Melissa Sparks
Canal Winchester,OH
Summary
Detail-oriented professional with extensive experience in purchasing, logistics management, and vendor sourcing. Strong background in negotiating contracts, tracking inventory, and resolving supply issues. Focused on cost savings, timely delivery, and efficient operations.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
Purchasing Manager
Hamilton Parker
Columbus, OH
07.2023 - Current
- Managed vendor relationships to ensure timely supply of materials.
- Negotiated pricing and contracts with suppliers to optimize costs.
- Coordinated purchase orders and delivery schedules for inventory management.
- Developed and maintained procurement documentation for audit purposes.
- Reviewed purchase orders and ensured accuracy of information, such as pricing, payment terms and delivery dates.
- Monitored inventory levels to ensure adequate stock for production requirements.
- Sourced new vendors for purchasing needs.
- Maintained accurate records of purchases including invoices, price lists, product codes and descriptions.
- Obtained quotes from various suppliers to determine most cost-effective purchasing options.
- Negotiated contracts with vendors to secure the best possible prices for goods and services.
- Identified potential areas of cost savings through supplier consolidation or alternative sourcing methods.
- Assisted in resolving disputes with suppliers regarding defective merchandise or late deliveries.
- Implemented policies and procedures for effective management of the purchasing process.
- Coordinated with logistics to ensure timely delivery of purchased items.
- Coordinated importation of items via ocean and air.
Operations Specialist
Expeditors International of WA
Columbus, OH
03.2019 - 07.2023
- Identified operational and performance issues and worked with managers to resolve concerns.
- Reduced process lags and trained team members on best practices and protocols.
- Served as liaison between certain departments to implement new improvement plans and changes.
- Analyzed operational performance to identify pain points and provided actionable solutions to management.
- Executed and optimized operational responsibilities to promote seamless delivery of services.
- Communicated delays and early arrivals to management.
- Coordinated driver loads and managed dispatch tasks.
- Fostered relationships with customers to expand customer base and retain business.
- Delivered exemplary customer service and support by remaining poised in most stressful situations.
Real Estate Agent
Revolution Realty Team
Canal Winchester, OH
06.2018 - 01.2023
- Successfully guided home buyers and sellers through sales and purchase of properties.
- Researched current market to identify information needed for sales presentations.
- Coordinated appointments with prospective buyers to showcase houses and plots.
- Counseled customers on market current status for residential and land markets.
- Created and maintained large client base by meeting needs and delivering exceptional customer service.
- Advised prospective clients on current market activities.
- Followed up with prospects throughout sales processes.
- Showed residential properties and explained features, value and benefits of available homes.
- Actively follow-up with prospects and hot leads.
- Cold called clients to obtain exclusives.
- Wrote contract documents, purchase agreements and closing statements.
Operations Specialist
CAM Logistics LLC
Canal Winchester, OH
09.2009 - 03.2019
- Executed and monitored inbound and outgoing deliveries, keeping abreast of delays and other issues.
- Determined performance against metrics for cost per miles, empty miles and levels of service.
- Led and managed projects to support logistics efforts and plans.
- Analyzed operational performance and developed plans to attain organizational and financial goals.
- Saved costs through negotiating contracts with freight companies and suppliers.
- Established lasting relationships with clientele through effective issue resolution and negotiation, boosting business opportunities.
- Utilized ordering, tracking and billing systems and associated processes.
- Negotiated with freight companies, which resulted in new contracts that reduced overall shipping costs.
- Tracked incoming shipments using Aljex Software. Entered invoice data into company's Aljex system and updated details, including customer contacts and delivery dates to keep information current.
- Recommended process and systems improvements such as changes to logistical operations.
Transportation Dispatcher
The Select Carrier Group
Groveport, OH
- Planned, assigned and directed fleet drivers to ensure successful deliveries and excellent customer service.
- Spoke with customers to ensure that expectations regarding deliveries had been met or exceeded.
- Checked paperwork prior to dispatching crew members to make sure that all details were accurate.
- Effectively resolved complaints by working closely with customers.
- Optimized delivery routes, taking into account traffic, road conditions and other factors.
- Set schedules, implemented new policies and worked with managers to optimize operational procedures and establish clear objectives.
Education
High School Diploma -
Groveport Madison High School
Groveport, OH06.1992
Business - Real Estate Agent
Hondros College of Business
Westerville, OHSkills
- Company procedures
- Logistics management
- Industry-specific software
- Interdepartmental communications
- Vendor management
- Contract negotiation
- Cost optimization
- Customer relationship management
- Problem solving
- Attention to detail
- Operations management
Timeline
Purchasing Manager
Hamilton Parker
07.2023 - Current
Operations Specialist
Expeditors International of WA
03.2019 - 07.2023
Real Estate Agent
Revolution Realty Team
06.2018 - 01.2023
Operations Specialist
CAM Logistics LLC
09.2009 - 03.2019
Business - Real Estate Agent
Hondros College of Business
High School Diploma -
Groveport Madison High School
Transportation Dispatcher
The Select Carrier Group