Crystal Barajas
Frazier Park
Summary
Detail‑oriented Procurement Analyst experienced in sourcing, vendor management, and inventory optimization. Adept at remote work, digital communication, and independent problem‑solving. Looking to support a remote team with efficient, data‑driven procurement solutions.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
Procurement Analyst
American Nuts
Sylmar, CA
08.2024 - Current
- Managed sourcing and importing of raw materials including nuts, dried fruits, chocolates, croutons, and tortilla chips from domestic and international suppliers.
- Negotiated pricing, lead times, and contracts with vendors to ensure consistent supply and cost efficiency.
- Created and maintained item codes, Bills of Materials (BOMs), and product specifications for new and existing SKUs.
- Coordinated contract manufacturing for select products, ensuring accurate formulations, packaging requirements, and production timelines.
- Oversaw logistics by scheduling and coordinating pickups once vendors confirmed goods were ready, ensuring on‑time delivery to our facilities.
- Developed and maintained a custom MRP (Material Requirements Planning) system using Excel to forecast demand, plan production, and manage inventory levels.
- Collaborated with production, quality assurance, and warehouse teams to ensure accurate inventory, proper documentation, and smooth production flow.
- Monitored stock levels and initiated purchase orders based on forecasted needs and real‑time inventory data.
- Resolved supply chain issues such as shortages, delays, and quality discrepancies by working directly with vendors and internal teams.
Purchasing Agent II
Kretek Int, Phillips and King (Cigar & Accessories Industry)
Moorpark, CA
08.2020 - 08.2024
- Managed sourcing and purchasing for a wide portfolio of premium cigars and accessories, partnering with top vendors across the industry to secure high‑quality, in‑demand products.
- Negotiated pricing, terms, and promotional opportunities that supported monthly catalog features and drove increased sales volume.
- Collaborated with merchandising and marketing teams to develop monthly catalog deals, contributing to higher customer engagement and year‑to‑date vendor purchases.
- Analyzed product performance, inventory levels, and market trends to optimize buying decisions and maintain competitive product offerings.
- Strengthened vendor relationships to ensure consistent supply, exclusive product opportunities, and improved cost efficiencies.
- Supported a fast‑paced e‑commerce environment similar to Amazon’s model, ensuring product availability and smooth supply chain operations for a nationwide customer base.
Purchasing Coordinator
The Cheesecake Factory Bakery
Calabasas, CA
07.2018 - 03.2020
- Managed purchasing activities for raw ingredients, packaging materials, and custom die‑cut components used in large‑scale cheesecake production.
- Learned and applied MRP (Material Requirements Planning) principles to place accurate, timely orders aligned with production schedules.
- Utilized ROSS (or “Ross ERP,” if that’s the system) to create purchase orders, track inventory levels, and maintain data accuracy.
- Monitored contracted product usage and inventory to ensure availability and prevent production delays.
- Collaborated with suppliers to confirm lead times, resolve discrepancies, and maintain consistent material flow.
- Supported cross‑functional teams by communicating order status, shortages, and changes in material requirements.
- Developed foundational purchasing skills, including vendor communication, order tracking, and understanding of supply chain processes.
Receiving Supervisor
The Cheesecake Factory Bakery
Calabasas, CA
09.2015 - 07.2018
- Ensure merchandise is unloaded and received correctly while documenting any discrepancies
- Analyze metrics and report to the Operations Manager of any issues.
- Conduct cycle counts maintain inventory accuracy
- Certified Forklift driver (Trainer)
Materials Coordinator
The Cheesecake Factory Bakery
Calabasas, CA
05.2014 - 09.2015
- Manage and maintain inventory reports for our internal and outside warehouse.
- Coordinate transfers of material within our internal and outside warehouses.
- Receive in invoices into the system and Coordinate with our purchasing department assuring all invoices are properly received for month end.
Quality Assurance Floor Tech
The Cheesecake Factory Bakery
Calabasas, CA
01.2013 - 05.2014
- Supervised Employees, Ensuring the quality of the products meet Standards, and all safety procedures are being followed.
- HACAP, check weights, metal detection calibration, Verify labels, PQG and specification sheet. GMP
- Hold investigation reports, Foreign Materials, Metal Contamination reports, and Allergens, used swabs to detect allergen contamination, and any other kind of bacteria.
Education
Some College (No Degree) - Business Administration And Management
Los Angeles Mission College
Sylmar, CA03-2026
Skills
- Strong independent work ethic (managing operations while boss works remotely)
- Clear communication and follow‑through
- Problem‑solving and critical thinking
- Attention to detail
- Excel
- Procurement & Vendor Management
- Import Logistics
- BOM Management
- ERP / Inventory Systems
- SKU Setup & Data Management
- Production Planning Support
- Communication & Cross‑Functional Collaboration
Languages
Bilingual (English and Spanish)
Timeline
Procurement Analyst
American Nuts
08.2024 - Current
Purchasing Agent II
Kretek Int, Phillips and King (Cigar & Accessories Industry)
08.2020 - 08.2024
Purchasing Coordinator
The Cheesecake Factory Bakery
07.2018 - 03.2020
Receiving Supervisor
The Cheesecake Factory Bakery
09.2015 - 07.2018
Materials Coordinator
The Cheesecake Factory Bakery
05.2014 - 09.2015
Quality Assurance Floor Tech
The Cheesecake Factory Bakery
01.2013 - 05.2014
Some College (No Degree) - Business Administration And Management
Los Angeles Mission College