Kathryn Sides

• Analyzed unstructured information to derive key insights.
• Gathered, documented, and modeled data to assess business trends.
• Computed and created purchase orders to monitor stock levels, verify purchase requisitions and expedite customer orders.
• Conducted research, identifying potential vendors and better pricing options.
• Developed long-term partnerships with key suppliers to improve performance across supply chain, generate greater cost efficiency and enable business to grow and develop.
• Developed sourcing strategies to improve procurement processes, supplier relationships and capability development to optimize supply chain.
• Developed requests for proposal and issued requests for quotes to support sourcing efforts.
• Actively listened to customers, handled concerns quickly and escalated major issues to VP of Sales.
• Provided primary customer support to internal and external customers.
• Communicated with vendor representatives to resolve damaged shipments and item shortages.
• Received incoming shipments, compared contents against associated records and transmitted to proper department.

Managed all aspects of product and supplier management including financials, relationships, product selection, negotiation, and deal closure.

Sourced all items based on Sales Representatives needs.

Responsible for the integrity of the database information for both initial set up and maintenance.

Managed vendor activities with Shorr including margin improvement, payment terms, rebate programs as well as operational compliance

Held annual business reviews with top assigned suppliers to include rebate contracts, payment terms and partnerships

Worked with the inventory team on proper buying parameters as well as reorder points

Found substitutions for stock outs as well as items that have had price increases or increased lead times

Monitor price increases as well as notifying the company

Responsible for finding cost savings within my assigned categories

DPS Training-Carew International

Managed Inventory levels and turns

Responsible for growing supplier base as well as maintaining current Suppliers

Sourced all items for Sales Representatives as well as handled RFQ's

Managed the item database regarding product categories assigned

Worked on returns with vendors regarding quality issues and goods damaged in transit

Resourced items or negotiated with vendors for cost savings

Learned SAP

Partnered with Inventory Buyers on proper buying and reorder levels

Managed inventory replenishment, purchasing and expediting for purchased and manufactured goods

Cultivated vendor relationships, assess their product offerings as related to our quality requirements and needs

Sourced new items as well as handle any RFQ's for Sales

Created and edited all new product items numbers and vendor pricing records

Supported Sales and Customer Service with 27 years in the industry

Assessed customer invoices, products, needs and buying patterns for company programs

Worked with vendors regarding QC issues, returns and credits

Managed stock and non-stock inventory, creating, tracking, receiving and auditing purchase orders

Maintained vendor profiles, including lead times and delivery dates

Sourced new vendors and products, ensuring optimal pricing and highest quality products are procured

Operated as a subject matter expert and trainer for Sales team on packaging products

Responsible for data integrity, created and edited all new product item numbers

Acted as a technical resource while accompanying sales representatives on customer calls

Supported sales efforts by creating several packaging marketing pieces, high-lighting key product lines

Provided high level support to five top Salesman and their key accounts utilizing 21 years in the packaging industry

Placed orders for their customers

Sourced and quoted both current items and new items

Acted as liaison between the salesmen, customer and various departments within Unisource

Processed credits, returns, mill claims for the specific customers

Contributed to the team by backing up various people when they were out and servicing their reps

Encouraged customers to increase their orders by up selling