Jennifer Watson
Easley,SC
Summary
Detail-oriented professional with strong background in purchasing, vendor management and inventory control. Proven track record of identifying cost savings opportunities and developing and executing strategies to maximize sales and profits. Considered valuable asset to any team. Worked in purchasing for 5 years and before that was in inside sales/customer service role for the same company for 11 years. Communicates well and works great with customers and the employees. Maintain a positive attitude and accepts feedback well. Accepts new challenges and changes in the company without complaining.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Buyer
Vallen Distribution
07.2007 - Current
- Senior Buyer for Vallen's Core Plus suppliers. This is Vallen's top supplier partners and currently handling 4 suppliers out of the top 28. 2 suppliers being the top 5. Total vendors in the company are over 3000. High volume vendors with high volume dollars is the focus.
- Achieved cost savings by implementing strategic sourcing and supplier negotiations.
- Optimized inventory management practices, reducing excess stock and minimizing carrying costs.
- Developed strong relationships with suppliers, fostering collaboration and mutual growth.
- Enhanced supplier performance through regular evaluations and performance improvement plans.
- Communicated with vendors regarding inventory needs and negotiated prices to maintain profit margins.
- Negotiated favorable contracts with suppliers, securing optimal terms and pricing structures.
- Performed extensive vendor and supplier research to identify cost-effective options and product availability.
- Documented purchasing information in Excel to maintain detailed and accurate records.
- Dispensed purchase orders to suppliers with accurate pricing, deadlines and terms and conditions.
- Negotiated policies and contracts with vendors to achieve optimal pricing and consistent availability.
- Maintained key item stock levels and wrote or expedited purchase orders.
- Collaborated with internal departments to better understand needs and determine purchasing requirements.
- Tracked inventory shipments and prepared spreadsheets detailing item information.
- Built long-term supplier relationships with vendors to establish quality and competitive pricing.
- Interacted with vendors, store managers and other stakeholders to maintain on-time deliveries.
Inside Sales
Vallen Formally Hagemeyer Formally Cambar
07.2007 - Current
- Increased sales revenue by implementing strategic inside sales initiatives and building strong customer relationships.
- Increased inside sales revenue by consistently meeting and exceeding sales targets through effective prospecting and relationship building
- Increased sales revenue by consistently meeting and exceeding monthly quotas in a fast-paced inside sales environment.
- Worked closely with inside sales team members to maximize lead generation efforts and drive overall sales growth.
- Played a key role in achieving sales targets through implementation of various marketing initiatives and cross-selling techniques.
- Handled customer inquiries and suggestions courteously and professionally.
- Managed high-stress situations effectively, maintaining professionalism under pressure while resolving disputes or conflicts.
- Actively listened to customers, handled concerns quickly and escalated major issues to supervisor.
- Updated account information to maintain customer records.
- Maintained customer satisfaction with forward-thinking strategies focused on addressing customer needs and resolving concerns.
- Offered advice and assistance to customers, paying attention to special needs or wants.
- Responded to customer requests for products, services, and company information.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by promptly addressing concerns and providing accurate information.
- Participated in team meetings and training sessions to stay informed about product updates and changes.
- Assisted customers in navigating company website and placing online orders, improving overall user experience.
- Contributed to sales growth by upselling products and services based on individual customer requirements.
- Investigated and resolved customer inquiries and complaints quickly.
- Delivered prompt service to prioritize customer needs.
Inside Sales/ Customer Service
Precision Industries
02.2003 - 06.2007
- Was hired to handle the Timken/Torrington Contract that Precision was rewarded. This was handling all of their location in SC.
- Entered orders, quoted, expedited and followed everything through. Even if we had not received payment I worked on all issues that may have been delaying payment.
- Achieving quota consistency by implementing effective time management strategies in prioritizing tasks and responsibilities.
- Managed a high volume of inbound calls daily, maintaining professionalism under pressure while achieving performance goals.
- Called on existing accounts to drive sales through proactive and relationship-driven contact strategies.
- Responded to customer requests, offering excellent support and tailored recommendations to address needs.
- Followed up with customers about resolved issues to maintain high standards of customer service.
- I have often been praised by management on how well I respond and treat the customer.
Customer Service/ Expeditor
Dillon/Poe Supply
01.1999 - 04.2003
- Worked with vendors closely on order status and ways to get product in quickly.
- Kept customers up to date on any delays and possible subs if material was out of stock.
- Conducted regular follow-ups with customers to gauge their level of satisfaction and address any outstanding concerns proactively.
- Managed high call volume while maintaining excellent service quality and professionalism.
- Expedited shipment tracking to provide timely updates to customers, ensuring their satisfaction.
Education
Greenville Technical College
Greenville, SC09.1998
High School Diploma -
Greenville High School
Greenville, SC1997
Skills
- Supplier Negotiations
- Supplier Relationship Management
- Smartsheets, Excel and Word
- Self motivated
- Vendor Relations
- Pricing negotiations
- Relationship Building
- Customer Service
- Multi-tasking strength
- Verbal and written communication
- Purchase Order Management
Timeline
Senior Buyer
Vallen Distribution
07.2007 - Current
Inside Sales
Vallen Formally Hagemeyer Formally Cambar
07.2007 - Current
Inside Sales/ Customer Service
Precision Industries
02.2003 - 06.2007
Customer Service/ Expeditor
Dillon/Poe Supply
01.1999 - 04.2003
Greenville Technical College
High School Diploma -
Greenville High School
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