Work Preference
Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Additional Strengths
Timeline
Generic
Open To Work
Verified
This profile is verified using an email address.

Darren Meeks

Hayward,CA

Work Preference

Job Search Status

Open to work
Desired start date: Immediately

Desired Job Title

Purchasing ManagerHardware ManagerReceiving AdministratorHardware AssistantCustomer Service Representative

Work Type

Full TimePart TimeContract WorkGig WorkConsultingVolunteerSeasonal Work

Location Preference

On-SiteRemote
Location: Hayward, CA, USLivermore, CAConcord, CABrentwood, CAStockton, CA
Open to relocation: Yes

Important To Me

Career advancementPaid time offWork-life balanceTeam Building / Company Retreats

Summary

Throughout my career with GSL I have had the unique experience of working up from an entry level position to my current role as Purchasing Manager for the Brisbane Branch. The numerous positions I have succeeded in have shaped my understanding of operations, sale trends, financial logistics and proactive metric driven purchasing. I plan on bringing a technology based approach to the position that emphasizes customer prioritizations, inter branch collaboration and sales based purchasing.

Overview

8
8
years of professional experience

Work History

Purchasing Manager

Golden State Lumber
Brisbane, CA
04.2024 - 04.2026
  • Manage purchasing for lumber SKUs including dimensional lumber, pressure-treated products, redwood, cedar, select panel products and building materials.
  • Analyze sales velocity, usage trends, and stock levels to determine reorder points and buy quantities.
  • Partner with yard, sales, and operations teams to balance stocking strategy with space constraints and customer demand.
  • Identify slow-moving and orphan inventory; adjust buys and coordinate transfers.
  • Utilize BisTrack reports such as Lumber Inventory, Top Sold Items, Overstock, and Stock by Length to guide purchasing decisions.
  • Support will-call and special-order fulfillment when required to maintain customer satisfaction.
  • Developed and implemented procurement strategies to optimize supply chain efficiency.
  • Negotiated contracts with suppliers to secure favorable terms and pricing.

Hardware Manager

Golden State Lumber
Brisbane, CA
02.2023 - 06.2024
  • Maintain accurate inventory levels, monitor turns, min/max, seasonal demands, and overstock.
  • Manage, discontinue, obsolete and slow moving items, conduct cycle counts, and resolve inventory variances.
  • Evaluate new products and vendor programs
  • Ensure hardware aisles, endcaps, and displays are clean, organized, and fully stocked.
  • Manage labels and signage are accurate and current.
  • Set performance expectations and hold team members accountable for department standards.
  • Set PK and table tops for sales and yard personnel on hardware products and applications.
  • Led hardware inventory management, ensuring accurate stock levels and timely replenishment.
  • Developed training programs for staff on hardware best practices and safety protocols.

Receiving Administrator

Golden State Lumber
Brisbane, CA
07.2021 - 02.2023
  • Maintain receiving paperwork.
  • Coordinate with Sales, Managers, and Buyers on claims, rejections, or returns.
  • Identify and document overages, shortages, substitutions, or damaged material.
  • Identify recurring receiving issues.
  • Oversaw receiving operations, ensuring accurate documentation and timely processing of incoming shipments.
  • Coordinated with suppliers to resolve discrepancies and improve order accuracy.

Gate Guard

Golden State Lumber
Brisbane, CA
05.2019 - 07.2021
  • Controlled inbound and outbound access for customers, vendors, and delivery drivers in a high-volume lumber yard environment
  • Verified invoices, pick tickets, and load sheets against outbound materials to ensure accuracy and prevent inventory loss
  • Inspected trucks and loads for correct product type, quantity, and condition prior to exit
  • Directed traffic efficiently to will-call, loading zones, and receiving areas to maintain yard flow and reduce congestion
  • Maintained detailed logs of vehicle activity, deliveries, and customer pickups for operational tracking and accountability
  • Monitored yard entrance for unauthorized access, safety issues, and suspicious activity; escalated concerns to management as needed
  • Provided professional customer service by assisting with directions, order verification, and general inquiries
  • Communicated with yard personnel via radio to coordinate pickups, resolve discrepancies, and support daily operations
  • Monitored entry and exit points, ensuring compliance with safety protocols and security measures.
  • Conducted routine inspections of vehicles and personnel for potential hazards or unauthorized access.

Hardware Assistant

Golden State Lumber
Brisbane, CA
02.2018 - 05.2019
  • Implemented effective inventory management strategies to guarantee adequate stock availability and timely supply chain replenishment.
  • Assisted in customer service initiatives, resolving inquiries and enhancing client satisfaction.
  • Supported project management by preparing reports and tracking progress against objectives.
  • Contributed to a positive work environment with strong interpersonal skills and proactive teamwork attitude.
  • Greeted guests in with friendliness and professionalism.
  • Assisted manager in all aspects of business operations.
  • Demonstrated adaptability by quickly mastering new software applications for various tasks.
  • • Expedited project completion times due to the ability to multitask effectively under tight deadlines.
  • • Volunteered to help with special projects of varying degrees of complexity.
  • • Successfully and efficiently facilitated stocking, receiving, order picking, cycle counts and ordering.
  • Coordinated logistics for product delivery, ensuring timely and efficient transportation of materials.
  • Managed inventory levels, utilizing tracking systems to maintain accurate stock records.

Education

Associate of Science - Business Administration and Management, General

Los Medanos College
Pittsburg, CA
05.2016

High School Diploma -

Liberty High School
Brentwood, CA
06.2012

Skills

  • Lumber Purchasing & Forecasting
  • Vendor Negotiation & Program Relationships
  • Dimensional Lumber (DF, SPF)
  • Pressure Treated, Redwood, Cedar, Panels
  • Inventory Turns & Overstock Reduction
  • Price Sheets
  • BisTrack (Purchasing, Inventory Metrics, Sales History, Supplier Invoice Browser)
  • Replenishment
  • Yard Operations Collaboration
  • Product Placement
  • Hardware Products/Purchasing
  • BisTrack
  • Purchasing & Sales Orders
  • Inventory Management
  • Stock by Length
  • Who Sold My Stock
  • Overstock & Program Inventory
  • Supplier Invoice browser
  • Price Sheet Listing
  • Microsoft Excel (buying analysis, tracking, cost comparisons)
  • Board-Foot vs Linear-Foot Conversions
  • Lumber Grades & Species Applications
  • Mill Direct vs Reload Buying
  • Freight Considerations (truckload, LTL)
  • Regional Supply & Demand Dynamics
  • Construction & Pro-Builder Demand Cycles
  • Purchase order management
  • Supplier relationship management
  • Inventory coordination
  • Vendor relationship management
  • Cost reduction

Additional Strengths

  • Strong communication with vendors, sales teams, and operations
  • Practical understanding of yard flow and material handling
  • Detail-oriented with disciplined follow-through
  • Comfortable operating in fast-moving, price-sensitive markets

Timeline

Purchasing Manager

Golden State Lumber
04.2024 - 04.2026

Hardware Manager

Golden State Lumber
02.2023 - 06.2024

Receiving Administrator

Golden State Lumber
07.2021 - 02.2023

Gate Guard

Golden State Lumber
05.2019 - 07.2021

Hardware Assistant

Golden State Lumber
02.2018 - 05.2019

Associate of Science - Business Administration and Management, General

Los Medanos College

High School Diploma -

Liberty High School
Darren Meeks