Nicole Hill
Hyde Park
Summary
Results-driven purchasing professional with over 11 years of experience optimizing supply chains, negotiating supplier contracts, and driving cost reductions. Proven track record in reducing inventory costs, enhancing vendor relations, and implementing process improvements to boost efficiency.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Buyer
Hearthstone Quality Stoves
10.2022 - Current
- Company Overview: Hearthstone Quality Stoves is a recognized leading wood and gas home heating stove manufacturer
- With a team of 11-20 employees, Hearthstone generates annual revenue between $5M and $10M
- Implement Lean Manufacturing practices
- Reduced raw material inventory from $10M to $4.1M over two years by implementing Lean manufacturing principles
- Minimize overstock by analyzing data such as material scrap rates, shortages, and discrepancies
- Work closely with vendors, and internal teams to ensure that materials are delivered on time
- Analyze SAP-MM (Systems, Applications, and Products in Data Processing- Materials Management) modules, focusing on procurement, inventory management and purchase-to-pay process (P2P)
- Collaborate with IT to develop SAP reports, optimizing workflow and streamlining procurement practices
- Optimize inventory management in SAP, resulting in a 20% reduction in excess stock and a 10% decrease in stock-outs
- Maintain and update vendor and inventory databases
- Generate detailed procurement and inventory reports to support decision-making and optimize purchasing processes
- Analyze and forecast material demand, confirming prompt order placements to avoid production delays
- Maintain vendor KPIs
- Identify opportunities for process improvements, implement process changes and/or improvements
- Conduct root cause analysis
- Practice 5S workplace organization
- Hearthstone Quality Stoves is a recognized leading wood and gas home heating stove manufacturer
- With a team of 11-20 employees, Hearthstone generates annual revenue between $5M and $10M
Purchasing Manager
Manufacturing Solutions, Inc. (MSI)
12.2016 - 10.2022
- Company Overview: Manufacturing Solutions, Inc
- (MSI) is a manufacturing company with over $30M in annual revenues and over 200 employees
- MSI is an ISO 9001-certified, ITAR-registered plant specializing in contract manufacturing, custom fabrication, fulfillment, and logistics
- Negotiated with key suppliers, secure favorable pricing without compromising the quality of materials, explore alternative sourcing options
- 10%-45% reduction in supply costs annually
- Managed team of one buyer
- Led, supervised, provided training, mentoring, and performance feedback
- Proficient in using Zeus, a proprietary ERP system, to manage and streamline workflow, enhancing operational efficiency
- Collaborated on the implementation and optimization of the Zeus ERP system, enhancing the purchasing process through improved accuracy and reporting
- Focused on cultivating and maintaining strong, long-term relationships with key suppliers to create a robust and dependable supply network
- Prioritized suppliers with strong track records for timely deliveries and consistent quality
- Worked to secure critical supplies, even during periods of market volatility or disruptions
- Developed and implemented training programs for the team, promoted consistent procurement standards
- Ensured departmental goals and KPIs were met
- Managed supplier disputes and team-related challenges
- Tracked purchasing expenses, identify cost-saving opportunities
- Additional responsibilities as necessary such as ATF compliance; filing AFMER, ITAR, FFL renewal, and SOT certificate
- Manufacturing Solutions, Inc
- (MSI) is a manufacturing company with over $30M in annual revenues and over 200 employees
- MSI is an ISO 9001-certified, ITAR-registered plant specializing in contract manufacturing, custom fabrication, fulfillment, and logistics
Logistics Specialist
Manufacturing Solutions, Inc. (MSI)
06.2016 - 12.2016
- Supervised warehouse operations, verified efficient handling and timely dispatch of customer orders
- Point of contact for suppliers and customers, resolving issues related to delayed shipments and product availability
- Oversaw the logistics of outgoing shipments
- Facilitated regular inventory cycle counts
Purchasing Agent
Manufacturing Solutions, Inc. (MSI)
06.2013 - 06.2016
- Negotiated contracts with suppliers, saving up to 35% annually
- Managed purchasing activities, including the preparation of purchase orders, monitoring contracts, and tracking timely delivery
- Worked closely with suppliers to resolve any issues related to product quality, discrepancies, and delays
- Monitored inventory levels, and managed timely replenishment of materials without excess ordering
Order Processing Agent/Warehouse Specialist
Manufacturing Solutions, Inc. (MSI)
06.2013 - 09.2014
- Assisted customers and responded to requests by phone or web order
- Input customer requests for return authorizations
- Utilized resources to obtain product specification information
- Order follow-up and tracking of delayed shipments
- Order and backorder status updates
Education
Coursework - Computer Science
Community College of Vermont
Morrisville, VTSkills
- Inventory management
- Negotiation and Contract Management
- Cost Reduction Strategies
- Supplier Performance Evaluation
- Microsoft Office
- Procurement Evaluation
- Data Analysis and Reporting
Certification
Purchasing Fundamentals Certificate, This course helps define internal customer needs, generate purchase requisitions and purchase orders, manage supplier deliveries, maintain records, and manage budgets. Learning how to improve a company's bottom-line profitability by implementing key concepts such as negotiation, supplier sourcing and qualification, outsourcing, and make-or-buy analysis. Understanding the basics of supplier partnerships, capital budgeting, and green buying.
Timeline
Buyer
Hearthstone Quality Stoves
10.2022 - Current
Purchasing Manager
Manufacturing Solutions, Inc. (MSI)
12.2016 - 10.2022
Logistics Specialist
Manufacturing Solutions, Inc. (MSI)
06.2016 - 12.2016
Purchasing Agent
Manufacturing Solutions, Inc. (MSI)
06.2013 - 06.2016
Order Processing Agent/Warehouse Specialist
Manufacturing Solutions, Inc. (MSI)
06.2013 - 09.2014
Coursework - Computer Science
Community College of Vermont
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