JOHN STEELE
Bellingham,WA
Summary
Results-driven procurement professional with expertise in identifying cost-saving opportunities, managing vendors, and negotiating contracts. Proven track record of successful cost optimization and supplier performance management.
Overview
31
31
years of professional experience
Work History
Network Performance Engineer
VERIZON WIRELESS
08.2022 - 12.2023
- Managed advanced installation, operation, and maintenance of switching, data communications, and peripheral equipment associated with the MSC
- Applied industry-standard best practices and protocols
- Planned projects and managed daily vendor relationships
- Configured and provisioned Cell Site Routers and Interfaces at the MSC
- Monitored building automated systems (BAS) to ensure the continuous operation of network equipment such as AC/DC power systems
- Collaborated in cross-functional projects with both internal and external team members
- Coordinated daily activities related to the installation, testing, and troubleshooting of voice and data network platforms, including various transmission facilities like dark and lit fiber services, Gigabit Ethernet Services, OCn, T3, T1, and DS0
- Maintained system applications using traffic and capacity monitoring tools to detect errors and ensure optimal network performance
- Established and maintained a secure operational environment to ensure vendor safety and network integrity
- Conducted initial troubleshooting and investigation of problems and, when necessary, managing outage troubleshooting bridges and engaging Vendors for outage support
- Updated daily logs with site-specific information to track and document network changes
- Generated reports for system documentation to maintain environmental compliance and safety standards
- Supported stakeholder organizations in identifying and resolving complex problems
- Identified opportunities for process improvement, elimination, or automation
- Assisted with the cell site build program and overseeing switch inventory management
- Conducted rigorous quality assurance tests, identifying areas of improvement for product optimization.
- Read and interpreted blueprints, technical drawings, schematics, and computer-generated reports.
- Presented technical findings to stakeholders, ensuring clear understanding of project status and goals.
- Developed comprehensive project plans to ensure timely completion within budget constraints.
- Verified construction documentation to meet client requirements and vision.
- Developed cost estimates and project specifications for proposals.
- Collaborated on interdisciplinary teams to develop creative, cost-effective solutions for complex projects.
- Conducted feasibility studies for proposed projects using potential ROI and risk management.
- Interpreted blueprints and technical drawings to analyze upcoming projects.
- Enhanced product performance by conducting thorough failure analysis and recommending improvements.
Central Office Technician (COT)
US WEST – QWEST - CENTURY LINK - LUMEN TECHNOLOGIES
06.1998 - 08.2022
- High level technical acumen leveraged to support outside plant technical teams
- Maintaining communication systems, preventing communication disruptions, supervising the installation of systems, maintaining, and repairing central office equipment, managing cables in telecommunication rooms, removing un-used or non-functional equipment, identifying, and troubleshooting rooms and equipment stations; and performing maintenance activities on regular basis
- Operation and maintenance of all types of local and toll switching equipment data, networking equipment, computer processing equipment and associated peripherals such as: POTs, DSL, UDC, ISDN, D4, D5, Pairgain (SLC 96, LS 2K), HDSL, DS1, DS3, OCN; use various equipment such as Fujitsu 150, 600, 2400, 4100, 4500; Nortel Express through OC48, DMX 3003, Cisco 6509, 7609, CRS; Adtran TA 3000-5000; Tellabs Rodam, Cienna 6500, EoC, Soldering, Fiber optics scoping/cleaning
- 5ESS, basic knowledge and various other SONET eqpt
- Soldering and Fiber installation and maintenance.
- Provided consistent service by performing routine maintenance and repairs on circuits, cables and equipment.
- Ensured compliance with safety regulations during all work activities, maintaining a safe working environment for both staff members and external contractors.
- Managed inventory levels of spare parts and supplies, reducing unnecessary downtime caused by insufficient resources when needed for repairs or replacements.
- Played an integral role in the successful completion of large-scale network migration projects, ensuring minimal impact on endusers.
- Assisted in training junior technicians on proper maintenance techniques, fostering a skilled workforce within the team.
- Increased efficiency of diagnostic procedures through the implementation of advanced testing methodologies and tools.
- Recorded inventory counts of central office equipment.
- Streamlined workflow processes by developing and implementing new procedures for equipment installation and repair.
Senior Procurement Specialist
Mid-Com
03.1993 - 06.1998
- Reviewed and issued contracts and blanket purchase orders after choosing ideal vendor and drive procurement process.
- Reduced production downtime by overseeing quality control and assembly.
- Created and maintained portfolio of qualified vendors to expand options.
- Optimized inventory levels through demand forecasting and advanced planning techniques, reducing stockouts and excess inventory costs.
- Resolved invoice and payment issues to facilitate prompt payment to suppliers.
- Led sourcing process for new vendors to get quality products and services and mitigate risk.
- Mitigated supply chain risks by developing contingency plans and monitoring supplier performance metrics.
- Streamlined procurement processes for increased efficiency with the implementation of an automated purchasing system.
- Negotiated contracts with suppliers to obtain favorable terms and pricing.
- Provided accurate and up-to-date records of leading procurement procedures.
- Utilized software to order, track and invoice product shipments.
- Negotiated complex corporate procurement contracts by working closely with internal and external contacts.
Education
Associate of Applied Science (AAS) - Electronics Engineering
ITT Technical Institute
Skills
- Control systems
- Blueprints and Schematics
- Procurement
- Vendor Selection/Management
- Project Management
- Process Management
- Material Selection
- System Troubleshooting
- Troubleshooting
- Problem-Solving
- Attention to Detail
- Technical reporting
Accomplishments
•Maintained sonar equipment and tracked acoustic data for fire control solutions.
•USN - Basic Electronics and Electricity
•USN - AN/BQQ6 (Trident) Advanced Sonar operator and technician C school
•FCC - GROL/Commercial Operator CM, with Ship Radar Endorsement
•Divisional Repair Parts Petty Officer
•Managed and maintained the inventory of repair parts and supplies to facilitate quick repairs and maintenance of divisional equipment.
•Worked closely with the supply division to ensure proper quantities were carried on board before deployment.
Military Service
- US NAVY, Sub-Base Bangor, WA, Sonar Technician, Maintained sonar equipment and tracked acoustic data for fire control solutions.
- US NAVY, AN/BQQ6 (Trident) Advanced Sonar operator and technician C school
- FCC, GROL/Commercial Operator CM, with Ship Radar Endorsement
- Divisional Repair Parts Petty Officer, Managed and maintained the inventory of repair parts and supplies to facilitate quick repairs and maintenance of divisional equipment. Worked closely with the supply division to ensure proper quantities were carried on board prior to deployment.
Timeline
Network Performance Engineer
VERIZON WIRELESS
08.2022 - 12.2023
Central Office Technician (COT)
US WEST – QWEST - CENTURY LINK - LUMEN TECHNOLOGIES
06.1998 - 08.2022
Senior Procurement Specialist
Mid-Com
03.1993 - 06.1998
Associate of Applied Science (AAS) - Electronics Engineering
ITT Technical Institute