NICHOLAS VAN DE VENTER
WATERFORD
Summary
Supply chain professional with history of driving efficiency and enhancing operational performance. Known for fostering team collaboration and achieving significant results. Possesses strong analytical skills and adaptability to changing needs, making reliable and flexible team member.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Senior Supply Chain Manager
Arnold Fastening Systems
07.2021 - Current
- Lead APQP product launches, cutting delays by 25% via proactive planning and coordination.
- Enhance production scheduling, boosting on-time delivery to 97% and reducing lead times by 18%.
- Optimize inventory management, freeing $500K in capital by aligning demand with raw material planning.
- Developed strategic sourcing strategies to reduce costs and improve supplier relationships.
- Led cross-functional teams to optimize supply chain processes and enhance operational efficiency.
Warehouse Manager
Arnold Fastening Systems
02.2020 - 07.2021
- Streamlined inventory processes, achieving 99% accuracy and boosting throughput by over 19%.
- Implemented recycling systems, cutting material costs and aligning with ESG objectives.
- Enhanced warehouse efficiency with 5S, resulting in measurable operational improvements.
Inside Sales Representative
Arnold Fastening Systems
02.2017 - 02.2020
- Managed customer accounts, resolving technical issues promptly, enhancing client satisfaction.
- Delivered technical support, ensuring service consistency, improving customer retention.
- Handled account management, resolving issues quickly, boosting client loyalty.
- Provided technical assistance, maintaining service levels, increasing customer satisfaction.
- Oversaw customer accounts, addressing technical concerns, fostering long-term relationships.
- Streamlined account management processes, enhancing service efficiency and achieving noticeable results in customer satisfaction.
- Coordinated with cross-functional teams to address technical challenges, leading to a substantial reduction in resolution times.
- Developed a proactive follow-up system for customer inquiries, fostering stronger relationships and increasing repeat business.
Product Specialist
Volkswagen & Audi of America
06.2014 - 11.2016
- Coordinate model launches, ensuring parts accuracy across markets, enhancing product readiness.
- Executed parts release plans with teams, improving technology integration and market entry.
- Verified catalog accuracy, supporting cross-functional collaboration and operational efficiency.
- Streamlined the new model launch process, ensuring timely readiness and achieving a 100% accuracy rate in parts catalog across North America.
- Fostered collaboration among cross-functional teams to execute release and review plans, enhancing communication and expediting project timelines.
Parts Critical Order Specialist
Volkswagen & Audi of America
06.2013 - 06.2014
- Managed urgent orders, ensuring timely delivery and reducing delays by coordinating with global teams.
- Resolved daily escalations, enhancing customer satisfaction through effective problem-solving.
- Collaborated with international plants to streamline production, achieving faster order fulfillment.
- Improved order processing efficiency, leading to measurable reductions in downtime.
- Utilized analytical skills to prioritize critical orders, minimizing impact on operations.
Procurement Inventory Planner
Volkswagen & Audi of America
09.2010 - 06.2013
- Monitored inventory across nine warehouses and issued SAP-based POs for domestic suppliers.
- Refined wholesale ordering processes to reduce shortages and improve fill rates. Evaluated inventory turnover rates to enhance procurement strategies, resulting in reduced excess stock and improved cash flow.
Dealer Support Representative
Volkswagen & Audi of America
12.2007 - 09.2010
- Assisted North American dealerships with parts catalog queries, enhancing stock accuracy.
- Facilitated depot stock checks, improving inventory management and reducing discrepancies.
- Collaborated with teams to streamline parts support, boosting dealership satisfaction.
- Resolved dealership issues promptly, ensuring seamless operations and customer satisfaction.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Business Management
University of Phoenix
Troy, MI05.2015
Skills
- Supplier relationship management
- Logistics optimization
- Warehouse management
- Procurement strategy
- Supply chain risk management
- Demand forecasting
- ERP systems proficiency
- Production planning
- Lean manufacturing principles
- Global sourcing
- Cost reduction initiatives
- Strategic sourcing
- Production scheduling
- ISO 9001, IATF16949 standards
Certification
- USMCA, Global Training Center - 10/2020
- Supplier Relationship Management, Association for Supply Chain Management - 12/2025
Timeline
Senior Supply Chain Manager
Arnold Fastening Systems
07.2021 - Current
Warehouse Manager
Arnold Fastening Systems
02.2020 - 07.2021
Inside Sales Representative
Arnold Fastening Systems
02.2017 - 02.2020
Product Specialist
Volkswagen & Audi of America
06.2014 - 11.2016
Parts Critical Order Specialist
Volkswagen & Audi of America
06.2013 - 06.2014
Procurement Inventory Planner
Volkswagen & Audi of America
09.2010 - 06.2013
Dealer Support Representative
Volkswagen & Audi of America
12.2007 - 09.2010
Bachelor of Science - Business Management
University of Phoenix