Kristin Pederson
Brooklyn
Summary
Dynamic operations leader with a proven track record at Unilever, excelling in supply chain management and supplier negotiation. Achieved significant cost reductions while enhancing quality and service. Passionate about driving innovation and fostering collaboration, I thrive in fast-paced environments and deliver impactful results through strategic project management.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of Operations
APOTHEKE
02.2021 - Current
- Managed $3.5 million in spend for direct sourcing, leading supplier and materials changes to reduce cost, increase quality and improve cash flow
- Implemented over 150 innovation SKUs per year, including system updates, materials ordering, scheduling and shipment
- Oversaw staffing and scheduling for 7-10 person production team; worked with Production Manager on efficient scheduling of candle and diffuser production
- Led shipping department of 3-5 team members preparing orders for DTC, wholesale, and EDI customers
- Supported set up and ongoing materials needs of candle studio at APOTHEKE flagship store in Red Hook
3PM Portfolio & Category Procurement Manager, Sundial
Unilever
Englewood Cliffs
05.2020 - 08.2021
- Spearhead the delivery of growth, innovation, and improved profitability by developing and implementing strategic Collaborative Manufacturing arrangements within the Beauty and Personal Care category
- Took on management responsibility for $60M in finished goods purchasing in addition to previous duties for Sundial, managing a 3-person procurement team including managing relationships and performance of 25 suppliers in the US, EU, and China for over 250 SKUs
- Championed transformation projects including collaborative sourcing strategy for supply resiliency, process governance, price transparency, and sustainability
- Ensured 3P manufacturing activity meets Unilever Quality, Safety, Sourcing Standards/KPIs.
- Developed and implement strategies for the procurement of assigned portfolios to deliver cost savings based on sourcing strategies and compliance management
- Lead the procurement agenda for sustainability, PCR plastic implementation, and responsible sourcing with portfolio of suppliers
- Managed new and existing contracts, lead in the contract negotiation process, and conduct ongoing supplier benchmarking.
- Worked with cross-functional teams (marketing, product development, packaging, finance, project management, planning, plants, etc.) to land innovation launches by awarding sourcing and ensuring correct materials are available in time.
- Awarded sourcing for 120+ innovation SKUs, including setting up new sourcing relationships with 6 suppliers
- Negotiated improved payment terms to realize cash benefit
Category Procurement Manager, Sundial
Unilever
06.2019 - 05.2020
- Lead implementation of Category structure after integration of Sundial acquisition into UL supply chain
- Met savings targets while improving service and quality and supporting aggressive innovation pipeline
- Led efforts to transform sourcing to align with Unilever strategies where beneficial to the business
Assistant Category Procurement Manager, Tea
Unilever
11.2017 - 05.2019
- Lead work on Tazo integration for raw materials and blend packaging in Procurement
- Helped to drive 11% on time, in full improvement at the Suffolk plant for 2018
- Supported improvements in quality and service; helped to deliver savings projects and innovations
Materials Excellence Analyst
Unilever
04.2017 - 10.2017
- Supported two portfolios (one PC packaging, one Food Ingredients) for 8 months, serving as first point of escalation for material supply issues with over 100 suppliers
- Monitored and drove improvement on quality and on time, in full targets, including leading efforts within Procurement Operations to improve supplier alignment with Food specifications
Vegetable Crew Member
Sol Flower Farm (now Rock Steady Farm)
Millerton
01.2015 - 01.2015
- Produced sustainably grown vegetables for Community Supported Agriculture participants, on-farm store, and restaurant sales
- Managed greenhouse production schedule and tracked harvests to fulfill wholesale and retail orders
Manager of Food Services and Nutrition
The Fortune Society
New York
01.2013 - 01.2015
- Supervised six full-time and part-time staff, interns, and volunteers to enhance team performance.
- Reduced food spending by one-third while elevating nutrition standards and client satisfaction ratings.
- Revamped meal program at Long Island City site, expanding services and securing $50,000 for kitchen renovations.
- Managed farm stand operations employing court-involved youth for community engagement.
- Distributed 20,000 pounds of New York State fresh produce to clients and neighbors each year.
Education
M.S. - Sustainability Management
Columbia University
New York, NY05.2016
Rotary Scholarship - Agroecology
Norwegian University of Life Sciences
Aas, Norway01.2008
B.S. - Biology and Environmental Science, summa cum laude
College of William and Mary
Williamsburg, VA05.2007
Skills
- Supply chain management
- Project management
- Cost reduction
- Supplier negotiation
- Quality assurance
- Inventory management
Training
- Agile Methodology, 2019
- Negotiations, 2020
Timeline
Director of Operations
APOTHEKE
02.2021 - Current
3PM Portfolio & Category Procurement Manager, Sundial
Unilever
05.2020 - 08.2021
Category Procurement Manager, Sundial
Unilever
06.2019 - 05.2020
Assistant Category Procurement Manager, Tea
Unilever
11.2017 - 05.2019
Materials Excellence Analyst
Unilever
04.2017 - 10.2017
Vegetable Crew Member
Sol Flower Farm (now Rock Steady Farm)
01.2015 - 01.2015
Manager of Food Services and Nutrition
The Fortune Society
01.2013 - 01.2015
M.S. - Sustainability Management
Columbia University
Rotary Scholarship - Agroecology
Norwegian University of Life Sciences
B.S. - Biology and Environmental Science, summa cum laude
College of William and Mary
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