Jodie Hunt
Rochester
Summary
Strategic sourcing expert with over two decades of experience in procurement excellence and cost optimization within the fashion and chemical manufacturing sectors. Proficient in utilizing data-driven insights and digital tools to align procurement strategies with business goals, while fostering strong supplier relationships and collaborative partnerships with key stakeholders. Dedicated to enhancing organizational performance through comprehensive category management and operational efficiency.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
Work History
Category Specialist, MRO
Arxada, LLC, Specialty Chemical Manufacturing
06.2022 - 02.2025
- Implement category strategies to achieve improved Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) through vendor consolidation, lifecycle cost analysis, extended payment terms, and process automation
- Execute Master Service Agreements (MSAs) as needed while deploying the global MRO strategy across Group Purchasing Organizations (GPOs) and other preferred suppliers to ensure consistent alignment with organizational goals
- Support contract negotiations to secure favorable terms and conditions with key vendors, collaborating with the Legal department to ensure compliance, mitigate risks, and protect organizational interests
- Foster cross-functional partnerships to implement category strategies at the site level, ensuring alignment with procurement processes and broader business objectives
- Optimize the category supply base by evaluating supplier performance, fostering strong partnerships with preferred suppliers, and driving continuous improvement initiatives
- Collaborate with Group Purchasing Organizations (GPOs) to drive supplier consolidation and tail spend rationalization, leveraging spend to achieve significant cost reductions and secure annual rebates
- Categorize addressable spend and issue RFQs to preferred suppliers to negotiate improved pricing and terms
- Analyze data to identify cost-saving opportunities, driving strategic decisions and optimizing category spend
- Conducted regular performance reviews of suppliers, holding them accountable for meeting established service levels and quality standards.
- Conducted thorough market research to identify potential new suppliers and product offerings.
- Improved inventory control, resulting in reduced waste and better use of resources.
- Supported business partners in vendor negotiations and cost increase justifications.
- Served as a trusted advisor to key stakeholders within the organization, providing expert guidance on matters related to category management and strategic sourcing.
- Developed strong working relationships with cross-functional teams to ensure alignment on category objectives and initiatives.
- Identified opportunities for process improvements within the purchasing function, leading to increased efficiency and cost reductions.
- Reduced costs for the company through strategic negotiations with suppliers and vendors.
- Implemented cost-saving measures through effective sourcing strategies and supplier collaboration efforts.
- Actively participated in relevant industry events or conferences, staying informed about current trends impacting assigned categories and the broader procurement landscape.
- Established relationships with vendors to secure competitive pricing and discounts.
- Prepared and analyzed reports to track inventory and purchasing trends.
- Negotiated contracts with vendors for cost-effective purchasing terms.
- Regularly reviewed spend data to identify areas for potential savings or efficiencies within the category management framework.
Operational Buyer Indirect
Lonza, Pharmaceutical, Biotech and Nutrition Manufacturing
02.2017 - 06.2022
- Optimized procurement procedures, reducing lead times and ensuring consistent, on-time delivery of goods and services for site operations
- Implemented digital tools such as SAP Ariba and VelocityEHS, driving operational efficiency and streamlining procurement processes
- Collaborated with internal departments to better understand needs and determine purchasing requirements.
- Developed strong relationships with suppliers to secure favorable terms and conditions, improving organizational cash flow
- Ensured timely delivery of products by closely monitoring vendor performance and addressing any issues promptly.
- Processed purchase requisitions and verified purchase orders to meet site demands for indirect orders.
- Maintained complete documentation and records of all purchasing activities.
- Maintained a comprehensive database of supplier information, including contact details, pricing and lead times.
- Provided training and guidance to team members on best practices in purchasing, fostering a culture of continuous improvement within the procurement department.
- Streamlined purchasing processes by implementing efficient systems and procedures for order management.
- Achieved cost savings by identifying opportunities for consolidation and bulk purchasing across departments.
- Reduced costs significantly by identifying and eliminating inefficiencies within purchasing department.
- Negotiated better payment terms with suppliers, improving cash flow management for company.
- Led transition to new procurement software, streamlining purchase order process.
Sr. Merchandising Manager
Nautica Mens Sportswear, VF Corporation
05.2004 - 06.2014
- Leveraged insights from sales data reports and focus groups to develop seasonal SKU plans for the Design team, aligning product offerings with market trends and consumer demand
- Created showroom displays that enhanced brand storytelling, boosting the Sales team effectiveness and engagement
- Developed line sheets, providing the Sales team with detailed product information to support effective presentations
- Coordinated order placements with the Production team, ensuring cost-effective, timely delivery while meeting quality standards and market demands
- Managed 1 direct report and 1 intern.
Education
Associate of Applied Science - Fashion Merchandising Management
Fashion Institute of Technology
New York, NY05.2004
Bachelor of Science - Business Administration, Concentration in Marketing
State University of New York at Geneseo
Geneseo, NY05.2002
Skills
- Strategic sourcing
- Category Management
- Supplier relationship management
- Preferred Vendor Partnership
- Data Analysis
- Total Cost of Ownership
- Contract Management & Negotiation
- Procurement Transformation
- Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Effective communication
Strengths and Accomplishments
- Strategic Sourcing: Skilled in developing and implementing strategic sourcing strategies that drive continuous improvement and optimize quality, cost, customer focus, innovation and relationship development within assigned categories.
- Sourcing: Implement Sourcing including RFx solicitations, proposal evaluations and supplier selection, driving the proposal review and Supplier selection/award processes with the internal Stakeholders.
- Contract Management and Negotiation: Experienced in leading contract negotiations, conducting supplier evaluations, and managing the redlining process.
- Manage Supplier Relationships: Build and nurture strong supplier partnerships, conduct performance reviews to monitor and enforce contractual commitments.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Respected partner with a proven ability to cultivate strong relationships, influence key stakeholders, and communicate effectively across all organizational levels.
- Communication: Skilled in engaging with senior management, responding to inquiries, and delivering clear, actionable messages tailored to diverse audiences and business needs.
- Leadership: Trusted leader, providing clear direction, training, and support to Operational Buyers to drive team success and alignment with organizational goals.
- Continuous Improvement: Developed and tracked KPIs to measure the success and performance of Buyers’ activities, providing actionable insights to drive process efficiency and enhance team performance.
- MRP Optimization: Leveraged outline agreements with preferred suppliers, aligning MRP to automate the ordering processes and inventory management for storeroom materials.
- SAP Proficiency: Advanced proficiency in SAP, specializing in purchasing, Material Requirements Planning (MRP), and related modules.
- Change Agent: Passionate about driving innovation, fostering change, and enhancing processes to improve organizational performance and operational efficiency.
- Development: Continuously seeks opportunities for personal and professional growth to stay ahead in a dynamic environment.
- Positive Attitude: Maintains a proactive, solution-focused mindset, embracing challenges as opportunities to drive success.
Timeline
Category Specialist, MRO
Arxada, LLC, Specialty Chemical Manufacturing
06.2022 - 02.2025
Operational Buyer Indirect
Lonza, Pharmaceutical, Biotech and Nutrition Manufacturing
02.2017 - 06.2022
Sr. Merchandising Manager
Nautica Mens Sportswear, VF Corporation
05.2004 - 06.2014
Bachelor of Science - Business Administration, Concentration in Marketing
State University of New York at Geneseo
Associate of Applied Science - Fashion Merchandising Management
Fashion Institute of Technology
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