Meka Southward
Houston,TX
Summary
Dynamic Purchasing Manager with 11+ years' experience in healthcare and oil & gas industries, adept in vendor management, inventory control, and procurement. Skilled negotiator ensuring budget compliance, proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, SAP, SharePoint, Sage and Abila. Currently working to complete my Bachelor's of Science in Finance Degree. Specializing in Supply Chain Management, enhancing strategic procurement insight. Known for exceptional customer service and fostering collaborative relationships to drive business success. Results-oriented Account Executive with proven business development and client management in technology and blockchain sectors.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
Work History
Facilities Coordinator
Compass Group
09.2021 - 06.2024
- Directed vendors, facilities staff, and service providers as required to create efficient and non-disruptive work environment.
- Maintained physical condition of facilities, applying available resources and personnel to achieve safe, clean, and functional environment.
- Served as point of contact for internal and external customers seeking support and information.
- Communicated with general managers and facility teams regarding upcoming repairs and projects.
- Scheduled, coordinated and supervised all facility-related tasks and activities to monitor performance.
- Conducted regular facility inspections to identify repair needs or improvements.
- Monitored and enforced budget for all facilities-related activities to reduce unnecessary expenses.
Purchasing Manager
Avenue 360 Health and Wellness
01.2016 - 09.2021
- Performed monthly reconciliation of open purchasing orders.
- Used Sage and Abila to monitor purchase orders, budgets and consumables.
- Sourced vendors, built relationships, and negotiated prices.
- Implemented policies to reduce cost and eliminate waste.
- Managed comprehensive documentation of purchasing activities, including purchase orders and vendor agreements, ensuring accuracy and compliance.
- Coordinated closely with various departments and external vendors to streamline procurement processes and ensure timely delivery of goods.
- Negotiated pricing, terms, and contracts with suppliers to optimize cost savings while maintaining quality standards.
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook) for data analysis and reporting on purchasing trends, contributing to informed decision-making.
- Implemented effective supply chain management strategies, enhancing operational efficiency and reducing procurement lead times.
- Purchase order discrepancies, delivery issues, and quality concerns in collaboration with vendors and internal stakeholders, ensuring seamless operations.
Facility Manager
Eurest Compass Group
10.2012 - 10.2015
- Led facility management staff and consultants in producing business plan that focused on facility operations.
- Evaluated facility operations and personnel for safety and health regulations compliance.
- Managed inventory and procurement of materials to support daily operations within a distribution facility setting.
- Ensured strict adherence to safety policies and health regulations through regular inspections and comprehensive staff training programs.
- Provided leadership and supervision to a team of 25 employees, fostering a cohesive work environment and ensuring productivity goals were met.
- Collaborated closely with cleaning and maintenance services to uphold cleanliness standards and hygiene protocols.
- Prepared detailed reports and schedules to assist in decision-making processes related to facility management and budget planning.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Finance
Western Governors University
Salt Lake City, UT05.2025
Skills
- Janitorial
- Budget
- Landscape Maintenance
- Inventory Stocking
- Procurement
- Microsoft Office
- Purchasing
- Relocations
- Space Planning
- Vendor Management
- Special Projects and Project Management
- Contract Negotiation
- Work Order Management
Timeline
Facilities Coordinator
Compass Group
09.2021 - 06.2024
Purchasing Manager
Avenue 360 Health and Wellness
01.2016 - 09.2021
Facility Manager
Eurest Compass Group
10.2012 - 10.2015
Bachelor of Science - Finance
Western Governors University