Gregory L. Heckman Jr.
Baton Rouge,LA
Summary
Dynamic Category Manager with a proven track record at Capitol City, excelling in procurement strategies and contract negotiation. Expert in supply chain optimization and inventory management, driving significant cost savings. Adept at fostering customer relationships, enhancing satisfaction through innovative solutions and data-driven decision-making.
Overview
32
32
years of professional experience
Skills
- Procurement strategies
- Contract negotiation
- Supply chain optimization
- Inventory management
- Data analysis
- Customer relationship management
Work History
Category Manager – Foodservice
Capitol City
Baton Rouge, LA
01.2023 - Current
- Developed procurement strategies to optimize supply chain efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
- Manage procurement buyers and logistic team to ensure timely delivery of materials and services.
- Analyzed market trends to identify potential suppliers and negotiate contracts.
- Collaborated with internal teams to forecast purchasing needs and align with budgets.
- Oversaw inventory management processes to maintain optimal stock levels and reduce waste.
- Implemented procurement software systems to streamline purchasing workflows and reporting.
- Contributed innovative ideas and solutions to enhance team performance and outcomes.
- Worked successfully with diverse group of coworkers to accomplish goals and address issues related to our products and services.
- Promoted high customer satisfaction by resolving problems with knowledgeable and friendly service.
Managing Director
GLH Fresh, LLC
Murfreesboro, TN
01.2020 - 01.2023
- Responsible for all aspects of the business – Sales, Marketing, Purchasing, Accounting, and Customer Service – quality strategies, cost-cutting initiatives and streamlining of operational workflow at the highest level.
- Customer Service – Business Development growing relationships with current and potential customers and maintaining positive relationships with all clients and customers.
- Maximize revenue flows and minimize expenditures by negotiating pricing on purchasing and transportation.
- Coordinate delivery of orders to customers.
- Proven ability in improved efficiencies, reduced errors and bettered processes.
Produce Merchandising Manager
Sysco, Inc.
Nashville, TN
01.2016 - 01.2020
- Drive produce sales opportunities while collaborating with key cross-functional teams to grow profitable sales and developing successful sales strategies.
- Accountable for vendor sourcing and selection by negotiating, procuring, and coordinating the effective distribution of produce products and services to customers.
- Buy from local and regional vendors to execute against vision and goals; while managing and driving product category SKUs to implement local and sustainable programs.
- Maximize flow of product inventory to ensuring reduction in overall shrink.
- Advance and execute the promotional agenda by facilitating innovative produce marketing through customer insight encounters with targeted training and education.
- Accountable for logistics on all inbound products utilizing efficient loading strategy and employing PRDC, consolidation and re-distribution, where appropriate.
Hawaii Account Executive
DLJ Produce, Inc.
Honolulu, HI
01.2015 - 01.2016
- Developed and implemented sales plan to grow sales and profitability through improved communications between DLJ staff and customers.
- Forecasted needs and managed supply chain from source to post delivery in partnership with the Director and Assistant Director of Produce.
- Provided engaging leadership to the Customer Warehouse Operations team; developed and guided the team to create an effective operation plan.
- Executed the implementation of an efficient Warehouse Operational plan with key staff which included Receiving, QC inspection, Handling, Selection, and Shipping.
- Identified and implemented strategic projects to improve logistics operations for produce shipments by air and ocean freight.
Business Development Manager
MZR, Inc.
Honolulu, HI
01.2012 - 01.2015
- Collaborated with customers’ management to achieve proper product assortment and advised on merchandising and product placement.
- Forecasted customers’ produce needs while working with Buyers and Warehouse Operations to exceed customers’ expectations.
- Developed, built, and maintained relationships with customers to generate new sales opportunities.
Senior Buyer
James D. Swoish Produce, Inc.
Honolulu, HI
01.2002 - 01.2012
- Worked directly with growers and distributors to ensure a steady product supply that exceeds our customers’ expectations.
- Established a forecasting/buying process to accelerate buying decisions using previous year’s sales and current trends.
- Assisted customers with the implementation of new products and merchandising plans to grow produce categories in their individual stores.
Regional Produce Buyer
Sam’s Club, Inc.
Anaheim, CA
01.1998 - 01.2002
- Accountable for the replenishment of produce while analyzing inventory to maximize turns and reduce shrink.
- Coordinated with Regional Fresh Managers to train Produce Team Leads at the 43 locations within the distribution region.
Quality Control Manager
Fresh America, Inc.
Bolingbrook, IL
01.1994 - 01.1998
- Managed the Shipping and Receiving Supervisors along with approximately 60 associates. Collaborated with the Distribution Manager to develop talent.
- Inspection of inbound loads to ensure quality and specs meet customer requirements.
- Ensured that the product was stored using proper handling techniques.
Timeline
Category Manager – Foodservice
Capitol City
01.2023 - Current
Managing Director
GLH Fresh, LLC
01.2020 - 01.2023
Produce Merchandising Manager
Sysco, Inc.
01.2016 - 01.2020
Hawaii Account Executive
DLJ Produce, Inc.
01.2015 - 01.2016
Business Development Manager
MZR, Inc.
01.2012 - 01.2015
Senior Buyer
James D. Swoish Produce, Inc.
01.2002 - 01.2012
Regional Produce Buyer
Sam’s Club, Inc.
01.1998 - 01.2002
Quality Control Manager
Fresh America, Inc.
01.1994 - 01.1998
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