Howard Poteet
Newport News,VA
Summary
30 years of experience and success in the electric motor, pump and generator repair, manufacturing and distribution industry in various positions which include Director of Purchasing, Operations Manager, Purchasing manager and Outside Sales Representative with a record of accomplishments. I’m very results-oriented, high-energy, dynamic, hands-on professional and customer service driven. Effectively lead, coach and develop a work team to accomplish operational and production objectives. Possess excellent interpersonal skills. I’m able to build and sustain effective customer and vendor relationships. Additional areas of expertise include:
- Business development
- Customer retention
- Supplier negotiation
- Solution selling strategies
- Pricing and proposals
- High impact sales presentations
- Persuasiveness and influencing
- Account and territory management
- Planning and organizing
- Problem analysis and resolution
- Communication skills
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of Purchasing
Electric Motor & Contracting Co. Inc.
09.2021 - Current
- Negotiated contracts with suppliers to optimize cost and enhance quality of materials.
- Streamlined purchasing processes, reducing lead times for procurement activities.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to align purchasing strategies with organizational goals.
- Implemented inventory management systems to monitor stock levels and minimize waste.
- Analyzed market trends to forecast pricing fluctuations and adjust purchasing strategies accordingly.
- Developed vendor performance evaluation criteria to ensure compliance with company standards.
- Led training sessions for team members on best practices in procurement and supplier management.
- Established long-term relationships with key suppliers to foster collaboration and innovation.
- Spearheaded continuous improvement initiatives, driving process optimization in the procurement department.
- Improved supplier lead times through collaborative forecasting efforts.
- Achieved cost savings by negotiating contracts and managing supplier relationships.
- Generated reports, documents and analysis in [SmartSheet] for senior management review and approval.
Outside Sales Representative
Gexpro (GE Supply)
08.2016 - 08.2021
- Developed and maintained relationships with key accounts, enhancing customer loyalty and satisfaction.
- Conducted market analysis to identify new business opportunities and optimize sales strategies.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to align product offerings with customer needs and market trends.
- Delivered compelling presentations to clients, effectively communicating product benefits and value propositions.
- Implemented CRM tools to streamline sales processes, improving efficiency in lead tracking and follow-up activities.
- Increased territory sales by building strong relationships with key clients and identifying new business opportunities.
- Visited customer locations to evaluate requirements, demonstrate product offerings, and propose strategic solutions for diverse needs.
- Exceeded monthly sales targets and quotas consistently.
- Contacted new and existing customers to discuss ways to meet needs through specific products and services.
- Worked closely with cross-functional teams such as engineering or production department for smooth order fulfillment processes resulting in higher customer satisfaction rates.
Operations Manager
Maine Industrial (Timken)
08.2012 - 07.2016
- Streamlined operational workflows to enhance productivity and reduce downtime across multiple departments.
- Led cross-functional teams to implement process improvements, resulting in increased efficiency and cost savings.
- Developed and maintained key performance indicators to monitor operational effectiveness and drive strategic initiatives.
- Trained and mentored staff on best practices in safety protocols, ensuring compliance with industry regulations.
- Collaborated with supply chain teams to optimize inventory management, reducing excess stock while meeting demand requirements.
- Empowered employees to take ownership of their responsibilities, leading to increased accountability and improved performance outcomes.
- Directed initiatives to improve work environment, company culture or overall business strategy.
Purchasing Manager
Electric Motor & Contracting Co. Inc.
08.2006 - 04.2012
- Developed and implemented strategic sourcing strategies to optimize supplier selection and cost efficiency.
- Negotiated contracts with suppliers, ensuring favorable terms and compliance with company policies.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to streamline procurement processes and improve overall supply chain performance.
- Managed vendor relationships, fostering partnerships that enhanced product quality and delivery timelines.
- Utilized ERP systems to monitor inventory levels, track orders, and manage procurement workflows effectively.
Education
No Degree - Business Management
DeVry University
Decatur, GASkills
- Supplier relationship management
- Negotiation expertise
- Relationship building
- Effective communication
- Strategic sourcing
- ERP systems
- Product knowledge
- Self motivation
Timeline
Director of Purchasing
Electric Motor & Contracting Co. Inc.
09.2021 - Current
Outside Sales Representative
Gexpro (GE Supply)
08.2016 - 08.2021
Operations Manager
Maine Industrial (Timken)
08.2012 - 07.2016
Purchasing Manager
Electric Motor & Contracting Co. Inc.
08.2006 - 04.2012
No Degree - Business Management
DeVry University