Kathryn Kocian
Summary
I am a result-driven operations professional with 10 years of experience in managing logistics, procurement, and project execution across diverse sectors. Expertise in vendor sourcing, contract negotiation, budget management, and event workflow optimization. Proficient in utilizing Cvent technology and ERP systems to enhance operational efficiency and support high-profile events, corporate functions, and trade shows.
Overview
1
1
Certification
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
Procurement Specialist
Tactical Gear Distributors
10.2020 - 08.2022
- Managed approximately $2M in purchasing spend, negotiating pricing, supplier terms, and delivery requirements.
- Managed supplier relationships across 89 brands and 50+ vendors to enhance purchasing operations and ensure effective contract fulfillment.
- Coordinated vendor communications, inventory planning, purchasing timelines, and logistics to streamline procurement processes.
- Developed procurement SOPs to standardize workflows, improve documentation, and increase operational efficiency.
- Partnered with leadership teams to support strategic sourcing decisions and business objectives.
- Supported event and customer initiatives through supplier sourcing, product availability management, and operational coordination.
Project Controller, Procurement Logistics & Project Controls Manager
K2 Solutions Inc.
06.2017 - 10.2020
- Managed procurement, logistics, and project execution supporting a $50M+ United States Government Worldwide Protection Services (WPS) program requiring complex coordination, supplier management, and operational planning and overseeing $500 million dollars of inventory globally
- Coordinated sourcing activities across 200+ global vendors, ensuring timely supplier communications, contract fulfillment, and adherence to delivery timelines.
- Negotiated supplier agreements and logistics solutions resulting in approximately $2M in cost savings.
- Managed event-related procurement, including supplier selection, equipment sourcing, service coordination, and expense tracking.
- Supported high-profile corporate events, including annual Super Bowl operations, overseeing event logistics, vendor coordination, and management of travel arrangements and operational expenditures.
- Partnered with executive leadership and project managers to effectively plan and execute large-scale events and operational engagements.
- Developed SOPs and operational procedures to improve event execution, project consistency, and cross-functional communication.
- Supported annual company events, golf charity events, executive meetings, and corporate functions from planning through completion.
Supervisor
Starbucks
01.2013 - 01.2018
- Managed daily hospitality operations including team scheduling, training, inventory management, and customer experience.
- Developed strong leadership, communication, and guest experience management skills.
- Coordinated supply ordering, operational planning, and service execution within a fast-paced environment.
Store Manager - Clothing Department
Army & Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES)
01.2008 - 01.2013
- Managed retail operations, enhancing merchandising, optimizing inventory management, coordinating vendors, and improving customer experience initiatives.
- Supported seasonal product buying, driving assortment planning, executing promotions, and implementing visual merchandising strategies.
- Created department layouts, product displays, seasonal resets, and promotional presentations.
- Coordinated vendor relationships and purchasing initiatives contributing to approximately 25% cost savings.
- Led employees, overseeing daily operations and ensuring service standards in a high-volume environment.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - English Literature
University of Alaska Anchorage
Anchorage, AK06-2010
Associate Degree - Liberal Arts
Broome Community College
Binghamton, NY01-2008
Skills
- Supplier Selection
- Event Procurement
- Contract Negotiation
- Vendor Relationship Management
- Event Sourcing
- Strategic Meetings Management
- RFP/RFQ Support
- Budget Management
- Travel Coordination
- Event Operations
- Cvent Event Management
- Conference & Trade Show Logistics
- Venue & Hotel Coordination
- Registration Processes
- Attendee Management
- Attendee management
- Event registration workflows
- Project Management
- Microsoft Excel
- ERP Systems
- SAP
- Oracle Procurement
- Event technology
- Supplier sourcing
- ASAP Inventory Management System
Certification
- University of North Carolina, Project Management Certificate, 01/01/19
- University of North Carolina, Project Controller Certificate, 01/01/19
- Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET), London, England, Level 1 Award in Wines, 01/01/25
- Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET), London, England, Level 2 Award in Wines, 01/01/26
Timeline
Procurement Specialist
Tactical Gear Distributors
10.2020 - 08.2022
Project Controller, Procurement Logistics & Project Controls Manager
K2 Solutions Inc.
06.2017 - 10.2020
Supervisor
Starbucks
01.2013 - 01.2018
Store Manager - Clothing Department
Army & Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES)
01.2008 - 01.2013
Bachelor of Arts - English Literature
University of Alaska Anchorage
Associate Degree - Liberal Arts
Broome Community College