Lorena Kutza
Elysburg,PA
Summary
Proactive and goal-oriented professional with excellent time management and problem-solving skills. Known for reliability and adaptability, with swift capacity to learn and apply new skills. Committed to leveraging these qualities to drive team success and contribute to organizational growth.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Corporate Purchasing Agent III
Great Dane Trailers
06.2025 - Current
- Negotiated contracts with suppliers to secure optimal pricing and terms.
- Analyzed market trends to inform purchasing decisions and inventory management.
- Developed relationships with key vendors to enhance supply chain efficiency.
- Implemented procurement strategies that reduced costs while maintaining quality standards.
- Assisted with development of Centralized Purchasing Program for 9 plants.
- Led initiatives to streamline purchasing workflows, enhancing overall departmental productivity.
Supply Chain Manager
Great Dane Trailers
01.2025 - 06.2025
- Led supply chain strategy initiatives to enhance operational efficiency and reduce costs.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to align procurement strategies with organizational goals.
- Enhanced inventory accuracy with the implementation of a robust cycle counting program.
- Supervised 13 staff members tasked with handling materials, management, planning, purchasing, and customer service duties.
- Implemented inventory optimization techniques, reducing excess stock and minimizing waste.
- Mentored junior staff on supply chain best practices, fostering professional growth and team collaboration.
Materials Manager
Great Dane Trailers
01.2020 - 12.2024
- Oversaw inventory management processes to ensure optimal stock levels and minimize shortages.
- Developed and implemented material handling strategies to improve workflow efficiency across departments.
- Managed subordinates and gave directives, drafted schedules and comprehensively evaluated performance.
- Maintained material control and information systems, supporting manufacturing and balancing inventory surpluses with customer demand.
- Established strong relationships with both internal stakeholders and external suppliers to facilitate seamless communication throughout the supply chain process.
- Continued learning in JDE cross functional uses.
- Began using Intellichief to process invoices.
- Added Coupa program for MRO purchasing.
Materials Management Supervisor
Great Dane Trailers
06.2017 - 12.2019
- Supervised material inventory processes to optimize stock levels and ensure timely availability.
- Worked with Operations on understanding work order process and how it impacted MRP in JDE 9.3.
- Trained and mentored team members on best practices in material management operations.
- Developed streamlined procedures for receiving, storing, and distributing materials across departments.
- Conducted regular audits to maintain compliance with safety regulations and inventory accuracy.
- Provided ongoing training for staff members on best practices in material management, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
- Streamlined workflow processes, resulting in increased productivity among team members.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to optimize material usage, reducing waste and unnecessary costs.
Buyer/Planner
Great Dane Trailers
07.2015 - 06.2017
- Managed procurement processes, ensuring compliance with company policies and industry regulations.
- Computed and created purchase orders to monitor stock levels, verify purchase requisitions and expedite customer orders, via JDE 9.1.
- Collaborated with internal departments to better understand needs and determine purchasing requirements.
- Maintained key item stock levels and wrote or expedited purchase orders.
- Ensured timely delivery of products by closely monitoring vendor performance and addressing any issues promptly.
Site Manager
Industrial Distribution Group
03.2015 - 07.2015
- Oversaw site receiving, parts issuing, cycle counts, and buying process.
- Perform internal audits and maintain minimum stock adjustments to ensure performance to monthly inventory budget.
- Oversaw daily site operations, ensuring compliance with safety and quality standards.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to align project goals with organizational objectives.
- Analyzed site performance metrics to identify areas for improvement and drive strategic initiatives.
- Developed strong relationships with clients through consistent communication of project updates and prompt resolution of concerns or issues.
- Complied with safe operating practices and assessed operational procedures against best practices.
Associate Buyer/Associate Specialist, Procurement
Cherokee Pharmaceuticals, LLC, A Subsidiary of Merck
06.2008 - 03.2014
- Reviewed and approve requisitions and place purchase orders for a variety of goods and services required by site.
- Issue change orders and provide order follow up as required.
- Monitor supplier relationships and assess supplier performance.
- Audit incoming purchase requisitions for safety and site grant of authority compliance, assists Procurement manager with developing bid packages, analyzing bid comparisons and issuing related contract documents.
- Act as primary point of contact for routine supplier interactions. Act as site contact for Epicor users, including training of new employees on system.
- Work with Accounts Payable department to follow financial compliance and procedural documentation for 3 way match.
Education
Masters of Business Administration - Leadership Skills
01.2004
Concentration: Leadership Skills
Skills
- Order tracking
- Procurement
- Scheduling
- JDE
- Materials planning
- Inventory management
- Procurement software proficiency
- Purchase order processing
Summary of Qualifications
- Innovative Professional with comprehensive training and 20 years of experience in a variety of business environments with demonstrated initiative, creativity and success. Proactive leader with refined business acumen.
- Expertise in office management, administrative support, client relations and need assessment, strategic planning, organization, database management, purchasing, inventory control, human resources, and quality assurance.
- Quick study with ability to easily grasp and implement new concepts, methods and technologies. At ease in high stress, fast-paced situations with multiple responsibilities. Thrive in both individual and team environments.
- Superior leadership, motivation, administration, interpersonal, intuitive, and oral/written communication skills.
- Proficient in the use of various computer programs and applications including MS Word, Excel and Access.
Certification
Lean Six Sigma Black Belt
Timeline
Corporate Purchasing Agent III - Great Dane Trailers
06.2025 - Current
Supply Chain Manager - Great Dane Trailers
01.2025 - 06.2025
Materials Manager - Great Dane Trailers
01.2020 - 12.2024
Materials Management Supervisor - Great Dane Trailers
06.2017 - 12.2019
Buyer/Planner - Great Dane Trailers
07.2015 - 06.2017
Site Manager - Industrial Distribution Group
03.2015 - 07.2015
Associate Buyer/Associate Specialist, Procurement - Cherokee Pharmaceuticals, LLC, A Subsidiary of Merck
06.2008 - 03.2014
Bloomsburg University - Masters of Business Administration, Leadership Skills
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