow moving items.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Marketing Management
Thomas College
Waterville, MESkills
- Supply chain optimization
- Negotiation
- Multi-tasking strength
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Verbal and written communication
- Relationship building
- Strategic sourcing
- Problem-solving abilities
- Adaptability and flexibility
- Data-driven decision making
- Microsoft Office, Excel, Word, Power Point and Outlook
- ERP-LN and E2 Shoptech system
Timeline
Strategic Buyer
TLD-Alvest Group
06.2024 - Current
Buyer
TLD-Alvest Group
06.2022 - 05.2024
Purchasing Manager
Bull Metal Products
10.2020 - 05.2022
Senior Buyer/Planner
Bob’s Stores and Eastern Mountain Sports/SDI
2012 - 07.2020
Bachelor of Science - Marketing Management
Thomas College