Summary
Skills
Work History
Education
Certification
PROCUREMENT FUNCTIONS & SYSTEMS BUILT
Overview
Generic

Michael Berens

Chicago,IL

Summary

Results-driven Procurement and Supply Chain leader with 10+ years of experience building core operational systems and functions from the ground up. Proven track record of designing centralized procurement operating models; standing up Product Management and Product Sourcing teams; implementing automated replenishment, RF-based inventory traceability, PO-approval controls, and spend analytics; and integrating procurement with S&OP and fulfillment. Known for transforming fragmented processes into scalable, data-driven structures that improve cost, service, and visibility across multi-site, operations-heavy environments.

Skills

  • Procurement & Supply Chain Strategy
  • Inventory Optimization & SKU Rationalization
  • Strategic Sourcing & Category Strategy
  • Vendor Consolidation & Governance
  • Negotiation & Contract Management
  • Policies, DOA & Controls
  • S&OP & Demand Planning Integration
  • Power BI Dashboards & KPIs
  • Cross-Functional Leadership
  • Business Continuity & Risk Mitigation

Work History

Director of Supply Chain

Scrip Companies
Bolingbrook, IL
07.2024 - Current
  • Built and operationalized a centralized procurement function from the ground up, consolidating fragmented purchasing and supplier management across the enterprise.
  • Built the company’s first Product Management and Product Sourcing teams from scratch, establishing structure, roles, and cross-functional workflows to strengthen portfolio and sourcing decisions.
  • Owned end-to-end procurement activities including sourcing strategy, vendor selection, contract negotiation, purchasing workflows, and supplier performance management.
  • Consolidated 700+ vendors and standardized pricing and terms, delivering 15% total cost savings and improved pricing consistency.
  • Launched procurement KPIs and executive dashboards (spend, inventory health, supplier performance, backorders) to provide real-time visibility.
  • Integrated procurement with S&OP, fulfillment, and finance, reducing backorders by 70% and achieving 90% Perfect Order Rate and 97% Fill Rate.
  • Led change management and adoption of new procurement policies, workflows, and controls across operations, finance, and sales.
  • Developed business continuity and supply risk mitigation plans to ensure supply stability in a dynamic sourcing environment.

Director of Operations

Scrip Companies
Bolingbrook, IL
05.2023 - 07.2024
  • Personally led high-impact supplier negotiations, contract renewals, and pricing discussions, delivering 12% annual cost savings.
  • Maintained hands-on ownership of day-to-day procurement execution including purchasing, vendor engagement, and issue resolution.
  • Reduced aged COGS payables by 57% through improved procurement discipline and vendor cash-flow alignment.
  • Built and enforced procurement workflows and controls while maintaining flexibility for urgent operational needs.
  • Reconfigured warehouse layout to improve pick-path efficiency and reduce labor hours by 20%.
  • Led a 35-person team across Purchasing, Customer Service, and Key Accounts, sustaining 97%+ customer satisfaction.

Production Control Manager – Precious Metals

SIPI Metals Corp.
Chicago, IL
02.2022 - 05.2023
  • Managed production planning for 40 FTEs across multiple departments, increasing on-time delivery by 25%.
  • Reduced testing costs by 30% through data-driven input optimization and strategic supplier collaboration.
  • Built a heat-result database, improving furnace charge accuracy and significantly reducing rework.
  • Ensured 100% ISO 9001 compliance and upheld strict confidentiality standards for sensitive materials.
  • Improved business continuity by aligning inventory levels and production targets with customer demand.

Purchasing Manager

SIPI Metals Corp.
Chicago, IL
02.2021 - 02.2022
  • Identified and structured key spend categories for executive-level reporting, improving procurement visibility and enabling strategic decision-making.
  • Implemented automatic replenishment for core components, stabilizing procurement workflows, reducing manual PO creation, and improving material availability.
  • Deployed an RF-scanner–based inventory traceability system, increasing real-time visibility into component movement and strengthening inventory accuracy.
  • Created and implemented a standardized PO-approval SOP, establishing clear purchasing thresholds, workflows, and controls to enhance compliance and transparency.
  • Developed and executed strategic sourcing and category strategies for indirect spend, delivering 20% cost savings.
  • Designed and implemented a Kanban inventory system, reducing stockouts by 90% and improving procurement cycle times and service levels.
  • Renegotiated supplier terms and replenishment models, cutting procurement cycle time by 35% and improving operational agility.
  • Requested and placed POs for raw materials, ensuring timely procurement of critical inputs to support uninterrupted production operations.

International Logistics Manager

Rail Exchange, Inc.
Chicago Heights, IL
09.2017 - 02.2021
  • Led a 12-person logistics team, reducing inbound lead times by 22% through carrier and port optimization.
  • Saved $180K annually through packaging redesign and transportation vendor renegotiation.
  • Maintained a 100% demurrage-free record for three years via proactive dock and staging management.
  • Supported cross-functional initiatives across warehousing, transportation, and customer service.

Machine Shop Manager

Rail Exchange, Inc.
Chicago Heights, IL
05.2016 - 09.2017
  • Reduced scrap and rework by 23% through quality initiatives and data-backed root-cause analysis.
  • Built a real-time performance dashboard, eliminating the need for an additional FTE.
  • Successfully led AAR certification audit in 2017.

Shipping Manager

Rail Exchange, Inc.
Chicago Heights, IL
05.2014 - 05.2016
  • Streamlined outbound logistics workflows, improving on-time delivery by 18%.

Dispatch Manager

Triple G Enterprises Inc.
Lemont, IL
03.2013 - 05.2014
  • Optimized routing to reduce deadhead miles, saving 12% in fuel and labor costs.
  • Improved customer retention through consistent delivery performance and accurate documentation.

Education

BA - Management and Organization

The University of Iowa, Tippie College of Business
Iowa City, IA

Certification

  • CPR Certified
  • Forklift Operator – OSHA 29 CFR 1910.178
  • Certified Metallurgy for the Non-Metallurgist
  • Past Member – Western Railway Club

PROCUREMENT FUNCTIONS & SYSTEMS BUILT

  • Centralized procurement operating model (multi-site, decentralized environments)
  • Strategic sourcing and category management (indirect and operational spend)
  • Vendor consolidation, rationalization, and supplier governance
  • Contract negotiation, renewals, pricing standardization, and term optimization
  • Procurement policies, approval thresholds, delegation-of-authority, and PO-approval controls
  • Spend analytics, procurement KPIs, and executive dashboards (Power BI)
  • Supplier performance management (SLAs, scorecards, corrective actions)
  • Integration of procurement with S&OP, demand planning, fulfillment, and finance
  • Change management and enterprise adoption of new procurement processes
  • Business continuity planning and supply risk mitigation

Overview

13
13
years of professional experience
1
1
Certificate

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Michael Berens