Lia Coronel
Freehold
Summary
Results-driven sourcing, procurement, and supply chain professional with 7+ years of experience managing purchasing operations, supplier negotiations, cross-border logistics, and customer-focused transportation solutions across manufacturing and logistics industries. Proven expertise in strategic sourcing, vendor management, forecasting, inventory planning, freight coordination, and operational process improvement. Experienced supporting manufacturing operations between the United States and Mexico while collaborating with finance, operations, quality, and executive leadership teams. Strong ability to build supplier relationships, negotiate favorable commercial terms, optimize procurement processes, and drive operational efficiency in fast-paced environments. Fully bilingual in English and Spanish.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Sourcing Specialist
Central Garden and Pet
09.2024 - Current
- Developed and implemented strategic sourcing initiatives to optimize supplier selection, improve cost efficiency, and support operational growth.
- Managed sourcing and procurement of raw materials for manufacturing operations across the United States and Mexico, supporting high-volume production demands and supply continuity.
- Led supplier negotiations related to pricing, freight, payment terms, quality standards, and delivery schedules to maximize value and maintain operational efficiency.
- Negotiated vendor contracts and commercial agreements while ensuring compliance with company policies and procurement standards.
- Conducted market analysis to identify supply chain trends, risks, pricing fluctuations, and sourcing opportunities to support strategic decision-making.
- Coordinated cross-border procurement operations between U.S. headquarters and Mexico production facilities, ensuring timely material flow and operational continuity.
- Developed weekly and monthly procurement forecasts, budget estimates, and inventory tracking reports to support production planning and cash flow management.
- Collaborated closely with finance, accounting, operations, quality, and production teams to align sourcing initiatives with organizational goals and operational requirements.
- Managed purchase order approvals, vendor onboarding, funding requests, supplier compliance, and procurement documentation.
- Resolved supplier quality issues by partnering with production and quality control teams to establish material specifications, acceptance criteria, and corrective action plans.
- Identified and evaluated alternative sourcing opportunities and supplier capabilities to improve procurement strategies and support operational expansion initiatives.
- Managed import/export coordination, traceability requirements, and vendor compliance records to ensure regulatory and operational compliance.
- Prepared executive-level pricing analyses, procurement summaries, operational reports, and supplier performance updates for leadership review.
- Built and maintained strong supplier and cross-functional relationships to improve communication, responsiveness, and long-term supply chain reliability.
Office Administrative Assistant/ Safety Coordinator
Best Logistics Technology
04.2020 - Current
- Answering incoming calls in a timely manner and directing them appropriately.
- Providing administrative support to various departments in the organization.
- Creating expense reports, tracking invoices, and processing payments.
- Coordinating travel for staff members as needed.
- Greeting visitors and answering their questions in a professional manner.
- Maintaining periodic updating of contact lists with current employee information.
- Placing orders for supplies and maintaining an inventory of office equipment.
- Managing office tasks and organizing workspaces.
Office Administrative Assistant/ Safety Coordinator
Best Logistics Technology
04.2020 - 08.2024
- Answering incoming calls in a timely manner and directing them appropriately.
- Providing administrative support to various departments in the organization.
- Creating expense reports, tracking invoices, and processing payments.
- Coordinating travel for staff members as needed.
- Greeting visitors and answering their questions in a professional manner.
- Maintaining periodic updating of contact lists with current employee information.
- Placing orders for supplies and maintaining an inventory of office equipment.
- Managing office tasks and organizing workspaces.
Account Manager/ Customer Service
Best Logistics Technology
04.2020 - 08.2024
- Developed and maintained relationships with key accounts to ensure customer satisfaction.
- Provided technical support to customers when needed.
- Providing operational excellence to customers, carriers, buyers, and suppliers.
- Managing shipments on a daily basis, including capacity acquisition and negotiating favorable pricing to increase revenue growth.
- Integrating appropriate technology solutions to optimize logistics services and communication channels.
- Addressing customer concerns and finding innovative solutions to complex logistics challenges.
- Collaborate with other departments to optimize logistics services and arrange shipping and transportation details with freight forwarders.
Purchasing Specialist
Best Logistics Technology
04.2020 - 08.2024
- Identifying potential vendors based on price, quality, and delivery requirements.
- Negotiating prices, terms, and conditions with suppliers to obtain the best possible price.
- Creating reports related to purchasing activities at the request of the management team.
- Managing inventory levels of purchased items to avoid stock-outs or overstocks.
- Maintaining records of all procurement activities, including vendor contracts and purchasing documents.
- Verifying that the warehouse was receiving correct and timely inventory by periodically querying the database.
- Coordinating with finance and accounting departments to ensure timely payment to vendors.
- Analyzing price proposals, financial reports, and other data to determine reasonable prices.
WH Operation Supervisor
Best Logistics Technology
11.2018 - 04.2020
- Directed and supervised team of 40 employees in daily operations.
- Monitored employee productivity levels on a regular basis to identify areas of improvement.
- Developed and implemented operational policies and procedures to ensure efficiency and accuracy of workflows.
- Performed monthly inventory checks to ensure sufficient stock levels for all products.
- Maintained accurate records of employee performance, attendance, leave requests, and disciplinary actions.
- Provided guidance and direction to subordinates regarding job duties and responsibilities.
- Managed budget for department, ensuring all expenses stayed within allocated funds.
- Oversaw inventory management, ensuring adequate stock levels and reducing waste.
- Created plans to propose solutions to problems related to efficiency, costs or profits.
Education
Bachelor of Science (BSSCOM) - Supply Chain Management
Crandon Institute
Montevideo, Uruguay11-2012
Skills
- Microsoft Excel (Advanced)
- Microsoft Office Suite
- ERP & Procurement Systems
- Inventory Tracking & Reporting
- Logistics Management Systems
- Data Analysis & Reporting
- Vendor & PO Management Systems
- Supplier relationship management
- Strategic sourcing
- Material requirement planning
Timeline
Senior Sourcing Specialist
Central Garden and Pet
09.2024 - Current
Office Administrative Assistant/ Safety Coordinator
Best Logistics Technology
04.2020 - Current
Office Administrative Assistant/ Safety Coordinator
Best Logistics Technology
04.2020 - 08.2024
Account Manager/ Customer Service
Best Logistics Technology
04.2020 - 08.2024
Purchasing Specialist
Best Logistics Technology
04.2020 - 08.2024
WH Operation Supervisor
Best Logistics Technology
11.2018 - 04.2020
Bachelor of Science (BSSCOM) - Supply Chain Management
Crandon Institute