Deserae Ruell Laborn
Summary
Supply Chain and Strategic Sourcing Expert with solid 20-year background in driving and coordinating sourcing efforts for indirect and direct procurement. Focuses on cost savings and supplier development to support pre-procurement strategy and supply agreement negotiation. Collaborates with internal business units and supply chain stakeholders to achieve business goals.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
Work History
Director - Strategic Sourcing, Risk Management, Supplier Diversity and Supplier Management
American Tire Distributors
05.2022 - Current
- Created and established Sourcing SOPs and category management plans for all categories (Supply Chain, Facilities & Operations, IT, Corporate Services)
- Implemented multiple tools for the department (Workday Strategic Sourcing, Conga (CLM), SpendHQ) and a Buy Desk
- Developed high-performing teams by providing mentorship, guidance, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Strengthened internal controls by reviewing existing policies and procedures, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.
- Established departmental performance goals and provided feedback for underperforming areas.
- Facilitated cross-functional collaboration for improved decision-making processes within the organization.
- Improved project efficiency with strategic planning, resource allocation, and time management practices.
- Implemented innovative solutions to solve complex problems, resulting in increased productivity and streamlined operations.
- Proactively identified potential risks and implemented mitigation strategies to minimize negative impacts on projects or business operations.
- Negotiated favorable contracts with vendors for reduced costs and improved service quality.
- Increased company revenue by streamlining processes and implementing cost-saving measures.
- Championed corporate social responsibility initiatives that enhanced the company''s reputation in the community and industry at large.
- Negotiated price and service with customers and vendors to decrease expenses and increase profit.
- Established, communicated, and implemented long-term goals for the department in order to promote effectiveness and efficiency
- Developed, communicated, and administered team performance and development plans which included annual OKRs
- Assessed and mitigated financial, legal and contractual risk to the company
- Oversaw contract development and administration
- Managed sourcing, IT, and Supply Chain policies, procedures, and programs with a focus on their ability to enhance organizational value and efficiency; Implemented new/revised policies, procedures and programs as needed
- Developed a centralized sourcing and supplier management program that added value and efficiency to the organization
- Critical stakeholder in the development and implementation of a Freight Pay department
- Developed bids and proposals; Analyzed data including sales data, inventory prediction models, etc.; Negotiated contracts, costs, etc
- With suppliers for both Direct and Indirect
- Worked with Finance to set AOP and savings goal for the department.
- Developed sourcing strategies to improve procurement processes, supplier relationships and capability development to optimize supply chain.
- Conducted market research to identify new suppliers and evaluate their capabilities, leading to better-informed decision-making in procurement activities.
- Managed a portfolio of suppliers, ensuring compliance with contractual terms and conditions, as well as quality standards.
- Increased on-time delivery rates by closely monitoring supplier performance and addressing potential issues proactively.
- Developed comprehensive sourcing strategies for specific categories, resulting in more efficient procurement processes.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to identify opportunities for process improvement and cost reduction within the supply chain.
- Managed vendor relationships by conducting regular business reviews and addressing any performance issues or concerns, fostering a collaborative partnership between suppliers and the company.
- Supported gross profit goals by negotiating and controlling costs, lead times, freight terms and purchase quantity requirements.
- Coordinated with legal teams to review contracts, ensuring alignment with company policies and regulatory requirements while minimizing potential risks in supplier agreements.
- Implemented category management plans to drive continuous improvements in sourcing effectiveness and efficiency.
- Optimized supplier selection process by conducting thorough risk assessments and evaluating potential partners based on performance criteria.
- Developed and implemented new programs based on leading inclusion and diversity practices using project management principles.
Procurement/Merchandising and Logistics Director
Costco Wholesale Corporate
11.2017 - 04.2022
- Developed and communicated a procurement and merchandising business plan
- Established, communicated, and implemented long-term goals for the department in order to promote effectiveness and efficiency
- Developed, communicated, and administered team performance and development plans and appraisals
- Served as the primary contact for department related questions, training, policy and procedure interpretation and alignment by all departments
- Oversaw contract development and administration
- Developed and implemented procurement and merchandising related training programs for the teams and organization
- Managed current procurement, merchandising, logistics policies, procedures, and programs with a focus on their ability to enhance organizational value and efficiency
- Met regularly with respective departments for their understanding and/or recommendations to enhance policies, procedures and developed, communicated, and implemented new/revised policies, procedures and programs as needed
- Developed a centralized procurement/merchandising/logistics program that adds value and efficiency to the organization
- Processed purchase orders; developed bids and proposals; and reconciled any invoice discrepancies
- Managed the flow of goods into warehouses
- Analyzed data including sales data, inventory prediction models, etc
- Set pricing within company margin
- Negotiated product cost with vendors
- Handled all logistics for products and materials both domestic and import.
Global Strategic Sourcing Manager
Office Depot Corp
08.2015 - 10.2017
- Proficient in merchandising, retail and global sourcing
- Product/Category management of various items
- Built and maintained a strong working knowledge of supply market conditions for the sourcing sub-categories
- Extensive knowledge of the supplier or sub-category offerings
- Developed RFIs, RFPs and RFQs for utilization in the process of achieving cost reductions, and established efficient process integration with other service providers to support this activity
- Identified cost reduction opportunities and facilitated their implementation, including leading the negotiating efforts with suppliers on a per project basis, ultimately contributing to savings and synergy targets
- Developed and negotiated global or regional contracts with suppliers in collaboration with legal representatives and handled contract re-negotiations according to changes in scope and executed contract amendments
- Managed process improvement activities within the Sourcing Department, ensuring compliance with relevant SOPs and processes
- Monitored compliance on all procurement related activities to assure that business and ethical standards were consistently maintained and that purchasing conduct met the highest standard of integrity.
Procurement Distributor and Vendor Manager
Ener-G Foods Inc.
01.2014 - 08.2015
- Maintained and enhanced the service measures required by distributors
- Set and achieved the targeted performance for distributor operations
- Scheduled all shipments with shipping carriers efficiently adhering to all legal and Health & Safety requirements
- Utilized excellent and proven track record in customer relationship management with all distributors
- Demonstrated high level commercial awareness and commitment to providing customers with the highest standards of service
- Highly skilled in logistics with strong leadership and communication skills by liaising between logistical companies and distributors
- Ensured all shipments arrived in a timely manner at customer's distribution centers
- Coordinated, planned, and executed distribution operations as per company procedures
- Determined returned shipments volume and ensured they were processed in a timely manner
- Monitored shipping statuses regularly using various applications
- Made contact with multiple teams to resolve invoicing and shipping issues
- Worked with shipping department to coordinate pick-up and delivery activities
- Reviewed and recommended improvements for existing distribution instructions
- Filed and maintained all shipping records; Prepared and mailed all invoices
- Prepared all NAFTA and Customs documentation for all out of country shipments.
Documents Clerk/Lead Trainer
Lombino Martino P.S
10.2011 - 01.2014
- Utilized strong multitasking skills to manage multiple priorities and tasks, ensuring timely completion of each assignment.
- Recorded and maintained physical and electronic documents
- Sorted, organized, and maintained records accurately and streamlined the document filing process
- Handled all enquiries related to paperwork and documents
- Archived old documents per company's procedures
- Managed all attorney's requests related to filing, finding, and retrieval of documents
- Properly handled and processed sensitive information and insured correct procedures were used to dispose of confidential documents
- Quickly and efficiently assigned files to attorneys; scheduled, coordinated, and confirmed dates, appointments and meetings
- Handled communications with clients and opposing parties
- Monitored deadlines and juggled calendars
- Answered and directed phone calls
- Composed various correspondence
- Effectively maintained attorney client privilege
- Processed and recorded attorney production reports;
- Performed conflict of interest checks in accordance with the rules and guidelines set forth by the Washington State Bar Association
- Used many computer software programs including but not limited to MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook; completed all assigned tasks under strict deadlines.
Executive Administrative Assistant/Trainer
Absolute Services
12.2009 - 09.2011
- Handled administrative tasks such as expense report processing or invoice reconciliation efficiently; allowing executives to focus on high-priority responsibilities without distraction.
- Maintained confidentiality when handling sensitive information, protecting company interests and employee privacy.
- Provided excellent service on the phone and in person; maintained customer accounts including those of international customers; personnel records and all confidential documents were kept updated
- Composed business correspondence and proofread/edited proposals and training materials
- Acted as liaison between all impacted departments; handled all aspects of order taking and processing; tracked customer order through UPS, FedEx, USPS; worked on customer complaints and resolved issues effectively and efficiently
- Used many computer software applications to complete assigned work; performed tasks using various office machines, assisted in the creation of a new company logo and letterhead; answered phones, made deposits; prepared reports and presentations; coordinated and executed travel itineraries; provided staff support.
Strategic Sourcing and Operations Manager – IT Hardware, B2B, Government
Verizon
08.2007 - 12.2009
- Lead and managed multiple complex negotiations with Tier 1 strategic suppliers with multi-million dollar spend and worked independently on the deals requiring minimum oversight
- Responsible for leading global cross functional teams through the supplier selection process and for the approval of selected suppliers by stakeholders
- Identified potential suppliers, RFI/RFP/RFQ development and execution, proposal evaluation against business requirements and total cost of ownership, and supplier selection recommendation
- Upon supplier section, negotiated and contracting with supplier
- Challenged Suppliers and internal Stakeholders to identify and deliver Value and Savings within the assigned IT Category
- Leveraged the growing business volumes and delivered competitive advantage to Verizon
- Managed Merger & Acquisitions supplier contracts
- Developed & executed category strategies for the assigned category: Developed category expertise, created/developed category strategies in line with business roadmap, implemented and enforced the strategy, insure that category strategy's result in and generated roadmaps of savings and value streams, and where appropriate, innovation opportunities
- Lead Quarterly business reviews, supplier roadmaps meetings etc
- Collaborated & presented to senior stakeholders: Built and nourished the relationship with key internal senior stakeholders
- Identified improvement areas within business to support cost optimization
- Remained current with market trends through relationships with suppliers and market experts; identified and communicated new technologies and solutions to key problems in the assigned IT Category area
- Responsible for leading projects with global cross functional teams and coached junior and new team members around negotiation ideas and supporting them with supplier negotiations.
Senior Sourcing Specialist – IT, B2B, Government
AT&T
04.2004 - 08.2007
- Reduced purchasing costs for key materials by negotiating favorable contracts with suppliers, leveraging volume discounts and long-term agreements.
- Developed and administered contract administration policies, systems, procedures and methods
- Provided interpretation of terms and conditions of contractual obligations and negotiated contract modifications, follow-up quotations, revisions, terms and conditions with vendors
- Responsible for the review and administration of long-term and/or blanket purchase contracts as well as responsible for commercial contract issues, negotiations and/or administration of agreements including renewal, new business, invoicing, credit holds, receivable issues and consolidations
Education
Sourcing Professional – Certification -
Sig University
01.2022
Administrative Management/Supply Chain Management – Bachelor's degree -
University of Washington
01.2021
Paralegal Studies – Customs and Immigration/Business Administration – Associate Degree -
University of Phoenix
01.2008
Skills
- Strategic Planning
- Verbal and written communication
- People Management
- Operations Management
- Contract and Vendor Management
- Contract Negotiation
- Cost analysis and savings
- Policy Development and Enforcement
- Process Improvements
- Logistics Management
- Program Management
- Strategies and goals
Timeline
Director - Strategic Sourcing, Risk Management, Supplier Diversity and Supplier Management
American Tire Distributors
05.2022 - Current
Procurement/Merchandising and Logistics Director
Costco Wholesale Corporate
11.2017 - 04.2022
Global Strategic Sourcing Manager
Office Depot Corp
08.2015 - 10.2017
Procurement Distributor and Vendor Manager
Ener-G Foods Inc.
01.2014 - 08.2015
Documents Clerk/Lead Trainer
Lombino Martino P.S
10.2011 - 01.2014
Executive Administrative Assistant/Trainer
Absolute Services
12.2009 - 09.2011
Strategic Sourcing and Operations Manager – IT Hardware, B2B, Government
Verizon
08.2007 - 12.2009
Senior Sourcing Specialist – IT, B2B, Government
AT&T
04.2004 - 08.2007
Sourcing Professional – Certification -
Sig University
Administrative Management/Supply Chain Management – Bachelor's degree -
University of Washington
Paralegal Studies – Customs and Immigration/Business Administration – Associate Degree -
University of Phoenix