Matthew Schwab
Portland
Summary
Results-driven buyer and category manager with over 8 years in procurement and production planning, as well as wholesale purchasing. Over 10 years total in grain, produce, grocery and meat management. Dedicated purchasing professional specializing in vendor relations, inventory control and supply chain management. Develops and executes category and commodity strategies. Passionate about organic standards, sustainability and high quality products.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Sourcing Specialist
Bob's Red Mill
08.2023 - 04.2025
- Developed sourcing strategies to optimize vendor selection and improve procurement efficiency.
- Analyzed market trends to identify cost-effective sourcing opportunities for raw materials.
- Analyzed supplier performance metrics to drive continuous improvement in service delivery.
- Utilized an ERP system to efficiently forecast and order raw materials for production.
- Implemented cost-saving initiatives through strategically negotiating favorable contract terms with suppliers, securing advantageous pricing and payment structures for the organization.
- increased on-time delivery rates by closely monitoring supplier performance and addressing potential issues proactively.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to identify opportunities for process improvement and cost reduction within the supply chain.
- Developed long-term partnerships with key suppliers to improve performance across supply chain, generate greater cost efficiency and enable the business to grow and develop.
- Supported gross profit goals by negotiating and controlling costs, lead times, freight terms and purchase quantity requirements.
- Collaborated with finance, procurement and operations leaders on global sourcing projects.
- Coordinated with legal teams to review contracts, ensuring alignment with company policies and regulatory requirements while minimizing potential risks in supplier agreements.
- Evaluated new supplier capabilities to significantly reduce risks, improve operational visibility and create greater value for products and services.
- Utilized root cause analysis to address internal and external non-conformance issues and apply corrective action or intervention to prevent reoccurrence.
- Identified and mitigated risks in supply chain, ensuring uninterrupted material supply for critical projects.
- Coordinated with quality assurance team to ensure all sourced materials met project specifications and quality standards.
- Consistently met or exceeded annual cost-saving targets by identifying opportunities for supplier consolidation or renegotiation of existing contracts.
- Implemented sustainable sourcing practices, contributing to corporate social responsibility goals.
- Analyzed market trends to identify cost-effective sourcing opportunities for raw materials.
Buyer
Pacific Coast Fruit Company
03.2022 - 01.2023
- Communicated with vendors regarding inventory needs and negotiated prices to maintain profit margins.
- Maintained key item stock levels and wrote or expedited purchase orders.
- Developed and improved account relationships.
- Analyzed inventory usage and assessed trends to provide maximum coverage for each time period.
- Met with suppliers to assess changes and determine proper courses of action.
- Collaborated with the sales team and vendors for special events and seasonal promotions to maintain adequate product stock and drive sales.
- Generated reports detailing sales trends and profit and loss data.
- Worked with our quality assurance team to ensure only quality product was being shipped out to our customers and to make sure that non sellable produce was donated whenever possible.
- Worked with sales to ensure that special orders were fulfilled and to help move excess dated product.
- Collaborated with accounts payable to correct any PO/invoice discrepancies.
Procurement Manager
MilkRun
05.2021 - 10.2021
- Evaluated supplier quotes to determine the optimal weekly offerings that would allow for meeting margin targets and increasing the average order value while also providing variety and seasonality.
- Developed and maintained relationships with growers, producers and wholesalers and negotiated pricing to maximize revenue and find a price that also fairly compensated suppliers for their product.
- Was responsible for the procurement and inventory management of all commodities including produce, pantry, refrigerated and frozen/meat.
- Planned, built and sourced all weekly subscription boxes and product.
- Performed data analysis and monitored trends, sales and waste to maximize proficiency and customer happiness.
Produce Merchandising and Category Manager
Imperfect Foods
07.2017 - 02.2021
- Determined weekly produce offerings and curated boxes for ~30,000 customers.
- Studied market trends to tailor offerings and volume to match customer demand.
- Procured all produce for each market in Pacific Northwest.
- Identified and reported key performance indicators to define and implement successful category management strategies to improve company profitability.
- Worked closely with growers, brokers and wholesalers to source additional product daily as needed.
- Closely monitored local retail pricing and determined weekly product assortment and prices.
- Managed produce inventory levels and worked with local operations team to determine immediate needs.
- Visited farms and packing facilities to maintain and acquire new partnerships.
Produce Assistant Manager
Whole Foods Market
10.2016 - 04.2017
- Led produce and value added teams.
- Strategically sourced product to maximize revenue, maintained appealing sales floor and minimize shrink.
- Worked with store leadership and sales team to ensure successful operation of produce department.
Produce Manager
Natural Grocers
04.2014 - 10.2016
- Managed produce team and department.
- Worked with local wholesalers to procure produce offerings.
- Merchandised appealing displays to optimize customer engagement.
- Maintained margin targets.
Education
Bachelor of Fine Arts - Digital Film & Video
The Art Institute Of Portland
Portland, OR06.2011
Oregon State University
06.2007
Skills
- Proficient in Microsoft Excel and Google Sheets
- Proficient with Microsoft D365 ERP system
- Knowledgeable in Power BI, Tracegains and Freedcamp
- Daily interaction and sourcing with sales reps, growers and producers
- Experienced in Shopify, Netsuite, Quickbooks and Salesforce
- Proficient in Produce Pro
- Supply Chain Managment
- Strong analytical skills
- Procurement expertise
- Account management
- Data analysis and strategic planning
- Profit and Loss expertise
- Shrink mitigation
Timeline
Sourcing Specialist
Bob's Red Mill
08.2023 - 04.2025
Buyer
Pacific Coast Fruit Company
03.2022 - 01.2023
Procurement Manager
MilkRun
05.2021 - 10.2021
Produce Merchandising and Category Manager
Imperfect Foods
07.2017 - 02.2021
Produce Assistant Manager
Whole Foods Market
10.2016 - 04.2017
Produce Manager
Natural Grocers
04.2014 - 10.2016
Bachelor of Fine Arts - Digital Film & Video
The Art Institute Of Portland
Oregon State University
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