Hakeem Thomas
Lake in the Hills,IL
Summary
Versatile and results-driven procurement and operations professional with extensive experience supporting manufacturing, medical device production, and facility operations. Proven success in sourcing, vendor management, inventory control, and optimizing supply chain processes. Strong mechanical aptitude with hands-on experience in injection molding, equipment troubleshooting, and quality compliance. Recognized for reliability, cross-functional collaboration, and the ability to keep complex operations running efficiently.
Overview
31
31
years of professional experience
Work History
MRO / OEM Buyer
Kerry
Sturtevant, WI
09.2023 - Current
- Managed purchasing and inventory for Maintenance, Facilities, Container, Syringe, Housekeeping, PPE, and Engineering departments.
- Sourced and procured critical components for injection molding equipment to ensure uninterrupted production.
- Negotiated pricing and delivery terms for motors, pumps, sensors, and auxiliary equipment.
- Maintained vendor relationships and monitored supply levels to prevent downtime.
MRO / OEM Buyer
Cardinal Health
Crystal Lake, IL
04.2020 - 09.2023
- Managed purchasing and inventory for Maintenance, Facilities, Container, Syringe, Housekeeping, PPE, and Engineering departments.
- Sourced and procured critical components for injection molding equipment to ensure uninterrupted production.
- Negotiated pricing and delivery terms for motors, pumps, sensors, and auxiliary equipment.
- Maintained vendor relationships and monitored supply levels to prevent downtime.
Cell Technician
Cardinal Health
Crystal Lake, IL
01.2015 - 04.2020
- Programmed, operated, and troubleshot injection molding machines and auxiliary systems.
- Ensured continuous production flow during 12-hour shifts, performing repairs and adjustments as needed.
- Maintained compliance with ISO standards, quality specifications, and tolerance requirements for medical-grade products.
- Achieved daily output goals while maintaining safety and quality standards.
Manager / Product Sample Coordinator
Sears Holding Corp
Hoffman Estates, IL
01.2007 - 12.2014
- Directed handling, assembly, tracking, and distribution of product samples across multiple departments.
- Developed a comprehensive database to organize sample storage by season and brand.
- Collaborated with Trend, Product Development, Buying, and Sourcing teams to support seasonal displays and catalog photo/video shoots.
- Coordinated domestic and international logistics for furniture samples, including shipments to overseas studios and trade shows.
- Provided troubleshooting support to teams in Hong Kong, India, and Shanghai to streamline sample movement.
Chemical Buyer
H2O Plus
Chicago, IL
12.2006 - 12.2007
- Purchased raw chemicals for batch mixing and production of finished goods.
- Managed domestic and international purchase orders, ensuring timely delivery and accurate documentation.
- Maintained vendor compliance databases and tracked all open purchase orders.
- Evaluated new suppliers, negotiated pricing, and monitored vendor performance.
Purchasing / Distribution Lead
Centegra Health System
Woodstock, IL
09.2002 - 11.2006
- Oversaw daily operations of the hospital’s Materials Management distribution room.
- Created and maintained pars and restock points for PYXIS supply stations across departments.
- Managed confidential records and resolved supply issues with nursing staff and leadership.
- Partnered with core vendors to address pick errors, returns, product changes, and backorders.
Purchasing Agent
Coils, Inc
Huntley, IL
04.2000 - 09.2002
- Purchased electronic components from international vendors using an MRP system.
- Ensured on-time delivery of raw and finished goods through proactive communication and expediting.
- Monitored vendor ratings and negotiated contract pricing for multiple company branches.
Buyer II / Expeditor
Fitch Metal Solutions, Inc
Huntley, IL
04.1995 - 03.2000
- Purchased metals, MRO supplies, and subcontracted coating services for production.
- Collaborated with engineers to verify blueprint accuracy and revision levels before procurement.
- Received and tracked incoming materials including hardware, tools, dies, and machinery.
- Managed open and past-due purchase orders to ensure timely arrival of goods.
Education
High School -
Greenwood High School
Greenwood, MS01-1985
Skills
- Procurement & Sourcing
- MRO/OEM Purchasing
- Inventory & Materials Management
- Vendor Relations & Negotiation
- Injection Molding Operations
- Mechanical Troubleshooting
- ERP/MRP Systems (IQMS, Coupa, DCD Classic, Buy Now)
- Supply Chain Processes
- Quality Assurance & ISO Standards
- Warehouse & Distribution Operations
- Cross-Functional Communication
- Team Leadership & Training
Timeline
MRO / OEM Buyer
Kerry
09.2023 - Current
MRO / OEM Buyer
Cardinal Health
04.2020 - 09.2023
Cell Technician
Cardinal Health
01.2015 - 04.2020
Manager / Product Sample Coordinator
Sears Holding Corp
01.2007 - 12.2014
Chemical Buyer
H2O Plus
12.2006 - 12.2007
Purchasing / Distribution Lead
Centegra Health System
09.2002 - 11.2006
Purchasing Agent
Coils, Inc
04.2000 - 09.2002
Buyer II / Expeditor
Fitch Metal Solutions, Inc
04.1995 - 03.2000
High School -
Greenwood High School
Military Service
- United States Navy (1985 – 1991)
- Rank: E5
- Boiler Technician