Job Search Status
Open to workDesired start date: Flexible
Desired Job Title
Purchasing ManagerPurchasing AgentSenior Purchasing AgentWork Type
Full TimeConsultingLocation Preference
HybridLocation: Egg Harbor City, NJ
Open to relocation: No
Open To Work
Verified
This profile is verified using an email address.
Dorothy Higgins
Purchasing Professional
Egg Harbor City,NJ
Work Preference
Summary
Dynamic procurement professional with extensive experience in strategic sourcing and vendor management, seeking to leverage expertise within a forward-thinking organization. Proven track record includes successfully opening two casino hotel properties, executing three system installations, and developing standard operating procedures for multiple locations. Recognized for a strong commitment to team collaboration and delivering results under tight deadlines while maintaining adaptability to evolving business needs. Dedicated to ensuring efficient procurement practices and strict compliance with company policies, driving operational excellence and cost-effectiveness.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Purchasing Agent
Philadelphia Zoo
Philadelphia, PA
05.2024 - 01.2026
- Installed Oracle Net Suites System, Train and assist all users.
- Admin for Net Suite System.
- Provide support and train AP Supervisor.
- Admin for Citizens Bank P-card program.
- Responsible for sourcing and procuring materials and services, negotiating contracts, perform cost analysis, and managing supplier relationships.
- Create and participate with RFP processes and forms.
- Review and order all items requested/needed.
- Oversee and resolve issues, conflicts, situations that arise between A/P, G/L, and suppliers
Purchasing Manager
Vivamee Hospitality
Egg Harbor City, NJ
01.2023 - 07.2023
- Purchasing Manage for 3 properties, including hotels, golf courses, and winery.
- Installed Red Rock Inventory/Purchasing System at Renault Winery Golf Resort and Hotel
- Review and order all items requested for Food & Beverage Department, Liquor Storeroom, restaurants, bars, and others as needed. Including tabletop, food, beverage, disposables, and décor.
- Create all item numbers, and maintain item master in Red Rock I/P system.
- Train new users in Red Rock I/P system.
- Review contracts and maintain bids.
- Research and development for new menu items and suppliers.
- Oversee and resolve issues, conflicts, situations that arise between A/P, G/L, Loading Dock, and suppliers.
Senior Food and Beverage Buyer
Bally’s Atlantic City
Atlantic City, NJ
11.2020 - 01.2023
- Part of opening team, November 2020 switch from Caesars Entertainment to Twin River ownership.
- Review and order all items requested for Food & Beverage Department, Liquor Storeroom, restaurants, bars, and others as needed. Including tabletop, food, beverage, disposables, and décor.
- Create item numbers, update and maintain item master in Red Rock I/P system.
- Train new users in Red Rock I/P system.
- Review contracts and maintain bids.
- Research and development for new menu items and suppliers.
- Oversee and resolve issues, conflicts, situations that arise between A/P, G/L, Loading Dock, and suppliers.
- Interview sales representatives and review vendor proposals relative to qualifications, ideas, pricing trends and makes recommendations to management.
- Work with Corporate Office for compliance to all policies and procedures.
Wardrobe Manager
Hard Rock Hotel and Casino
Atlantic City, NJ
11.2018 - 05.2019
- Review and order uniforms for 3,500 employees as needed.
- Direct Supervisor and staff for daily laundry needs.
- Review uniforms submitted by team for damage and irregularities.
Purchasing Manager
Hard Rock Hotel and Casino
Atlantic City, NJ
02.2018 - 05.2019
- Part of Grand Opening Team for June 28, 2018.
- Key Super user Trainer inventory purchasing system.
- Team leader for inventory system and retail point of sale system.
- Negotiate pricing and purchase items for IT, Wardrobe, I-Gaming, Retail and other commodities as needed.
- Negotiate contracts as required, submitted, and requested.
- Review all purchase orders, approve all purchase orders to $25,000.00.
- Review all policies and procedures for compliance with New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement policies and procedures.
- Interview sales representatives and review vendor proposals relative to qualifications, ideas, pricing trends and makes recommendations to management.
- Research and development for new commodity items and cost containment.
- Review, recommend changes, on food and beverage distribution programs.
Purchasing Director
Monticello Casino and Raceway, and Montreign Operating Company, LLC d/b/a Resorts World Catskills
04.2011 - 02.2018
- Responsible for all purchasing for Empire Resorts, Monticello Casino and Raceway (MRMI), and Montreign Resort Casino d/b/a Resorts World Catskills (RWC).
- Create, update, and reconcile annual budgets.
- Coordinate all capital projects.
- Reconcile monthly inventories for all warehouses.
- Key onsite user/trainer for Red Rock I/P system.
- Create, issue, review and award all RFP’s.
- Negotiate, review, and implement all contracts.
- Negotiate and purchase for Retail, Wardrobe, IT, and Facilities.
- Buying, coordinating, tracking all contracts, FF&E and OS&E for 332 room hotel/casino – RWC.
- Increased staff to handle Warehouse operations at RWC.
- Interview sales representatives and review vendor proposals relative to qualifications, ideas, pricing trends and makes recommendations to management
- Upgraded warehouse inventory for barcoding inventory processes.
- Overseeing all training of new hires in inventory purchasing system.
- Track, record and report MWBE purchases to NYSGC.
Food & Beverage Purchasing Manager
Harrah’s/Caesars Atlantic City Operations
Atlantic City
02.2007 - 08.2010
- Responsible for all food & beverage purchases for (4) Major Atlantic City properties.
- Develop policies and objectives for Purchasing Department, implements best practices for all properties in accordance with corporate objectives.
- Assist and support corporate offices with regional contract compliance.
- Research products and negotiate for cost savings on non-contracted items.
- Oversee and resolve issues, conflicts, situations that arise between departments, properties, and suppliers.
- Interview sales representatives and review vendor proposals relative to qualifications, ideas, pricing trends and makes recommendations to management.
- Assisted in roll-out and compliance for National Beverage Program for all Atlantic City properties.
Purchasing Manager
Seneca Niagara Falls Gaming Corp
Niagara Falls, NY
06.2005 - 01.2007
- Negotiate multi-property contracts for like items/services.
- Final approval on all Purchase Orders.
- Support (2) properties with special needs/projects.
- Completed FF&E for 604 room Hotel and Spa in Niagara Falls with expanded casino, FF&E for 225 room Hotel and Spa and casino floor move in Allegany.
- Worked with interior and exterior sign development teams.
- Developed Contract Routing Procedures, and revised Purchasing Policies.
- Developed Suspended Vendors Report for Seneca Gaming Corp.
- Supported creation of Vendor License Status Report.
- Provided e-documents of SGA License packages.
Senior Purchasing Agent
Resorts Atlantic City
Atlantic City
01.2001 - 06.2005
- Purchased items for Marketing, Junkets, Promotions, Executive Office/Gifts, Human Resources, Bus Programs, IT, Wardrobe, and all FF&E. Covered all other purchasing areas as necessary
- Designated Property Key User for inventory purchase system, responsible for training new employees.
- Approved all requisitions, purchase orders, and contracts when the Director is unavailable.
- Temporary Wardrobe Manager for 5 months.
- Graduated Upward Mobility Program.
Education
Certified Hospitality Supervisor -
Educational Institute of the American Hotel Motel Association
01-1994
Hospitality Accounting - undefined
Educational Institute of the American Hotel Motel Association
01-1987
Skills
- Order tracking
- Procurement
- Scheduling
- Inventory management
- Procurement software proficiency
- Strategic sourcing
- Problem-solving
- Vendor management
- Regulatory compliance
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Accounts payable
- Cost reduction strategies
Certification
- New York State Gaming Commission Key License
- New York State Racing and Wagering Key License
- Seneca Gaming Authority July 2005 - withdrawn
- State of New Jersey Casino Control Commission, Expired 2005
- State of New Jersey Casino Control Commission, Expires 2009
Timeline
Purchasing Agent
Philadelphia Zoo
05.2024 - 01.2026
Purchasing Manager
Vivamee Hospitality
01.2023 - 07.2023
Senior Food and Beverage Buyer
Bally’s Atlantic City
11.2020 - 01.2023
Wardrobe Manager
Hard Rock Hotel and Casino
11.2018 - 05.2019
Purchasing Manager
Hard Rock Hotel and Casino
02.2018 - 05.2019
Purchasing Director
Monticello Casino and Raceway, and Montreign Operating Company, LLC d/b/a Resorts World Catskills
04.2011 - 02.2018
Food & Beverage Purchasing Manager
Harrah’s/Caesars Atlantic City Operations
02.2007 - 08.2010
Purchasing Manager
Seneca Niagara Falls Gaming Corp
06.2005 - 01.2007
Senior Purchasing Agent
Resorts Atlantic City
01.2001 - 06.2005
Hospitality Accounting - undefined
Educational Institute of the American Hotel Motel Association
Certified Hospitality Supervisor -
Educational Institute of the American Hotel Motel Association