Karen Rust
Bloomfield Hills,MI
Summary
Accomplished Senior Business Manager with a proven track record at ABC Technologies, adept in cross-functional collaboration and negotiation. Excelled in driving profitability through strategic negotiations and fostering robust stakeholder relationships. Demonstrated leadership in maximizing team performance and enhancing customer satisfaction, contributing significantly to organizational development and competitive positioning.
Worked to successfully integrate the Windsor Mold business into the ABC Technologies GM business unitt
Overview
35
35
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Business Manager
ABC Technologies
04.2023 - 07.2024
- Built strong relationships with key stakeholders to facilitate collaboration across departments for optimal business results.
- Maximized profitability with rigorous financial analysis.
- Communicated with customers and vendors positively with particular attention to problem resolution.
- Created reports, presentations and other materials for executive staff.
- Successfully integrated the Windsor Mold business into the ABC Technologies GM business unit.
Sr Sales Manager
Osborn Industries
08.1995 - 04.2023
- Manufacturers Representative acting as the sole Sales contact managing the Windsor Mold Automotive Components Division for the GM account.
- Grew the Windsor Mold business from 5 million to over 100 million with existing commodities as well as adding new commodities to the portfolio.
- Drove profitability by focusing on high-potential opportunities, resulting in a significant increase in overall company revenue.
- Improved customer retention rates by delivering exceptional after-sales support and fostering long-term relationships with key accounts.
- Led cross-functional teams to successfully launch new products.
- Instrumental in making Windsor Mold a Prime Supplier at GM
Supplier Quality Manager
General Motors Co
08.1992 - 07.1995
- Established and tracked quality department goals and objectives.
- Monitored staff organization and suggested improvements to daily functionality.
- Tracked quality issues with suppliers
- Managed the Tool Analyst Team
- Manage the Appearance Approval Team
Senior Buyer
General Motors Co
06.1989 - 07.1992
- Conducted thorough vendor and supplier research to find cost-effective options.
- Objectively analyzed supplier bids, basing partner selection on comprehensive value.
- Documented purchasing information in Software to maintain detailed and accurate records.
- Negotiated favorable contracts with suppliers, securing optimal terms and pricing structures over multiple commodities
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to identify opportunities for cost reduction and process improvement.
- Participated in continuous improvement initiatives, contributing ideas for more effective procurement processes.
Education
MBA - Financial Management
Wayne State University
Detroit, MIBachelor Of Arts - Supply Chain Management
Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI1984
Skills
- Organizational development
- Pricing strategy
- New business launch
- Corporate communications
- Competitive analysis
- Cross-functional team leadership
- Decision-making
- Team building and leadership
- Customer relationship management
- Issue resolution
- Sales and marketing
- Negotiation
- Cross-functional collaboration
- Vendor engagement
Timeline
Senior Business Manager
ABC Technologies
04.2023 - 07.2024
Sr Sales Manager
Osborn Industries
08.1995 - 04.2023
Supplier Quality Manager
General Motors Co
08.1992 - 07.1995
Senior Buyer
General Motors Co
06.1989 - 07.1992
MBA - Financial Management
Wayne State University
Bachelor Of Arts - Supply Chain Management
Michigan State University
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