Katrin Lipstal
Tiskre Küla,
Summary
Reliable and solutions-driven professional with over 9 years of experience in procurement, contracting, office management, and executive administrative support—primarily within the U.S. Department of State. Known for a proactive mindset ("you give me problems, I give you solutions"), strong organizational skills, and a proven track record of improving processes, teamwork, and customer satisfaction. Recognized as Employee of the Year at Embassy Tallinn for outstanding dedication and leadership. Experienced trainer and member of the Executive Corps team, providing procurement support across the EU region. Adept at managing multiple priorities in high-pressure environments with precision and enthusiasm—a true "jack of all trades."
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Procurement Specialist
U.S. Embassy Tallinn
06.2015 - Current
- Manage day-to-day procurement and contracting activities for the U.S. Mission in Estonia.
- Lead the full solicitation/contracting process ensuring actions meet federal procurement regulations stipulated in the FAR, DOSAR, DOSAM, FAM, and A/GA guidelines
- Managed a diverse portfolio of suppliers, ensuring timely delivery of goods and services at competitive prices.
- Developed and maintained detailed records of all procurement activities for accurate tracking and reporting purposes.
- Improved supplier relationships through regular communication and collaboration, enhancing overall service quality.
- Coordinated closely with finance teams to monitor budgets and cash flow implications related to procurement activities.
- Enhanced the accuracy of demand forecasting through data analysis, enabling better decision-making in the purchasing process.
- Training colleagues in procurement processes
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to develop project-specific procurement plans, aligning strategies with overall business objectives.
- Established relationships with vendors and suppliers to streamline procurement operations.
- Drove standardization across procurement processes which resulted in greater consistency, improved efficiency, and reduced errors.
- Utilized software to order, track and invoice product shipments.
- Provided accurate and up-to-date records of leading procurement procedures.
- Implemented policies and procedures for optimal purchasing methods and cost control.
- Created a department-compliant template-based filing system.
Office Manager / Accounting Assistant
Sincotron Finland OY
06.2008 - 06.2015
- Handled daily operations, order processing, and logistics.
- Prepared accounting material and managed customer relationships.
- Provided exceptional customer service when addressing client inquiries or concerns via phone calls or email correspondence.
- Maintained accurate financial records by reconciling accounts payable/receivable transactions regularly to ensure balanced budgets.
- Oversaw office inventory activities by ordering and requisitions and stocking and shipment receiving.
- Conducted regular inventory assessments of office supplies, ordering necessary items proactively to prevent stock shortages.
- Streamlined office operations by implementing efficient filing systems and organizational strategies.
- Streamlined document handling and processing, reducing turnaround time for client inquiries and requests.
- Enhanced office operational efficiency by streamlining filing systems, resulting in easier access to critical documents.
Night Auditor / Receptionist
Unique Hotel Group
06.2010 - 04.2012
- Oversaw night shift front desk procedures and customer service.
- Oversaw night auditing of daily room occupancy and hotel revenue.
- Handled emergency situations calmly and professionally, keeping guest safety as the top priority at all times.
- Demonstrated proficiency in various software systems used for reservation management, billing adjustments, and report generation.
- Prepared detailed end-of-shift reports, highlighting noteworthy incidents or areas requiring improvement for management review.
- Entered customer data into room system and updated information whenever patrons changed rooms.
- Responded to guest needs quickly and efficiently, noting changes in reservations or special needs for day crew.
Senior Receptionist
Oru Hotell OÜ
05.2003 - 10.2007
- Managed reception and coordinated daily hotel operations.
- Greeted incoming visitors and customers professionally and provided friendly, knowledgeable assistance.
- Handled complaints and questions, and re-directed calls to other team members.
- Kept reception area clean and neat to give visitors positive first impression.
- Drafted professional memos, letters, and marketing copy to support business objectives and growth.
- Trained new receptionists on best practices, resulting in improved performance metrics across the team.
Education
Higher Education Degree - Hotel Management
Estonian School of Hotel Management
01.2004
High School Diploma - undefined
Tabasalu Gymnasium
01.2001
Skills
- Vendor Management
- Procurement & Contracting
- Microsoft Office Suite
- Customer Service
- Planning & Scheduling
- Purchase Orders & Documentation
- Stakeholder Management
- Problem Solving
- Data Entry & Accounts Receivable
- Document Management
- Open-Mindedness
- Personal Drive
Certification
- U.S. Department of State – Commercial Acquisitions Training
- Contract Administration Training
- Special Contracts Training
- Customer-Focused Performance (2-day virtual classroom training)
Languages
Estonian (Native)
English (Fluent)
Finnish (Fluent)
German (Basic)
Russian (Basic)
Awards
Employee of the Year – U.S. Embassy Tallinn (2016), Superior Honor Award – Confirmed by Washington (2024), Executive Corps Member – 2022–2024, Multiple internal recognitions for procurement and documentation excellence
Awards and Recognition
· Employee of the Year – U.S. Embassy Tallinn (2016)
· Superior Honor Award – Confirmed by Washington (2024)
* Outstanding Procurement Locally Engaged Staff Nominee (2023)
· Executive Corps Member – 2022–2024
· Multiple internal recognitions for procurement and documentation excellence
Timeline
Procurement Specialist
U.S. Embassy Tallinn
06.2015 - Current
Night Auditor / Receptionist
Unique Hotel Group
06.2010 - 04.2012
Office Manager / Accounting Assistant
Sincotron Finland OY
06.2008 - 06.2015
Senior Receptionist
Oru Hotell OÜ
05.2003 - 10.2007
High School Diploma - undefined
Tabasalu Gymnasium
Higher Education Degree - Hotel Management
Estonian School of Hotel Management
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