Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline

Donnelle Cole

Georgetown,TX

Summary

Dynamic Senior Buyer with a proven track record at CarMax, excelling in car buying negotiations and relationship management. Achieved significant cost savings through strategic sourcing and optimized inventory practices. Adept at influencing others and fostering collaboration, driving mutual growth and operational efficiency.

Overview

11
11
years of professional experience

Work History

Senior Buyer

CarMax
12.2019 - Current
  • Participated in continuous improvement initiatives, contributing ideas for more effective procurement processes.
  • Achieved cost savings by implementing strategic sourcing and negotiations.
  • Developed strong relationships with suppliers, fostering collaboration and mutual growth.
  • Optimized inventory management practices, reducing excess stock through effective markdown strategies.
  • Managed of team of skilled condition assessors in vehicle evaluations.
  • Leveraged data-driven insights to make informed purchasing decisions that positively impacted the bottom line.
  • Oversaw and streamlined daily operations of purchasing department to maximize productivity and revenue.
  • Led purchasing team of 16 through training and ongoing development.
  • Collaborated with cross-functional teams to identify opportunities for cost reduction and process improvement.
  • Maintained up-to-date knowledge of industry trends, providing valuable insights to inform purchasing decisions.

Sales Manager

CarMax
11.2018 - 12.2019
  • Handled customer relations issues, enabling quick resolution, and client satisfaction.
  • Increased sales revenue by developing and implementing effective sales strategies.
  • Led a successful sales team by providing motivational coaching and performance-based incentives.
  • Organized regular sales meetings to review progress, share best practices, and set achievable targets for continued success.
  • Overcame objections from potential clients by addressing concerns effectively and offering customized solutions based on their unique needs.
  • Provided ongoing training and mentorship for sales staff, fostering professional development and career growth.
  • Assisted in recruiting top talent for the sales team, contributing to a high-performing work environment.

Buyer

CarMax
11.2015 - 11.2018
  • Built long-term relationships with vendors to establish quality and competitive pricing.
  • Collaborated with internal departments to better understand needs and determine purchasing requirements.
  • Reduced procurement costs through strategic sourcing, competitive bidding, and effective negotiations.
  • Developed strong relationships with suppliers to secure favorable pricing terms and conditions for the company''s benefit.
  • Coordinated with logistics teams to resolve any shipping delays or discrepancies while minimizing impact on operations.

Co-Manager

Bath and Body Works, Limited Brands
04.2014 - 10.2015
  • Managed inventory control, ensuring optimal stock levels while minimizing shrinkage and wastage.
  • Resolved complex customer complaints promptly and effectively, maintaining high levels of customer satisfaction while protecting business interests.
  • Ensured compliance with company policies, procedures, and safety regulations by monitoring operations on a daily basis.
  • Partnered with other Managers to share best practices, learn from collective experiences, and improve overall store performance.
  • Increased sales revenue by training and mentoring staff in effective selling techniques and product knowledge.
  • Improved employee retention rates by fostering a positive work environment through team-building activities and open communication.

Education

Bachelor of Applied Life Science - Fashion Merchandising

University of Louisiana At Lafayette, Lafayette, LA
12-2004
  • Secondary Teacher Certification

Skills

  • Supplier relationship management
  • Influencing skills
  • Purchasing strategy
  • Researching products
  • Customer focus
  • Inventory monitoring
  • Negotiation
  • Strategizing
  • Relationship building
  • Customer service
  • Multi-tasking strength
  • Sales experience
  • Purchasing strategies

Timeline

Senior Buyer - CarMax
12.2019 - Current
Sales Manager - CarMax
11.2018 - 12.2019
Buyer - CarMax
11.2015 - 11.2018
Co-Manager - Bath and Body Works, Limited Brands
04.2014 - 10.2015
University of Louisiana At Lafayette - Bachelor of Applied Life Science, Fashion Merchandising