Kharen Elizabeth Mercado, CPPM, CPP
New Bern,NC
Summary
Procurement professional with extensive expertise in electrical and design build sectors. Managed projects valued between $1 million and $150 million, adhering to federal and commercial standards. Demonstrated success in negotiating blanket agreements, optimizing supply chains, and implementing cost reduction strategies while ensuring timely project delivery.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Senior Procurement Agent/Project Engineer
M.C. Dean
03.2018 - 02.2026
- Executed federal and commercial design-build projects utilizing copper wiring and fiber optic cabling, patch panels, racks, enclosures, switches, routers, and other electrical apparatus under NAICS 423610.
- Integrated modular systems including prefabricated wiring, modular raceways, quick-connect harnesses, and control panels.
- Procured materials including conduit, copper and aluminum wires, junction boxes, fasteners, and PPE through blanket agreements, securing locked-in pricing throughout project duration.
- Managed raw materials procurement of copper and aluminum wire, busbar stock, sheet metal, PVC/HDPE conduit, and structural framing with long-term pricing agreements.
- Prepared and issued RFIs, RFPs, and managed proposal compliance with cost and pricing data analysis for complex documentation and agreements.
- Conducted strategic sourcing and category management for electrical low-voltage automation raw materials; developed RFI/RFP/RFQ proposals ensuring compliance with cost analysis.
- Oversaw contracting and subcontracting processes including T&Cs modifications and close-out while ensuring FAR/DFARS/TINA/ITAR compliance.
- Collaborated with engineering, and quality operations to implement cost reduction initiatives.
Owner/Contractor
Jumon LLC
12.2012 - 02.2018
- Developed client relationships that secured repeat business and generated referrals.
- Executed marketing strategies that elevated brand awareness and attracted new clientele.
- Negotiated pricing with customers and vendors, reducing costs while boosting profits.
- Improved customer satisfaction through efficient processes and exceptional service delivery.
- Supervised and trained staff, ensuring productivity and customer satisfaction.
- Managed budgeting, financial reporting, and tax preparation to streamline financial operations.
- Formulated financial plans to optimize resource allocation and track expenses.
Procurement Agent
M.C. Dean
11.2006 - 12.2012
- Managed federal projects valued between $1M and $100M+, ensuring compliance with Buy America, Buy American, FAR, and DFAR requirements.
- Negotiated blanket pricing with distributors and manufacturers for maximum cost savings. E.g. Steel conduit, copper wires
- Managed supplier relationships to ensure timely delivery of products and services, resulting in reduced lead times and increased customer satisfaction.
- Developed procurement strategies that aligned with company goals, optimizing supply chain performance and reducing operational costs.
- Monitored industry trends and emerging technologies to identify opportunities for innovation within the procurement function, driving continuous improvement efforts.
- Spearheaded cost reduction projects by identifying areas for improvement in procurement processes, generating significant savings over time without sacrificing quality or service levels.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Electrical Engineering
NC State University (pending)
North CarolinaAssociate of Arts - Business Administration And Management
Montgomery College
Rockville, MDSkills
- Procurement and engineering strategy
- Strategic Sourcing
- Purchasing Strategy Development
- Procurement Process Improvement
- Contract negotiation
- Price negotiation
- Vendor management
- Material forecasting
- Logistics optimization
- Regulatory compliance
- FAR/DFAR/TAA provisions
- Project Management
- Cross-functional collaboration
- Team Leadership
- Design build
- Buyout agreements
Certification
Certified Professional Purchasing Manager (CPPM)
Certified Purchasing Professional (CPP)
Certified Professional in Distribution and Warehousing (CPDW) - in process
Project Samples
Ft. Meade - Currently two secure projects $165M and $85M with FAR, Buy American Trade Agreements, and DFAR provisions. Multiple projects.
Walter Reed Army Hospital - $150M+ with FAR Buy American and Trade Agreement provisions.
Microsoft Data Center- $20-100M+ Commercial project /multiple projects
Alexandria Railyard - $25M+ with FAR Buy American provisions
Dulles Railyard - $63M+ with FAR Buy American provision
Redstone Arsenal - $32M+ with FAR Buy American and Trade Agreement provisions
Nashville Courthouse - $15M+ with FAR Buy American provisions
Proctor and Gamble - $15M
Equinix Data Center - Multiple service award. Value from $1M - $30M
Timeline
Senior Procurement Agent/Project Engineer
M.C. Dean
03.2018 - 02.2026
Owner/Contractor
Jumon LLC
12.2012 - 02.2018
Procurement Agent
M.C. Dean
11.2006 - 12.2012
Bachelor of Science - Electrical Engineering
NC State University (pending)
Associate of Arts - Business Administration And Management
Montgomery College