Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Certification
Timeline
Generic

Diego Contreras

Los Angeles,CA

Summary

Industrious Sr. Buyer adept at keeping costs under control while optimizing inventory for usage needs. I began as a Procurement Manager helping a small business meet fulfillment obligations. Performing detailed research in supplier selection, sourcing and value assessment to form best overall strategy for long-term gain. Strong understanding of Inventory evaluations and turnover rates.

Overview

7
7
years of professional experience
1
1
Certificate

Work History

Sr. Buyer

Howmet Aerospace
06.2022 - Current
  • Continually improving purchasing processes to drive down cost ~ YTD cost reduction of 185K and 1.1 million dollars in cost avoidance
  • Led AS9100 recertification and financial audits, achieving zero major findings and ensuring compliance with industry standards and regulations
  • Oversee and manage daily checkbook, monthly supplier OTD report, and month end accrual report ~ 3 million monthly spend
  • Consolidate supplier forecasts and manage release schedules to ensuring timely delivery ~ 80K monthly RM consumption + 700K monthly component receipts ~ 98% OTD
  • Conducted monthly receipt reports to identify areas for potential cost savings and efficiencies.
  • Spearheaded the onboarding and training of Oracle users, enhancing procurement processes and streamlining system utilization

Procurement Manager

Premier Organics (Artisana Organics)
11.2018 - 06.2022
  • Procured and issued blanket purchase orders to ideal vendor based on crop yield and COA's ~ 5 million yearly spend
  • Coordinated logistics for $5 million per year operations.
  • Identified cost-effective vendors and set up favorable contracts ~ $35K per year in Raw Material and Packaging cost savings
  • Generated weekly, monthly, quarterly and yearly reports on purchasing operations.
  • Spearheaded the creation and implementation of Artisana's Amazon Marketplace presence ~ 10K units sold per month
  • Streamlined procurement processes for increased efficiency and cost savings through the implementation of digital tools and automation.

Operations Specialist

Premier Organics (Artisana Organics)
02.2018 - 11.2018
  • Conducted manufacturing cost analysis, leading to the redesign of 14oz and 8oz glass jars, improving cost efficiency ~ 20K direct savings
  • Audited and tracked daily tasks to identify and implement process improvements
  • Generated consumption and inventory turnover reports to support management in key decision-making processes
  • Collaborated with COO to manage and review labor costs, directly impacting COGS and distributor pricing.
  • Supervised daily logistics operations, including loading/unloading trailers, pallet replenishment, inventory management, and team oversight
  • Continuously sought opportunities for professional development in order to remain knowledgeable about industry best practices.

Education

MBA - Business

Cal State University, Los Angeles
Los Angeles
12-2025

Bachelor of Science - Business Management

San Jose State University
San Jose, CA
05.2018

Certification

  • Certified in AS9100 Internal Auditor (Aerospace)
  • Certified in HACCP, Artisana Organics (Food Safety)
  • Certified SQF Practitioner, Artisana Organics (Food Safety)

Timeline

Sr. Buyer

Howmet Aerospace
06.2022 - Current

Procurement Manager

Premier Organics (Artisana Organics)
11.2018 - 06.2022

Operations Specialist

Premier Organics (Artisana Organics)
02.2018 - 11.2018

MBA - Business

Cal State University, Los Angeles

Bachelor of Science - Business Management

San Jose State University
Diego Contreras