Lisa Thorud
MN
Summary
Shrewd Senior Buyer with a proven track record in managing all aspects of the procurement process. Skilled in researching suppliers, requesting quotations, analyzing quotes, planning purchases and overseeing documentation of purchase orders to finalize purchasing decisions. Talented in maintaining excellent professional relationships with key suppliers. Detail-oriented team player with strong organizational skills. Ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously with a high degree of accuracy.
Overview
39
39
years of professional experience
Work History
Sr. Buyer
Cirtec Medical Corporation
06.2011 - 03.2024
- Enhanced supplier performance through regular evaluations and performance improvement plans.
- Developed and improved account relationships.
- Designed and implemented process improvements to streamline purchasing process.
- Reviewed proposals, qualified vendors, and recommended optimal suppliers.
- Evaluated product quality and vendor performance to maintain quality standards.
- Managed diverse portfolio of products, ensuring timely delivery and quality control.
- Dispensed purchase orders to suppliers with accurate pricing, deadlines and terms and conditions.
- Developed cost-effective purchasing strategies to maintain inventory levels and improve operational procedures.
- Developed new strategies to reduce purchasing costs and maintain quality standards.
- Negotiated contracts with vendors for cost-effective purchasing terms.
- Established relationships with vendors to secure competitive pricing and discounts.
- Collaborated with sales team to identify and fulfill customer needs.
- Maintained key item stock levels and wrote or expedited purchase orders.
- Leveraged data-driven insights to make informed purchasing decisions that positively impacted bottom line.
- Implemented risk mitigation strategies to minimize potential disruptions in supply chain.
- Researched and identified new suppliers and vendors.
- Reduced lead times by closely monitoring inventory levels and forecasting demand accurately.
- Negotiated favorable contracts with suppliers, securing optimal terms and pricing structures.
- Prepared detailed reports to highlight inventory levels, purchase orders and discrepancies.
- Improved procurement efficiency by streamlining processes and optimizing supply chain management.
- Managed and maintained purchase orders and invoices.
- Determined lowest possible cost, factoring in quality, and reliability and negotiated favorable contracts.
- Analyzed sales and inventory data to determine purchasing needs and reorder points.
- Developed strong relationships with suppliers, fostering collaboration and mutual growth.
- Analyzed inventory usage and assessed trends to provide maximum coverage for each time period.
- Achieved cost savings by implementing strategic sourcing and supplier negotiations.
- Built long-term supplier relationships with vendors to establish quality and competitive pricing.
- Communicated with vendors regarding inventory needs and negotiated prices to maintain profit margins.
- Played instrumental role in major project launches by managing all aspects of procurement from planning to execution.
- Collaborated with internal departments to better understand needs and determine purchasing requirements.
- Demonstrated strong organizational and time management skills while managing multiple projects.
- Worked well in team setting, providing support and guidance.
- Self-motivated, with strong sense of personal responsibility.
- Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
Project Manager
Industrial Tool, Inc.
01.2001 - 04.2009
- Maintained open communication by presenting regular updates on project status to customers.
- Prepared and submitted project invoices for review and approval.
- Tracked project and team member performance closely to quickly intervene in mistakes or delays.
- Ensured regulatory compliance by closely monitoring applicable laws and regulations within industry sector throughout each stage of project life cycle.
- Successfully managed multiple projects simultaneously by prioritizing tasks according to urgency, resource availability, and alignment with organizational goals.
- Negotiated and managed third-party contracts related to project deliverables.
- Established effective communication among team members for enhanced collaboration and successful project completion.
- Developed and implemented strategic project plans to meet business objectives.
- Enhanced overall project success by conducting thorough post-project evaluations and incorporating lessons learned into future efforts.
- Negotiated contracts with vendors and suppliers, securing quality materials at competitive prices for efficient use of resources.
- Met project deadlines without sacrificing build quality or workplace safety.
- Coordinated cross-functional teams and resolved conflicts, maintaining a positive work environment throughout project lifecycle.
- Developed and initiated projects, managed costs, and monitored performance.
- Provided detailed project status updates to stakeholders and executive management.
- Implemented continuous improvement initiatives to optimize project outcomes while maintaining cost effectiveness.
- Developed comprehensive project plans with clear timelines, milestones, and budget requirements, ensuring timely delivery of high-quality results.
- Coordinated material procurement and required services for projects within budget requirements.
- Monitored project progress, identified risks and took corrective action as needed.
- Monitored progress against established goals, adjusting schedules and resources as needed to keep projects on track.
- Effectively managed scope creep by establishing clear boundaries on requested changes while keeping projects aligned with original objectives and budgets.
- Sourced, vetted and managed vendors needed to accomplish project goals.
- Collaborated closely with senior management to align project objectives with strategic company initiatives, ensuring that efforts contributed to overall business growth.
- Reported regularly to managers on project budget, progress, and technical problems.
- Managed projects from procurement to commission.
- Managed time efficiently in order to complete all tasks within deadlines.
- Demonstrated strong organizational and time management skills while managing multiple projects.
Buyer/Planner
Minnesota Rubber And Plastics
06.1985 - 10.1999
- Streamlined purchasing processes by implementing efficient systems and procedures for order management.
- Managed and maintained purchase orders and invoices.
- Negotiated contracts with vendors for cost-effective purchasing terms.
- Oversaw purchasing process from initiating requests to finalizing contracts to deliver smooth transaction.
- Ensured timely delivery of products by closely monitoring vendor performance and addressing any issues promptly.
- Developed strong relationships with suppliers to secure favorable pricing terms and conditions for company's benefit.
- Established relationships with vendors to secure competitive pricing and discounts.
- Developed and improved account relationships.
- Computed and created purchase orders to monitor stock levels, verify purchase requisitions and expedite customer orders.
- Maintained complete documentation and records of all purchasing activities.
- Evaluated product quality and vendor performance to maintain quality standards.
- Communicated with vendors regarding inventory needs and negotiated prices to maintain profit margins.
- Researched and identified new suppliers and vendors.
- Proved successful working within tight deadlines and fast-paced environment.
- Passionate about learning and committed to continual improvement.
- Developed strong communication and organizational skills through working on group projects.
- Demonstrated high level of initiative and creativity while tackling difficult tasks.
Education
Associate of Applied Science - Medical Technology
Alfred State College
Alfred, NYSkills
- Professional Demeanor
- Supply Chain Optimization
- Adept in Word, Excel, Outlook, M2M, LeanDNA
- Price Negotiations
- Vendor Relations
- Materials sourcing
- ERP System Knowledge
Timeline
Sr. Buyer
Cirtec Medical Corporation
06.2011 - 03.2024
Project Manager
Industrial Tool, Inc.
01.2001 - 04.2009
Buyer/Planner
Minnesota Rubber And Plastics
06.1985 - 10.1999
Associate of Applied Science - Medical Technology
Alfred State College