Passionate Senior Buyer talented in procuring goods and driving business success. Sharp individual well-versed in maintaining in-depth knowledge of product trends. Proven track record in purchasing, vendor management and inventory control. Considered valuable asset to any team.
Hi, I’m
Kim Contois
Austin ,TX
Summary
Overview
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Sovos Brands
Sr. Buyer
01.2021 - Current
Job overview
- Responsible for purchasing diverse portfolio of ingredients with annual spend around $50M .
- Oversees vendor purchase order dispatch, delivery, and invoicing while optimizing inventory management practices like reducing excess stock and minimizing carrying costs.
- Plays instrumental role in major project launches (ie: Rao's Frozen Entrees) by managing all aspects of ingredient procurement from planning to execution.
- Participates in continuous improvement initiatives, contributing ideas for more effective procurement processes (ie: from buying tomatoes in #10 cans to bulk bins).
- Develops strong relationships with suppliers, fostering collaboration and mutual growth.
- Maintains up-to-date knowledge of industry trends, providing valuable insights to inform purchasing decisions.
- Implements risk mitigation strategies to minimize potential disruptions in supply chain by closely monitoring inventory levels and demand forecast accuracy.
- Championed material review process with internal team to improve operational procedures and deliver schedule adherence.
Sovos Brands
Ingredient Procurement Buyer
12.2018 - 01.2021
Job overview
- Resolved daily issues by handling invoice discrepancies, replacements for rejected materials and missed and late deliveries.
- Improved supplier relationships through effective communication and timely resolution of issues.
- Collaborated cross-functionally to identify opportunities for process improvement and cost reduction in supply chain.
- Coordinated logistics efforts to ensure on-time delivery of goods while minimizing transportation costs.
- Enhanced inventory management by implementing demand forecasting techniques and optimizing stock levels.
Amy Myers MD
Inventory & Purchasing Manager
01.2017 - 11.2018
Job overview
- Led inventory and purchasing operations for multi-million dollar supplement store.
- Managed custom formulations of pharmaceutical grade supplements and manufacturing processes from start to finish, coordinating with various departments and managing project timelines.
- Oversaw and governed all accounts receivable in QuickBooks for inventory, fulfillment, and packaging materials and reports on monthly basis.
- Cultivated and strengthened lasting vendor relationships, resulting in saving company $100K per year.
- Directed and mentored team of 3 while working cross-functionally with other departments, and serving as decision-making partner to CEO and CFO.
Amy Myers MD
Online Inventory Specialist
06.2016 - 01.2017
Job overview
- Provided support to Store Manager with daily operations of online store. Served as lead decision maker in Store Manager's absence.
- Created and managed approximately 100 product pages in Shopify including orchestrating promotions.
- Cultivated and fostered long-term customer relationships through educating and advising customers on purchases and promotions by applying product knowledge.
- Tethered customers, management, and sales team by serving as the sole liaison for communication, rectifying issues, and providing sound guidance.
- Supervised ordering of all materials, and ensured all deliveries arrived on time and in full.
HEB Grocery Store
Lead Healthy Living Specialist
03.2014 - 05.2016
Job overview
- Assisted approximately 30 customers daily with trained knowledge of Natural Foods, Vitamins, Minerals, Macrobiotics, Herbs, Sports Nutrition, Organics, Homeopathy, and Aromatherapy.
- Organized large-scale events, ensuring seamless execution of logistics, registration, catering, and venue management.
- Followed all company policies and procedures to deliver quality work.
My Fit Foods
Kiosk Manager (Operations Manager)
05.2013 - 03.2014
Job overview
- Managed purchasing, sales, marketing and customer account operations efficiently.
- Developed high-performing teams by recruiting, training, and mentoring approximately 10 staff members.
- Empowered customers to make informed decisions by educating on product and service offerings and current industry trends.
Education
Texas State UniversitySan Marcos, TX
B.S. in Nutrition Dietetics
05.2013
University Overview
Skills
- ERP System Knowledge (NAV - Business Central)
- Supplier Relationship Management
- Business Operations Coordination
- Product Development Collaboration
- Price Negotiations
- Supply Chain Optimization
Training
Training
Institute for Supply Management (2022-2024)
Timeline
Sr. Buyer
Sovos Brands
01.2021 - Current
Ingredient Procurement Buyer
Sovos Brands
12.2018 - 01.2021
Inventory & Purchasing Manager
Amy Myers MD
01.2017 - 11.2018
Online Inventory Specialist
Amy Myers MD
06.2016 - 01.2017
Lead Healthy Living Specialist
HEB Grocery Store
03.2014 - 05.2016
Kiosk Manager (Operations Manager)
My Fit Foods
05.2013 - 03.2014
Texas State University
B.S. in Nutrition Dietetics
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