Debra Ballard
Eupora,MS
Summary
Purchasing Agent with proven expertise at Mississippi Lignite Mining Company, excelling in procurement and vendor relationship management. Achieved significant cost reductions through strategic inventory management and effective communication. Recognized for enhancing supplier engagement and fostering collaboration, ensuring timely deliveries and quality materials while maintaining meticulous documentation.
** Above is worded by AI... In my own words, I am a hard worker who gives 100% and beyond with what I am passionate about. I love my job and the people I work with. I am always wanting to make someone's job easier if possible and their day better. If I know something I will tell you. If I don't I will not tell you I do just to look good, I will, however, try my best to find the answers you need. You never know what someone is going through when they walk in these doors, so if you can do or say something that helps them then you get better production and safer work places. I treat people how I want to be treated... not how they deserve to be.
That being said.... this is not my weakness. I will match energy if I need to if someone is out of line or threatening this company that I have been blessed by all these years. 😁
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
Work History
Purchasing Agent
Mississippi Lignite Mining Company
08.2024 - Current
- Facilitated smooth operations through accurate tracking of purchase orders, invoices, and payments.
- Contributed to a positive work environment through collaboration, professional development, and open communication among team members.
- Maintained complete documentation and records of all purchasing activities.
- Ensured timely delivery of materials through effective planning and coordination with suppliers.
- Computed and created purchase orders to monitor stock levels, verify purchase requisitions and expedite customer orders.
- Reduced lead times by implementing strategic inventory management practices.
- Created purchase orders to monitor stock levels, verify purchase requisitions, and expedite customer orders.
- Maintained consistent email communication with stores and suppliers to confirm and track orders and verify price revisions on purchase orders.
- Improved supplier relationships through regular communication and proactive problemsolving.
- Streamlined purchasing processes for increased efficiency and reduced operational costs.
- Established strong rapport with vendors resulting in improved payment terms without compromising quality or service levels.
- Increased profitability by analyzing spend data and identifying opportunities for cost reduction.
- Optimized inventory levels by implementing demand forecasting techniques to minimize stockouts or excess inventory situations.
- Optimized supplier base by conducting performance reviews and fostering competition among vendors.
- Developed and maintained strong relationships with suppliers to ensure best pricing and terms.
- Improved vendor relationships, ensuring timely deliveries and quality goods by regular communication and performance evaluations.
- Accepted and processed supply requests from staff, and placed orders per procedures.
- Sourced and qualified bidders, obtained favorable pricing.
- Collaborated with internal departments to identify and manage demand for material and services.
- Searched for hard-to-find items and found high-quality, reliable vendors.
- Conducted research, identifying potential vendors and better pricing options.
- Analyzed and reported on inventory levels to determine purchasing requirements.
- Worked with departments to find new and better items to fulfill diverse needs.
Warehouse Technician
Mississippi Lignite Mining Company
07.2002 - Current
- Operated forklifts and pallet jacks to efficiently move materials within warehouse.
- Conducted inventory checks to maintain accurate stock levels and optimize operations.
- Collaborated with team members to streamline shipping and receiving processes.
- Implemented safety protocols, ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations.
- Trained new staff on warehouse procedures and equipment operation for improved efficiency.
- Identified process bottlenecks, recommending solutions that enhanced workflow productivity.
- Assisted in the development of inventory management strategies to reduce waste.
- Oversaw daily operations, mentoring junior technicians to promote skill development and teamwork.
- Adhered to safety guidelines consistently, reducing workplace accidents significantly.
- Maintained a clean and organized workspace, facilitating easy access to equipment and materials.
- Collaborated with team members to achieve daily targets and maintain a high level of productivity.
- Supported efficient loading and unloading of trucks, ensuring timely delivery of products to customers.
- Pulled and packed shipments to prepare for UPS, FedEx and freight pickup.
- Safely operated forklifts and pallet jacks, ensuring proper handling of delicate products.
- Assisted in the training of new employees, sharing expertise on best practices and safety procedures.
- Organized warehouse storage areas to facilitate efficient receiving and shipping of products.
- Recorded and reported shortages and damages and inspected product condition to verify accuracy of received inventory.
- Conducted regular audits of inventory levels, identifying discrepancies and taking corrective action promptly.
- Utilized computerized systems effectively for tracking inventory movement and updating stock records in realtime.
- Maintained up-to-date price lists to accurately calculate shipping, shortage and demurrage costs.
Education
GED -
Eupora High School
Eupora, MS05-1988
Skills
- Order tracking
- Procurement
- Scheduling
- Inventory management
- Cost control
- Demand forecasting
- Materials planning
- Pricing structures
- New vendor setup
- Product sourcing
- Vendor relationship management
- Accounts payable
- Purchase order processing
- Cost reduction strategies
- Vendor engagement
- Vendor relations
- Purchasing
- Documentation skills
- Multitasking Abilities
- Written communication
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Time management
- Reliability
- Supplier relationship management
- Active listening
- Effective communication
- Adaptability and flexibility
- Relationship building
- Continuous improvement
- Adaptability
- Track shipments
- Inventory sourcing
- Review requisitions
- Source vendors
Timeline
Purchasing Agent
Mississippi Lignite Mining Company
08.2024 - Current
Warehouse Technician
Mississippi Lignite Mining Company
07.2002 - Current
GED -
Eupora High School