Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Jennifer Barrow

Holly,MI

Summary

Executive Buyer and Merchandiser at Gerych's Special Events & Floral Design, adept at supplier negotiation and budget management. Achieved significant cost savings through strategic purchasing strategies and enhanced vendor relationships. Skilled in trend forecasting and training development, fostering a collaborative team environment to drive profitability and operational efficiency.

Overview

14
14
years of professional experience

Work History

Executive Buyer and Merchandiser

Gerych's Special Events & Floral Design
08.2011 - Current
  • Analyzed purchasing trends, identifying opportunities for cost reductions and product improvements.
  • Enhanced profitability by negotiating bulk purchase discounts from key suppliers.
  • Organized training sessions for junior buyers, ensuring they were well-versed in company procedures and policies related to procurement operations.
  • Established a centralized purchasing strategy that consolidated orders across departments leading to significant cost savings.
  • Managed annual budgeting process for the purchasing department, aligning expenditures with company goals.
  • Reviewed requisitions, prepared purchase orders and drafted bid requests for buying team and associates, keeping ahead of demand through proactive planning.
  • Maintained accurate records of all purchases, streamlining audits, and compliance checks related to the purchasing function within the organization.
  • Evaluated past spending patterns and developed recommendations on how resources could be better allocated.
  • Successfully resolved disputes with vendors, maintaining positive working relationships while upholding company interests.
  • Estimated product values according to market price, adjusting with fluctuations and offering discounts during product inventory surpluses.
  • Worked with vendors to obtain product or service information.
  • Conducted market research to identify new suppliers and evaluate their potential for business partnership.
  • Negotiated favorable contract terms with suppliers, resulting in cost savings and improved delivery times.
  • Collaborated with sales team to forecast demand accurately and plan inventory levels accordingly.
  • Reviewed bid proposals, negotiating contracts within budgetary limitations and scope of authority.
  • Played an active role in the development of new products by providing input on materials availabilitycosts.
  • Analyzed inventory usage and assessed trends to provide maximum coverage for each time period.
  • Forecasted purchasing trends and improved merchandising strategies.
  • Managed vendor purchase order dispatch, delivery, and invoicing to set contractual guidelines and maintain budgetary regulations.
  • Collaborated with buyers for special events and seasonal promotions to maintain adequate product stock and drive sales.
  • Determined lowest possible cost, factoring in quality and reliability, and negotiated favorable contracts.
  • Dispensed purchase orders to suppliers with accurate pricing, deadlines and terms and conditions.
  • Performed extensive vendor and supplier research to identify cost-effective options and product availability.
  • Monitored inventory levels and avoided shortages with timely replenishment of stock.
  • Negotiated pricing and terms with vendors to secure best value for company.
  • Established and maintained accurate records of purchases, pricing and payment terms.
  • Cultivated strong relationships with vendors to maintain and improve levels of customer service.
  • Communicated regularly with suppliers to uphold accountability for quality standards and timely delivery of goods.
  • Hired and trained purchasing staff to improve effectiveness of purchasing operations.
  • Facilitated resolution of vendor disputes and discrepancies.
  • Assessed areas of service concern and developed improvement plans.

Education

Bachelor of Science - Therapeutic Recreation

Grand Valley State University
Allendale, MI
05-1997

Bachelor of Science - Minor: Psychology

Grand Valley State University
Allendale, MI
05-1997

Skills

  • Cost analysis
  • Supplier negotiation
  • Budget management
  • Inventory management
  • Vendor relationship management
  • Contract management
  • Market research
  • Training and development
  • Effective communication
  • Team collaboration
  • Problem solving
  • Conflict resolution
  • Interpersonal skills
  • Trend forecasting
  • Customer relations
  • Customer-oriented
  • Vendor negotiations
  • Team player

Timeline

Executive Buyer and Merchandiser

Gerych's Special Events & Floral Design
08.2011 - Current

Bachelor of Science - Therapeutic Recreation

Grand Valley State University

Bachelor of Science - Minor: Psychology

Grand Valley State University
Jennifer Barrow