KATE ZULKAT
Houston
Summary
Results-driven procurement and supply chain expert with over 7 years of experience in international sourcing, vendor management, customs compliance, and hardware product operations. Proven track record in building departments from the ground up, scaling product lines, negotiating global contracts for significant cost reductions, and optimizing inventory through effective WMS implementations. Expertise in ensuring seamless cross-functional coordination to align with sales and production goals, complemented by fluency in Mandarin Chinese. Proficient in NetSuite and Oracle systems, with a strong focus on process improvements that enhance profitability and operational efficiency.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Hardware Product Manager / Import Specialist
Precision Glass Industries
Houston, Texas
08.2021 - Current
- Built hardware department from scratch, expanding product line from 26 to 1,800+ SKUs and growing annual sales from $100K to $2M through strategic sourcing and supplier network development.
- Negotiated and reviewed contracts with suppliers across the Middle East, Asia, and Europe to secure competitive pricing, forecast monthly inventory, reduce single-source dependency, and increase product profitability by up to 80%.
- Developed category-specific sourcing strategies and procurement plans aligned with business objectives and capital programs.
- Acted as in-house US customs and tariff specialist (5+ years), ensuring full import/export compliance and avoiding delays/penalties.
- Achieved 90% inventory accuracy through effective enhancements to warehouse management system (WMS) and process improvements.
- Collaborated daily with manufacturing, planning, and sales teams to resolve material shortages, adhere to schedules, and align operations.
- Managed product listings, technical documentation, and website updates across platforms for accuracy and accessibility.
- Addressed quality issues via Non-Conformance Material Reports and analyzed invoice discrepancies to enforce supplier compliance.
Senior Buyer / Import Coordinator
Arrow Mirror & Glass Industries
Houston, Texas
12.2018 - 08.2021
- Managed global supplier relationships for glass and overseeing purchase orders, international shipping logistics, and timely deliveries.
- Controlled inventory, reducing excess stock by 15% while maintaining 98% order fulfillment rate.
- Partnered with sales and regional teams to align procurement with demand forecasts across Middle East, Latin America, Canada, Asia, and Europe.
- Ensured customs compliance and coordinated overseas shipments to prevent disruptions.
Purchasing Specialist
Highsince Express LLC
Portland, Oregon
12.2016 - 11.2018
- Placed orders and maintained direct supplier communications for transport and logistics materials, ensuring on-time procurement and performance accountability.
- Supported purchasing coordination and warehouse fulfillment operations for smooth efficiency.
Education
Bachelor of Law -
Xinjiang University
Urumqi, China01-2008
Bachelor of Language Art Teacher Education - undefined
Xinjiang University
Urumqi, China01-2004
Skills
- Strategic Sourcing & Global Vendor Negotiation
- US Customs, Tariffs & Import/Export Compliance
- Hardware Product Lifecycle Management
- Inventory Forecasting & Warehouse Management (WMS)
- Cost Reduction & Supply Chain Optimization & Logistics Coordination
- Cross-Functional Team Collaboration (Sales, Manufacturing, Planning)
Certification
Six Sigma Green Belt – In Progress
Languages
Mandarin Chinese – Fluent (native-level)
Timeline
Hardware Product Manager / Import Specialist
Precision Glass Industries
08.2021 - Current
Senior Buyer / Import Coordinator
Arrow Mirror & Glass Industries
12.2018 - 08.2021
Purchasing Specialist
Highsince Express LLC
12.2016 - 11.2018
Bachelor of Language Art Teacher Education - undefined
Xinjiang University
Bachelor of Law -
Xinjiang University