Jose Caceres
Missouri City
Summary
Procurement expert with proven track record in strategic sourcing, supplier negotiation, and cost reduction. Strong focus on team collaboration and adaptability, ensuring reliable and consistent performance. Adept at analyzing market trends, managing vendor relationships, and optimizing procurement processes. Known for high standards and delivering impactful results.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
Work History
Procurement Manager
Nature Best Precut
11.2022 - Current
- Responsible for procurement of fresh produce, packaging materials, PPE, and equipment. Negotiates pricing contracts to maintain COGS consistency and optimal margins. Designed tools for inventory management that drastically improved efficiencies and inventory accuracy. Developed procedures for document management that enabled the company to capture credits and reduced processing times from 18-20 days down to 6-7 days. Leads a team of two junior buyers, providing training and mentorship. Currently, as part of the ERP system implementation team working on spoilage protocols, receiving procedures and enhancements - data entry routine reduction, barcode implementation, etc. Management and follow through of credits and protections, coordination of logistics for local and remote loads.
Logistics Operations Manager
Iron Ox, Inc.
04.2022 - 11.2022
- Responsible for inventory management, shipping, receiving, quality controls, and audits. Also tasked with developing SOPs and training materials for warehouse personnel, to be implemented in both locations - Texas and California. Introduced new materials and suppliers that represented significant savings and better COGS. Teamed up with Sales and Production to create protocols and tools to streamline and improve the efficiency of internal processes. Worked with FSQA in preparation for the upcoming PrimusGFS audit, as well as in quality audits focused on the study of product performance/shelf life under various conditions and packaging alternatives. Worked in the implementation of the new ERP system, developing procedures and creating various reports for production planning and sales.
Produce Buyer/Specialist/Cat. Manager
US Foods South Texas
08.2011 - 04.2022
- Responsible for the performance of the Produce category in the South Texas Area - Assortment, Price, Quality, and effective communication across different areas. Both markets in the STA have enjoyed double-digit IND growth for several months in a row, consistently outpacing the rest of the categories. Produce penetration is close to 10%; almost 300 basis points over the prior year. Developed in cooperation with Inventory Control, a one-of-a-kind system to perform the slot check routine and report spoilage, by means of a form to which the Produce Inspector has access from his tablet. Incorporated the use of a laser scanner to eliminate the possibility of typing errors during this process. This system has reduced the time to check all produce slots by approximately 30%. The plan was to deploy this system as a best practice nationwide.
- In charge of the Produce inspectors team in the South Texas area, implemented processes and procedures to streamline the work routines and improve efficiency and productivity. Provided training in product quality inspections. Routine audits of inspectors' compliance and performance. Performed regular audits of a 27 Point Inspection routine designed to ensure optimal quality and condition of products throughout the cycle, from receiving in the warehouse to delivery to customers; reporting results, observations, and progress to all stakeholders.
- Responsible for procurement of the whole produce line for Austin and Houston. Introduced improvements that translated into over $250K in savings per year in freight and cost of goods. Introduced new sources for improved quality and pricing, which translated into savings of $50K+ in the first year. Introduced new QC criteria and buying cycles that reduced spoilage by $100K+ (over 50%). Organized and Coordinated events to boost sales: Produce Blitz – Since September 2013 the category has experienced %10.00 sustained average weekly growth YOY. (US Foods - Austin Division). Initially hired as Buyer/Specialist, had the responsibility of doing customer visits alongside Territory Managers to improve the customer experience by introducing new products and programs to generate sustained growth and provide support.
Senior Merchandiser
FreshPoint
11.2007 - 11.2008
- Managed procurement, inventory, and quality audits of 400+ items for 3 operating companies, with minimal shortages and growing profitability. Increased responsibilities and was promoted to work directly with the corporate VP of purchasing for Central-Southern Texas in Austin. (FreshPoint Austin)
Buyer, RDC Manager
FreshPoint
02.2006 - 11.2007
- Managed the Redistribution Center Project, which encompassed sales to Operating Companies within FreshPoint nationwide, purchasing, and logistics. Sales reached 1M in the first quarter, largely exceeding initial growth projections. (FreshPoint Harlingen)
Logistics Manager
Selva Industrial
09.2004 - 11.2005
- Leader for the first general inventory project, which encompassed drafting of procedure manuals, training sessions, and direct supervision of the execution. As a direct result, the company registered a dramatic inventory accuracy improvement, from 35% to 94%, sustained. Assisted the FSQA team with audits and compliance reports (Selva Industrial-Peru)
Education
Industrial Engineering -
Universidad de Lima
01.1995
French-Peruvian high school - undefined
Lycée Franco Peruvien
01.1986
Skills
- Procurement expertise
- Client relationship management
- Process analysis and optimization
- Compliance assessments
- Operational efficiency management
- Effective team leadership
- Quality assurance systems (ISO 9000), GWP
- Packaging solutions
- Air cargo operations expertise
- Computer systems management
- Data reporting and analysis
- Effective time management
- Strong organizational skills
- Analytical judgment
- Strong written communication skills
- Navigating complex situations
- Teamwork
- Price negotiation
- Supplier relationship management
- Supplier management
- Cost analysis
- Strategic sourcing
- New vendor setup
- Materials management
- Category management
- ERP software
- Performance improvement
- Purchase orders
Languages
Spanish
Native or Bilingual
English
Native or Bilingual
French
Full Professional
Timeline
Procurement Manager
Nature Best Precut
11.2022 - Current
Logistics Operations Manager
Iron Ox, Inc.
04.2022 - 11.2022
Produce Buyer/Specialist/Cat. Manager
US Foods South Texas
08.2011 - 04.2022
Senior Merchandiser
FreshPoint
11.2007 - 11.2008
Buyer, RDC Manager
FreshPoint
02.2006 - 11.2007
Logistics Manager
Selva Industrial
09.2004 - 11.2005
French-Peruvian high school - undefined
Lycée Franco Peruvien
Industrial Engineering -
Universidad de Lima
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