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, MI05-1997
Bachelor of Science - Minor: Psychology
Grand Valley State University
Allendale, MI05-1997
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
Similar Profiles
Nancy BallardNancy Ballard
Sales Associate/ Floral Designer Manager at Gerych's Special Events & Floral DesignSales Associate/ Floral Designer Manager at Gerych's Special Events & Floral Design
Sophia CoselmonSophia Coselmon
Cleaner/Dishwasher at Gerych's Special Events & Floral DesignCleaner/Dishwasher at Gerych's Special Events & Floral Design
Dora GalloDora Gallo
Owner/Florist at Gallo Events and Floral DesignOwner/Florist at Gallo Events and Floral Design