Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Software
Interests
Timeline
OperationsManager
Debra Tacconi

Debra Tacconi

Global Product Line Director, Advanced Purchasing Of Integrative Safety Solutions & Electronics
Fenton,Michigan

Summary

A dedicated purchasing professional with extensive experience acquired over 23 year span in managing the purchasing sector within the automotive industry, overseeing the procurement of raw materials, components, and services needed to manufacture or deliver a product & service. Expert in sourcing new suppliers, establishing relationships with vendors, negotiating purchasing contracts, solving order grievances and discrepancies, and managing the purchasing process from the request for quotes (RFQ) stage through production. Very strategic oriented; manage RMPI (Raw Material Price Increases).

Manage teams that interact effectively with cross-functional departments to streamline operations and achieve business success in fast-paced environments. Have verifiable leadership, interpersonal, and communication skills that support an effectiveness as a leader. In addition, supported transformation a low-performing teams into a high-caliber workforce through clear communication, emotional intelligence, exceptional mentoring skills, and a proven ability to work with cross-functional and multidisciplinary teams. Possess a credible solid track record of achieving goals and delivering the best at every step to provide optimal results. Proficient in using independent decision-making skills and sound judgment to positively impact company success. Dedicated to applying training, monitoring and morale-building abilities to enhance employee engagement and boost performance.

Overview

23
23
years of professional experience
10
10
years of post-secondary education
2
2
Languages

Work History

Global Product Line Director, Advanced Purchasing

Joyson Safety Systems
Pontiac, MI
06.2021 - Current
  • Manage 470 million spend spread over (global) 4 business units and global electronics, electromechanical and other mechanical commodities combined
  • Work closely with executive leadership - reporting directly to CPO and to provide purchasing strategy & financial updates to Global CEO, Board of Directors, Regional Presidents, etc.
  • Optimized purchasing processes using analytics tools to address & identify financial gaps & impacts, and implement savings tactics - 2022 - $7m USD savings was identified in one BU alone.
  • Spearheaded innovative purchasing approaches: strategic planning - i.e. should cost models; benchmarking analysis, CRP (cost reduction programs) supplier development & day zero purchasing engagement
  • Risk mitigation performed through measures such as localization; second sourcing, sourcing committees; BOM reviews
  • Ensure collaboration with purchasing excellence to streamline purchasing processes to create efficient and effective teams
  • Work with legal teams to create strong contracts (MPA's)
  • Strong global supplier negotiator
  • Develop and groom strong team members for growth within Joyson Safety Systems
  • Reporting structure - 8 direct reports; 60 indirect reports
  • Maintained complete documentation and records of all purchasing activities
  • Exercised leadership capabilities by successfully motivating and inspiring others.
  • Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
  • Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
  • Used critical thinking to break down problems, evaluate solutions and make decisions.

Global Manager – Advanced Purchasing

Lear, Inc
Southfield, MI
05.2019 - 06.2021
  • Managed spend of 400 million USD
  • Managed commodity level personnel working in electronics and electromechanical areas
  • Advanced Purchasing - strategic - engaged in day zero design & BOM creation.
  • Used supplier industry design engineers and sales to design components to meet cost expectations
  • Leveraged purchasing data and analysis to make informed decisions and drive cost improvements.
  • Established team priorities, and evaluated performance.
  • Review all Connectivity business unit BOMs to ensure cost avoidances were appropriated
  • Generated $70M USD in cost avoidances for the lifetime of RFIs/RFQs/Awards
  • Evaluated employee performance and conveyed constructive feedback to improve skills
  • Recruited, interviewed and hired employees and implemented mentoring program to promote positive feedback and engagement
  • Successfully managed budgets and allocated resources to maximize productivity and profitability.

New Product Development Sourcing Engineer

Molex
Rochester, MI
09.2016 - 05.2019
  • Managed overall spend of $500 million USD
  • Lead global procurement team members, i.e., indirect category managers; direct category managers: electronics, batteries, electro-mechanicals – connectors, wire harnesses, electric motors, resins, metals; buyers and division [production] sourcing
  • Managed very complex programs with high level of visibility and large revenue base
  • Safeguarded smooth transition from safe launch phase to production phase by fully supporting global supply chain.
  • Conducted negotiations, prepared, and revised contracts if necessary.
  • Created continuous value by integrating electronics technical experience with electrical engineers by offering many alternatives to current BOM design that meet timelines within a tightly constrained market
  • Responsible for realigning Molex’s Tier 3 status to a Tier 1 by supporting all key procurement functions directly related to sourcing OEM’s projects
  • Managed 15 buyers

Electronics Category & Strategy Purchasing Leader

Behr Hella Thermocontrol
Wixom, MI
06.2014 - 09.2016
  • Program Rev Responsibility: $228m USD
  • Identified, qualified, and selected suppliers that provided a competitive advantage in the NAFTA region
  • Developed cost reductions, cost avoidances, cost containment programs (example-value analysis, lead-time reduction, activity-based costing) and conducted supplier workshops
  • Planned purchasing, sourcing and supply strategies based on forecasted data
  • Met purchasing and contract financial objectives by costing forecasted requirements; analyzed variances, and initiated corrective actions to meet cost targets for ongoing and future programs
  • Observed market trends and implemented strategies to support programs according to the global markets

Strategic Procurement Consultant

Dura Automotive Systems
Auburn Hills, MI
01.2014 - 06.2014
  • Total Spend responsibility: $170M USD
  • Supported, lead, and provided sourcing consulting activities for project and commodity buyers
  • Collaborated with teams to achieve organizational objectives & coordinated strategic efforts that benefit the organization
  • Performed troubleshooting to identify issues and resolve problems arising from multiple sources – supplier discontinuance, BOM changes, quality issues, performance, and force majeure
  • Developed project tracking initiatives to control price creep
  • Created and prepared award documentation to Sourcing Committee – supplier award recommendation
  • Contributed to financial and operational reporting procedures

Account Manager

Tacconi Transport
Fenton, MI
09.2011 - 01.2014
  • Responsible for 170M in sales
  • Drove business development with creative innovation and cultivation strong relationships with new and potential clientele
  • Managed all sales aspects and relationship development
  • Negotiated pricing and all contracts for sales
  • Family Owned

Director of Purchasing

Regal Recycling, Inc
Howell, MI
02.2001 - 09.2011
  • Spend responsibility $250M - metals
  • Managed all purchasing aspects of metals reclamation
  • Lead sourcing committee review teams– researched and recommended direction - provided consistent and pertinent information on supplier history, financials, internal and external audit outcomes, and status
  • Developed and created procurement processes and procedures that align with company strategy
  • Implemented effective goal planning that exceeded division expectations
  • Performed negotiations with suppliers to reduce expenditures that resulted in cost reductions
  • Worked with executive management to develop and implement cost-saving initiatives
  • Created, completed, and monitored business unit financial metrics
  • Experience in metals market index and industry

Education

Ph.D. - Industrial Organizational Psychology

Grand Canyon University
Phoenix, AZ
09.2019 - Current

MBA - Organizational Leadership

Baker College
Flint, MI
09.2013 - 06.2015

BBA - Accounting And Business Management

Baker College
Flint, MI
09.2005 - 06.2007

Associate of Arts - Business Administration And Management

Baker College
Flint, MI
09.1999 - 06.2001

Skills

    Strategies and goals

Strategic planning

Project purchasing

Supplier development

Contract Management

Negotiations

Verbal and written communication

Team development & management

Emotional Intelligence

Problem solver

Commodity purchasing

Advanced Purchasing

Team player

Software

Microsoft office 365

JIRA

SAP

QAD

TAS

ARIBA

SharePoint

Interests

Strength training

Reading

Family time

Animal Welfare

Poverty Alleviation

Timeline

Global Product Line Director, Advanced Purchasing

Joyson Safety Systems
06.2021 - Current

Ph.D. - Industrial Organizational Psychology

Grand Canyon University
09.2019 - Current

Global Manager – Advanced Purchasing

Lear, Inc
05.2019 - 06.2021

New Product Development Sourcing Engineer

Molex
09.2016 - 05.2019

Electronics Category & Strategy Purchasing Leader

Behr Hella Thermocontrol
06.2014 - 09.2016

Strategic Procurement Consultant

Dura Automotive Systems
01.2014 - 06.2014

MBA - Organizational Leadership

Baker College
09.2013 - 06.2015

Account Manager

Tacconi Transport
09.2011 - 01.2014

BBA - Accounting And Business Management

Baker College
09.2005 - 06.2007

Director of Purchasing

Regal Recycling, Inc
02.2001 - 09.2011

Associate of Arts - Business Administration And Management

Baker College
09.1999 - 06.2001
Debra TacconiGlobal Product Line Director, Advanced Purchasing Of Integrative Safety Solutions & Electronics