Meka Southward
Houston,TX
Summary
Dedicated and detail-oriented Purchasing Agent with eleven years of experience in healthcare and oil & gas industries. Proven expertise in vendor management, inventory control, and procurement processes. Skilled in negotiating contracts, optimizing purchasing strategies, and ensuring compliance with budgetary constraints. Adept at coordinating facility operations and managing logistics to support organizational efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Facilities Coordinator
Compass Group, Eurest
Houston, TX
09.2021 - Current
- Acted as the primary point of contact for internal and external stakeholders, providing support and information on facility operations
- Established and maintained vendor relationships to ensure cost-effective and timely services
- Communicated with facility teams and managers regarding maintenance schedules and upcoming projects
- Conducted regular inspections to assess facility conditions and identify maintenance needs
- Managed inventory of facilities-related materials and equipment, updating tracking systems for accuracy and efficiency.
Purchasing Agent
Avenue 360 Health & Wellness
Houston, TX
01.2016 - 09.2021
- Managed comprehensive documentation of purchasing activities, including purchase orders and vendor agreements
- Coordinated with departments and vendors to expedite procurement processes and ensure timely delivery of goods
- Negotiated pricing and terms with suppliers to maintain profit margins and achieve cost savings
- Utilized Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook) for data analysis and reporting on purchasing trends
- Implemented effective supply chain management strategies to optimize procurement procedures
- Resolved purchase order, delivery, and quality issues in collaboration with vendors and internal stakeholders.
Facilities Manager
Compass Group, Eurest
Houston, TX
10.2012 - 10.2015
- Oversaw inventory management and procurement of supplies to support daily facility operations
- Ensured compliance with safety and health regulations through regular evaluations and staff training
- Supervised a team of 25 employees, providing leadership and guidance in daily activities
- Collaborated with cleaning and janitorial services to maintain cleanliness and hygiene standards
- Prepared detailed reports and schedules to support facility management decisions and budget planning.
Lead Supervisor
ABM Janitorial Services
Houston, TX
05.2010 - 10.2012
- Assisted in the development of operational policies and procedures to optimize unit performance
- Managed housekeeping operations for multiple medical facilities, ensuring high standards of cleanliness
- Conducted employee evaluations and provided training to enhance team productivity and performance
- Implemented safety protocols and conducted regular quality inspections to meet client satisfaction.
Education
Bachelor of Arts in Hospitality -
Michigan State University
05.2009
Skills
- Vendor Management
- Inventory Control
- Budget Management
- Contract Negotiation
- Procurement Strategies
- Facility Operations Management
- Microsoft Office Suite
- SAP
- SharePoint
- Sage
- Project Management
- Customer Service
Certification
Certified Professional Public Buyer (CPPB)
Timeline
Facilities Coordinator
Compass Group, Eurest
09.2021 - Current
Purchasing Agent
Avenue 360 Health & Wellness
01.2016 - 09.2021
Facilities Manager
Compass Group, Eurest
10.2012 - 10.2015
Lead Supervisor
ABM Janitorial Services
05.2010 - 10.2012
Bachelor of Arts in Hospitality -
Michigan State University