Denise Pekar
Glade Spring
Summary
Methodical Senior Buyer with many years of experience in delivering cost-effective purchasing by researching products and negotiating supplier pricing. Talented in navigating the market of potential suppliers to determine congruency with company purchasing needs and adept in maintaining relationships with long-time suppliers. Driven to make successful and beneficial agreements with suppliers by meticulously analyzing pricing, terms, and conditions in quotes.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Buyer
Electro-Mechanical LLC
Bristol
05.2023 - Current
- Ensured ethical sourcing practices and adherence to corporate social responsibility standards in procurement activities.
- Conducted market research to identify potential suppliers and evaluate product quality and pricing.
- Developed and implemented strategies for minimizing the impact of price increases on key commodities.
- Oversaw purchasing department by supervising staff and training new employees.
- Utilized ERP systems for purchase order processing, tracking, and inventory management.
- Researched competitors and sourced new vendors.
- Collaborated with quality assurance teams to ensure products met company and industry standards.
- Evaluated supplier proposals against predetermined criteria such as price competitiveness and quality assurance protocols.
- Identified opportunities for cost savings through bulk purchases or alternative products and suppliers.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to meet customer requirements and market demands.
- Synchronized supply chain inventory with customer demand to mitigate excess and obsolete inventory.
- Monitored vendor performance metrics and addressed any issues in a timely manner.
- Liaised with accounting and vendors to minimize and clear up invoice discrepancies.
- Coordinated with logistics team members regarding transportation arrangements for purchased items.
Senior Buyer
Columbus McKinnon Corp.
11.2021 - 05.2023
- Responsible for sourcing castings, stampings, fabrications, raw materials such as steel, bronze and aluminum
- Manage supplier on time delivery as well as cost savings negotiations and freight initiatives
- Work closely with Quality Inspectors managing supplier non-conformances
- Liaison between Engineering and Sales to source substitutions and or alternate materials as well as implementation of Engineering changes relating to raw material or components
- Ensured ethical sourcing practices and adherence to corporate social responsibility standards in procurement activities.
- Developed and implemented strategies for minimizing the impact of price increases on key commodities.
- Reviewed existing contracts periodically and recommended changes as needed based on changing market conditions.
- Managed the procurement process from requisition to receipt, ensuring compliance with company policies.
- Collaborated with quality assurance teams to ensure products met company and industry standards.
Strategic Sourcing Specialist
Hapco Pole Products
12.2012 - 11.2021
- Responsible for sourcing aluminum extrusion, steel tubing, along with other structural steel components
- Active internal ISO Auditor, responsible for conducting audits in the areas of document control and process improvement
- Active member of a freight reduction team with an ongoing goal of reducing outbound freight costs
- Responsible for maintaining $6mil aluminum tubing inventory
- Actively resolve non-conformance issues with suppliers
- Responsible for negotiations when qualifying new suppliers or expired contracts
Buyer
Columbus McKinnon Corp.
05.2011 - 12.2012
- Responsible for purchasing motors and other hoist components
- Negotiate new contracts and manage current contracts
Spa Coordinator
The Spa at the Martha Washington Inn
04.2008 - 05.2011
- Responsible for booking services, managing retail business, including inventory, scheduling of spa employees
- Also responsible for attending all product training sessions with Aveda salon professionals
Education
Associate of Science - Business Law
Washington County Skill Center
Abingdon, VA04-1983
Skills
- Supplier management
- Contract negotiation
- Cost analysis
- Market research
- Inventory management
- ERP systems
- Quality assurance
- Ethical sourcing
- Strategic sourcing
- Cross-functional collaboration
- Vendor performance
- Process improvement
- Team leadership
- Forecasting
- Supplier relationship management
- Spend analysis
- Global sourcing
References
Available upon request.
Timeline
Senior Buyer
Electro-Mechanical LLC
05.2023 - Current
Senior Buyer
Columbus McKinnon Corp.
11.2021 - 05.2023
Strategic Sourcing Specialist
Hapco Pole Products
12.2012 - 11.2021
Buyer
Columbus McKinnon Corp.
05.2011 - 12.2012
Spa Coordinator
The Spa at the Martha Washington Inn
04.2008 - 05.2011
Associate of Science - Business Law
Washington County Skill Center