JONATHAN SCHMITT
Lombard,IL
Summary
"Jack of all Trades" professional with 18 years of experience in customer service, and over 10 years in purchasing and inventory management. Excellent reputation for problem solving, process improvement, customer follow up, project management, and innovative solutions. Consistently able to increase efficiency and exceed projections. Consistently able to develop and implement adaptive and effective training programs throughout multiple roles and responsibilities.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
Purchasing & Inventory Manager
Hollymatic Corp/ ABO Leasing Corp
04.2023 - 10.2024
- Overcame redundant deficiencies while still improving procedural efficiency and business strategy
- Successfully implemented indirect and direct/hands-on problem-solving for the production line while also increasing inventory loss awareness.
- Using good relationship building and team management to open and keep communication with various production stages. By applying these process improvements, the company saved ~5-15% cost savings from unnecessary losses.
- Successfully took over responsibilities and overcame inherent discrepancies and communication issues built by my predecessor that were a hindrance in communication and efficiency on the production line, such as suspicion, incorrect or out-of-date parts, invalid supply line vendors, grabbing parts with no communication or documentation, and inaccurate building materials lists.
- Troubleshoot and fixed many inefficient business strategies involving the parts ordering & ETA processes that were previously in place. Encountering and overcoming a variety of challenges to this objective including, but not limited to, incorrect shipping updates, poor vendor communication, lost packages showing as delivered, internal communication delays, and uncertainty in the current supply chain
- Anticipated and adapted scheduling to various part shortages and lead time issues using analytical skills and business strategy to keep production moving
- Able to utilize industry contacts and partnerships to overcome unforeseen challenges. As in the case when our gearbox reducer vendor stopped making our custom gearboxes, I was able to utilize the network of partnerships to locate a fantastic replacement for that vendor that could replace current and previous versions of the reducer, allowing us to sell old part replacements as well as build on new machines; saving tens of thousands of dollars in lost sales and redesign needs.
- Overcame significant restrictions on orders based on stock and billing demands to be still able to have production build machines in a reasonable manner
- Established robust inventory control measures to prevent stockouts or excess inventory, resulting in improved cash flow and reduced carrying costs.
- Championed a culture of continuous learning within the purchasing department by providing ongoing skill development opportunities and keeping abreast of industry trends and best practices.
Service Support Specialist
General Parts Group
03.2021 - 12.2022
- Successfully took over the creation of service estimates when unexpectedly called upon to do so
- Using data collection and part information from vendors, technicians, and manufacturers to provide accurate and timely estimates to the customer
- Successfully assumed indirect and direct/hands-on training assistance for new and temporary employees
- Encouraging educated decision-making with open communication when encountering unforeseen challenges
- Successfully began Parts Ordering and Purchasing responsibilities and overcame discrepancies and communication issues that were a hindrance in their ordering such as incorrect or out-of-date parts, or invalid supply line vendors
- Successfully solved communication issues between technicians and purchasing to avoid potential losses that can range between hundreds to thousands of dollars
- Successfully stepped in and assumed dispatching of technicians when the need arose in a way that is good for both the technician and customer demands
- Successfully took over warehouse and inventory responsibilities
- Recovering discrepancies created from lack of personnel created during the Covid layoffs since 2020
- Re-instituted performance of Monthly Inventory counts, addressing and researching each inventory shortage or increase to ensure the accuracy of the report by comparing data across all systems and item history
- Reinstated weekly van non-stock reviews and advised technicians of non-stock items in the best, or most efficient way possible at that time
- Overcame limited staffing and training time for Global Edge systems as well as other critical processes to eventually be in charge of implementing all previously listed responsibilities
- Successfully use hands-on data collection to utilize team input, talents, and all available data to ensure the best decision is made when required
- Mentored junior Service Support Specialists in proper troubleshooting techniques, enabling them to provide effective solutions independently over time.
- Monitored daily operations to ensure compliance with company standards and guidelines for efficient service delivery.
Contractor - Export Operations / Services
Waste Management
01.2019 - 02.2021
- Team leader that was able to reduce fee's approximately 89% over the course of a single fiscal year utilizing the CieTrade system as well as continuously improving our processes
- Developed proficiency and experience with electronic systems Papersolve, RETI, RMT, and cieTrade systems through daily use
- Monitor and maintained shipment status via the computer system
- Initiate traces with carriers and railroads for proof of deliveries when needed
- Provide timely and accurate information to incoming customer order status and product knowledge requests
- Frequent communication with supervisors and export team about any discrepancies or missing data on BL/LOI paperwork
- Ensure accurate information is transferred from RMT & RETI systems into export documentations
- Communicate and coordinate problem-solving efforts between freight forwards, steamship lines, domestic and export shipping teams, as well as with material recovery facilities or 3rd party clientele
- Respond to customer complaints in a timely manner
- Investigate and solve issues with shipments for both vendors and customers
- Research and review current technological and material processes to increase efficiency and adapt to any necessary changes in a highly variable market
- Delivered outstanding service to customers to maintain and extend relationships for future business opportunities.
- Collected, arranged, and input information into database system.
- Delivered high-quality work on time and within budget, earning positive feedback from clients. This led to me being placed in charge of a new client's account, worth several million dollars a year to the company.
Office Administrator / Purchasing Manager
West Suburban Office Products
05.2015 - 07.2018
- Added revenue and value through acquisition of contracts (up to $25,000) via the BidBuy system, including researching optimal departments for contract pursuit
- Successfully completed simultaneous multiple responsibilities, buy/purchaser, analyst, and merchandiser for both contract and retail goods
- Successfully managed inventory levels and costs for the entire business
- Successfully managed all materials handling processes; including shipping, planning, scheduling, dispatching, and assembly of goods
- Ensured five-star service to all customers from all employees. This led to a reputation for quality and service that increased our successful bid acceptance by over 20%, resulting in a successful bid contract on ~45% of our bids.
- Successfully coordinated multifaceted deliveries across numerous suppliers, stops, and final destinations
- Used my developed connections with suppliers and vendors to save approximately $200,000 in potential loss/waste when a large customer was sold and abruptly switched suppliers
- Maintained electronic and paper filing systems for easy retrieval of information.
- Facilitated smooth operations by maintaining updated inventory records, anticipating supply needs, and placing timely orders for essential materials.
Truckload/Carrier Support & Compliance Specialist
The Custom Companies
05.2012 - 03.2015
- Successfully used data analysis to predict ETA's, locations, and foreseeable challenge
- Manage expectations of both salespersons and customers while utilizing my analytical skills as well as my network to bring the situation to a satisfactory resolution. This led to me being one of the primary problem resolution and data collection contacts for our primary salesman who accounted for over 40% of a multi-hundred million dollar company.
- Successfully resolved monetary and logistical issues by coordinating and communicating with dispatchers, carriers, and drivers
- Achieved success over challenges through a proper combination of customer service, communication, and creative thinking
- Successfully established Bills of Lading with customers by establishing pickup, delivery, and freight expectations
- Locate any potential challenges to shipments before they arise
- Resolve any issues through troubleshooting and data analysis of the information available
- Act within judgment and authority granted to coordinate solutions between salespeople, customers, dispatchers, 3rd parties, and any other relevant party that can assist in resolution.
- Work with 3rd party permit companies to resolve any issues arising at the Canadian border
- Assist in resolving any BOL or paperwork issues on shipments
- Assist the claims department with needed information and data collection to assist with their case closures
- Developed strong relationships with clients, providing excellent customer service and support.
- Collaborated closely with dispatchers to optimize routing plans based on real-time updates from drivers on road conditions or delays.
Department Manager
Menards
10.2005 - 05.2012
- Successfully managed and controlled inventory through data analysis, including but not limited to seasonal forecasting adjustments, audits, theft prevention, and product management.
- Able to ensure that profit-sharing goals were met each year by utilizing analytical skills, inventory management, and proper utilization of team members to keep profit margins at or better than expected levels
- Successfully managed personnel including hiring, placement, engagement, annual reviews, and seasonal reassignments
- Maximized merchandise sales through product selection, display techniques, and customer psychology
- Successfully and efficiently maximized sales to departmental payroll ratio through proper employee scheduling and seasonal part-time prediction
- Determine demand levels projected for each section of the department and adjust orders to meet demand while minimizing overflow and waste
- Balance demand vs waste probability on popular perishable goods vs maintaining item variety
- Run a daily inventory on rotating sections to keep on top of inventory fluctuations
- Use inventory data along with seasonal and regular demand projections to prevent loss or shortage
- Maintain a monthly audit to ensure accurate numbers in high-loss risk areas
- Follow quarterly changes in Plan-O-Gram designs of the home office and adjust to unforeseen limits
- Train employees properly to provide nothing short of 5-star customer service
- Oversaw inventory management processes, maintaining optimal stock levels while minimizing waste and losses due to shrinkage or obsolescence.
- Collaborated with other departments to ensure seamless coordination in achieving company-wide objectives.
- Evaluated employee performance fairly and accurately, rewarding hard work while addressing areas needing improvement.
- Implemented cross-training initiatives for employees, increasing overall departmental knowledge and versatility.
- Optimized scheduling practices to ensure adequate staffing during peak business hours without sacrificing employee satisfaction or budgetary constraints.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Business Management
Eastern Illinois University
Charleston, ILSkills
- Exceptional Time Management
- Project management and leadership
- Proficient in Excel & other MS Office Products
- Efficient, Data based decision making
- Outstanding Customer Service
- Forecasting / Pricing Trends
- Excellent written and oral communication
- Exceptional Follow Up Skills
- Highly Skilled Trainer/Developer
- Hard working and self-motivated
- Troubleshooting & Problem-Solving Specialist
- Inventory auditing
Timeline
Purchasing & Inventory Manager
Hollymatic Corp/ ABO Leasing Corp
04.2023 - 10.2024
Service Support Specialist
General Parts Group
03.2021 - 12.2022
Contractor - Export Operations / Services
Waste Management
01.2019 - 02.2021
Office Administrator / Purchasing Manager
West Suburban Office Products
05.2015 - 07.2018
Truckload/Carrier Support & Compliance Specialist
The Custom Companies
05.2012 - 03.2015
Department Manager
Menards
10.2005 - 05.2012
Bachelor of Science - Business Management
Eastern Illinois University
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