Karen Parris
White
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
37
37
years of professional experience
Work History
Procurement Manager, Sr Procurement Manager
Graphic Packaging International
02.2016 - Current
- Led procurement strategy development to optimize sourcing processes for over $650M spend and drove cost reductions of $95M through sourcing events.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to establish supplier performance metrics and enhance quality standards.
- Analyzed market trends and supplier capabilities to inform strategic sourcing decisions and mitigate risks.
- Negotiated contracts with key suppliers, achieving favorable terms that aligned with organizational goals.
- Spearheaded initiatives to consolidate vendor base, driving efficiencies in supply chain management and reducing redundancies by initiating secondary supplier qualifications with operations.
- Evaluated supplier quotes based on purchasing procedures and competitiveness in quality, price and delivery.
- Collaborated with finance departments on budgeting and forecasting activities, ensuring accurate representation of procurement expenses and cost-saving opportunities.
- Utilized market intelligence to identify opportunities for savings and cost reduction.
- Implemented risk management strategies within the supply chain process to mitigate potential disruptions from external factors such as fluctuating markets or natural disasters.
- Oversaw contract administration activities, including drafting agreements, negotiating terms, managing renewals, and addressing disputes or discrepancies as needed.
- Managed and taught team of procurement professionals, fostering collaboration and teamwork to achieve organizational goals.
- Resolved invoice and payment issues to facilitate prompt payment to suppliers.
- Implemented category management strategies to optimize purchasing decisions across various product lines and business units.
- Collaborated with product development teams to source innovative materials that met technical specifications and cost targets.
Procurement Analyst
Graphic Packaging International
07.2013 - 02.2016
- Led sourcing events in e Sourcing tool with procurement manager
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams during sourcing events to optimize supply chain processes.
- Analyzed procurement data and bid responses to identify cost-saving opportunities and improve purchasing strategies.
- Presented sourcing event results and analysis to procurement managers
- Conducted thorough spend analysis to identify areas for cost reduction and process improvement for imported aluminum foil.
- Utilized procurement tools to manage quote process, invoicing, order entry, and receiving.
Contracting for Graphic Packaging International – Procurement Operations
Mahone Group
08.2012 - 07.2013
- Managed time efficiently in order to complete all tasks within deadlines for implementation of new contract management tool.
- Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
- Worked effectively in fast-paced environment to implement new purchasing card program and train 250+ users on new system.
- Sharpened skills at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment by coordinating supply chain news letter quarterly and presentations for procurement initiative meetings.
- Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
- Passionate about learning and committed to continual improvement.
Senior Consultant
Expense Reduction Analysts
11.2009 - 08.2012
- Assess $25-100 million companies and market to CEO/CFO level management. Develop and deliver sales presentations and reports. Manage projects as well as perform analytical reviews to help clients achieve cost reductions and controls needed to drive growth.
- Project process would include:
- Review of data retrieved from client systems, such as SAP
- Cost categories analyzed could be Freight, Chemicals, Tel-Com, Banking, Office Supplies…
- Go out to market on client’s behalf through Bid/Request for Proposal
- Review Bids, make recommendation to Client
- Lead the Implementation process
- Continue to audit purchases, usage and pricing for 24 months
Regional Inventory Manager
Scholastic Book Fairs
02.2001 - 12.2003
- Directed Regional and Branch Inventory Coordinators at 7 locations in product utilization, per corporate schematics with a total Regional value over $70 million. Provided plans for supplemental product and exit strategies for product to be sold at Warehouse Sale Events. Built and maintained relationships with General Manager, Operational Managers as well as Warehouse Managers. Partnered with Sales to provide product to meet each customer’s needs. Oversaw all aspects of physical inventory.
Purchasing Manager, Senior Buyer, Buyer
Blue Circle Materials (Lafarge)
06.1994 - 08.2000
- Provided procurement services for all concrete, masonry and administrative needs (75 locations) at the lowest cost, consistent quality & service, and other user requirements. All parts, supplies and services that were needed to operate the business at the plant level or maintenance shops was under my purchasing umbrella. Supported internal customer needs and responded to them in a timely and efficient manner. Responsibilities included the procurement of light vehicles and the administration of the fleet. Supervised the team of buyers in the corporate office.
- Provided procurement services for a
Career Note:
Stay at Home Mom, Kendall Healthcare, Cloth World, and Gayfers Corporation
01.1989 - 11.2009
- Stay at Home Mom, 1/2004 - 11/2009
- Kendall Healthcare, MRO Buyer, Customer Service Representative, 7/1991 - 2/1994
- Cloth World, Store Manager, 3/1999 - 4/ 1991
- Gayfers Corporation, Management Trainee, 9/1988 - 1/1990
Education
Bachelor of Science - Human Environmental Science, Marketing
University of Alabama
Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA01.1988
Skills
- Inventory management
- Team development
- Workforce scheduling
- Strategic program planning
- Achieve targets consistently
- Vendor evaluation
- Business growth strategy
- Process change facilitation
- Strategic account oversight
- Financial efficiency improvements
- Supplier relationship management
- Price negotiation
- New vendor setup
- Spend analysis
- E-procurement systems
- Category management
Accomplishments
Graphic Packaging International Accomplishments
- Leadership Award
- Presidents Award
- Safety Warden Team Member
Timeline
Procurement Manager, Sr Procurement Manager
Graphic Packaging International
02.2016 - Current
Procurement Analyst
Graphic Packaging International
07.2013 - 02.2016
Contracting for Graphic Packaging International – Procurement Operations
Mahone Group
08.2012 - 07.2013
Senior Consultant
Expense Reduction Analysts
11.2009 - 08.2012
Regional Inventory Manager
Scholastic Book Fairs
02.2001 - 12.2003
Purchasing Manager, Senior Buyer, Buyer
Blue Circle Materials (Lafarge)
06.1994 - 08.2000
Career Note:
Stay at Home Mom, Kendall Healthcare, Cloth World, and Gayfers Corporation
01.1989 - 11.2009
Bachelor of Science - Human Environmental Science, Marketing
University of Alabama
Keywords
BS Human Environmental Sciences, project management, forecasting, Analytical Skills, Account Management, Supply Chain Management, Staff Development, Team Player
Accomplishments and Interests
- Leadership Award, Presidents Award, Safety Warden Team Member
- Outdoor activities, group fitness classes, reading, jigsaw puzzles, time with family at the beach