Les Whobrey

Dynamic Materials Manager with a proven track record at SMC, enhancing inventory accuracy and operational efficiency. Expert in supply chain systems and logistics coordination, I successfully implemented innovative processes that drove cost savings and improved performance metrics. Adept at problem resolution and leading teams to achieve strategic goals.

• Materials Manager, 04/01/25, 10/31/25, SMC, Nicholasville, KY, Designed and partially implemented a stock locator computer system in an electrical PCB manufacturer and assembler., Managed staff of 6 that is responsible for shipping, receiving, material control, and production reporting., Provided reports to management., Designed and partially implemented inventory control process and electronic system., Provided training in required certifications., I was part of plant lay-off in October 2025.
• Supply Chain Manager/Operations Manager, 02/01/22, 04/30/25, ElectraMet (Powertech Water), Lexington, KY, Effectively transformed Research and Development facility into a fully capable manufacturing facility., Developed and implemented processes for vendor approval, purchasing, inventory management, production scheduling, and returned equipment., Resolved issues with vendors that included pricing, terms, and late deliveries., Implemented NetSuite ERP modules for purchasing and production scheduling., Increased inventory accuracy from 90% to above 99.8%., Oversaw supply chain and production operations staff., Oversaw facility maintenance and safety., Effectively worked with other departments for sourcing of electrochemical materials and equipment., Production planning and oversaw assembly of equipment., Oversaw bill of materials and item masters in NetSuite ERP system.
• Materials Manager, 07/01/13, 12/31/21, Taica Cubic Printing, Winchester, KY, Proactively implemented best practices, managed inventory, and directed domestic and international procurement of all raw material and maintenance repair and operational (MRO) supplies to support unique material and processing technologies., Supervised the department, and oversaw shipping, receiving, and customer service activities., Designed and acquired packaging, produced and maintain production schedules, selected carriers, and coordinated inbound freight., Analyzed key performance indicators (KPI’s), researched and recommended change and executed actionable plans to drive cost-savings., Efficiently tracked information and generated reports for executive management and accountability for departmental budgets., Assisted in monthly and year-end closings, accounts payable (A/P), and financial activities., Acted as a Subject Matter Expert for all information technology (IT), including Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) integrated management, system administration, and aid in request for quotations (RFQ) and program management., Strategically devise purchasing strategies, establish positive, sustainable relationships, and act as a liaison between Taica, suppliers, and customers, resolving issues promptly and professionally., Daily production and material planning activities using MRP functions., Provide leadership and collaborate with internal departments to facilitate problem-solving activities and develop data-driven solutions., Motivate departments to achieve results, fill orders accurately and meet deadlines., Innovatively set up the materials department of a new Tier 2 facility, resulting in 99.6% accuracies in physical inventory, 100% on-time delivery, and 100% safety., Administrator for ERP system., Maintained bill of materials and item masters in the Infor ERP system.
• Senior Buyer, 08/01/07, 04/30/13, Clopay Plastics, Augusta, KY, Effectively analyzed requirements and coordinated purchasing activities to obtain raw materials and operational supplies for an ISO certified hygiene and safety plastic sheeting manufacturer., Executed purchasing agreements, monitored the cost, schedule, and scope of assigned suppliers to assure the highest quality, and managed supplier on-time delivery (OTD) performance., Partnered with the quality control department to develop and conduct supplier evaluations and led annual price reviews., Created sourcing strategies, organized supplier selection, and qualification, and negotiated purchasing programs for cost savings and reduction of on-hand inventory while ensuring no disruption to production., Served as an administrator for the computerized silo measuring system and worked directly with toll converter customers, including DuPont and Kimberly-Clark., Reviewed requirements and designed packaging to meet specifications and promote customer satisfaction., Collaborated to maintain accurate bill-of-materials and resolved purchase order, receipt, and invoice discrepancies., Oversaw $74,000,000 in annual purchasing with a 99.7% physical inventory accuracy and improved inventory turns from 16 to 27 per year., Spearheaded the establishment of a raw material Kanban warehouses layout based on ABC inventory categorization analysis., Coordinated deliveries of plastic resins by truck and rail.