Melinda McCullough

• Perform daily procurement functions, verifying appropriate stocking levels via Material Resource Planning (MRP) and ERP systems to determine order and delivery schedules, minimizing excess inventory and thus, carrying costs.
• Managed a $10MM annual expenditure.
• Support sourcing initiatives, driving the execution of cost reduction strategies through relationship building and strong negotiation skills. Drive reductions in lead time and MOQ levels, as well as improved shipping and payment terms. Analyze inventory levels to keep them as low as feasible while still satisfying customer order requirements.
• Collaborate with sales, engineering and production to ensure consistent flow of materials to drive the manufacturing facility's productivity and efficiency, as well as to identify opportunities for cost reduction and continuous process improvement, utilizing strong negotiation, communication and analytical skills gleaned from years of hands-on experience.
• Build long-term, strong supplier relationships, fostering collaboration and mutual trust and growth to establish optimal terms and pricing structures, while enhancing supplier performance through regular evaluations and performance improvement plans.
• Manage a diverse portfolio of products, including plastic resin/compound, color concentrates, wire, tubing, PCB's, connectors & contacts, among others.
• Use problem-solving skills to address any issues that arise with suppliers or products and find efficient and effective solutions.
• Positive, strong work ethic with flexibility and a willingness and ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficient in using procurement software and other relevant applications for managing records, tracking purchases and creating reports.

• A resource, advising and offering expertise to improve business performance re: operation, profitability, strategy, sourcing techniques, customer and vendor evaluations and product placement.

Founder & president of a plastics recycling business. Responsible for hiring, training and managing a team of as many as 15 individuals in multiple locations. Directed strategic initiatives to capitalize on opportunities, achieve revenues and control expenses, as well as managed day-to-day activities. Negotiated both buying and selling pricing structures, reviewed month-end financials and developed financial and banking relationships.

• Brought startup to net profitability within 18 months by managing profit margins and cash flow, and having a strong work ethic.
• Increased revenues & profits by developing, initiating and managing niche business within the plastics recycling industry; revenues built to $5MM.
• Increased business year over year by identifying and developing new vendors and customers.
• Reduced and controlled expenses by instituting buying and inventory policies.
• Executed integrated advertising campaigns across multiple media channels to assist in developing relationships with customers and vendors.