Nicole Ross
Oradell,NJ
Summary
Procurement and Supply Chain Transformation Leader Specializing in Operational Efficiency and Strategic Sourcing
Strategic leader with experience in procurement, supply chain transformation, and process optimization across diverse industries. Proven expertise in leading digitization initiatives, driving cost savings, and fostering stakeholder relationships to align procurement strategies with business objectives. Adept at managing cross-functional teams, implementing technology-driven solutions, and achieving operational excellence through innovation and collaboration.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
Work History
Associate Director, Source to Pay Operations, NA
Unilever
03.2022 - Current
- Lead cross functional team of 10, supervising daily performance as well as training and improvement plans
- Responsible for delivery of Unilever Source to Pay Transformation scope, leveraging digitization and analytical technology to improve reporting analytics
- Extensive knowledge of procurement networks and Accounts payable systems such as Cora AP Workflow, Velocity (Vendor onboarding & management) Coupa and SAP to drive resolutions faster resulting in enhanced ways of working supporting procurement, planning, suppliers, Accounts Payable and Finance Control function
- Responsible to drive operational excellence within market by leveraging data and analytics to make informed decisions and drive business improvements
- Improve and maintain user end perception, supporting business critical escalations, and ensuring fast resolutions are provided ensuring a positive experience for both internal stakeholders and suppliers across the North America Market
- Drive end-to-end continuous improvement within market, leveraging cost-effective, best practice, global solutions to meet business needs
- Foster positive internal stakeholder relationships by addressing problems head-on and implementing successful corrective actions
- Provide overall management and control (through KPIs/SLAs plus internal, external and audit requirements) of Source to Pay processes in North America
- Lead Projects acting as Project Manager for the top down and bottom-up initiatives, as well as being SPOC and SME in projects led centrally within the Procure to Pay functional area
- Prioritize tasks and allocated resources appropriately to keep teams focused and productive
- Drive continuous improvement by motivating external 3rd party partners to share innovative ideas, adopt best-in-class practices and develop detailed plans for sustainable ways of working based on broad guidance and direction
Procurement Transformation Senior Manager
Unilever
04.2020 - 03.2022
- Managed the transition of thirteen fragmented sourcing and supply business processes from North America Procurement to a newly created outsourced shared services team in India
- Led cross-functional teams to achieve project milestones and deliver high-quality results
- Established strong relationships with internal stakeholders, ensuring long-term partnerships.
- Managed process mapping for blocked invoices, collaborative manufacturing contracting and operations, e-tendering, master data management, supplier onboarding, production item contracting, logistics contracting, marketing and business services contracting and cataloging, standard reporting, supplier query management and responsible sourcing processes
- Managed and Led end-to-end knowledge transfer between the business and 5 different external partners
- Led project plan, training and support on the new business process and ways of working to more than 80 Procurement team members across North America
- Monitored supplier experience metrics and drove improvements in query management
- Delivered a 23% reduction in the average cost per invoice
- Contributed to an annual cost saving of €14.6m globally
- Contributed to 194,392 repetitive and transactional activities shifting from Procurement to shared service team
Sr. Procurement Manager
Unilever
03.2013 - 04.2020
- Spearheaded Indirect Procurement transformational initiatives, including compliance, automation, E-Invoicing, sustainability, and Supplier Diversity across all portfolios
- Managed a team of procurement professionals, providing coaching and development opportunities to foster career growth and enhance productivity
- Managed and maintained the Purchasing Card Program for Indirect Procurement in North America. Collaborated with NA Finance to establish policies, restrictions, and card limits for various user groups across the organization
- Supported Strategic Sourcing teams in data gathering, stakeholder management, local implementation of Portfolio Strategies and strategic contracts resulting in annual cost savings across multiple portfolio's
- Developed strong relationships with key suppliers, fostering long-term partnerships on behalf of internal stakeholders, by managing execution of local procurement projects
Strategic Sourcing Manager
Unilever
03.2007 - 03.2013
- Managed procurement process for various portfolio's within North America (marketing materials, IT, HR services)
- Negotiated pricing and terms with suppliers to secure best in class value and service for the organization
- Cultivated relationships with key internal senior stakeholders and their functional teams to align objectives and streamline processes between the business and supply management organizations within Unilever
- Collaborated with internal stakeholders to ensure buying behaviors were aligned with procurement processes and policies
- Maintained up to date contracts/agreements between suppliers and Unilever to mitigate risk for the organization
- Developed and tracked metrics to measure supplier performance and cost savings
- Developed requests for proposal and issued requests for quotations to support global sourcing efforts
- Calculated and reported actual and projected sourcing savings by spend categories
- Liaised with internal and external stakeholders to identify and leverage contract value opportunities.
- Conducted market research to identify new suppliers and stay abreast of industry trends, ensuring competitive advantage.
- Analyzed spend data to identify and execute cost-savings, cost-avoidance and value analysis opportunities
- Conducted pre-screening phone and in-person interviews for qualified candidates.
Procurement Manager
Schering Plough Pharmaceuticals (Merck)
01.2002 - 03.2007
- Managed a team responsible for all Promotional materials both strategic and spot buys within marketing for the Pharmaceutical, Animal Health, Consumer Healthcare and Corporate Communications business units
- Evaluated supplier quotes based on purchasing procedures and competitiveness in quality, price and delivery
- Negotiated contracts with suppliers to obtain favorable terms and pricing
- Collaborated with finance departments on budgeting and forecasting activities, ensuring accurate representation of procurement expenses and cost-saving opportunities
- Managed the supplier review process for compliance within Schering's expectations and explored opportunities for key supplier partnerships
- Managed the PO process for promotional materials internally and externally
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Buying & Merchandising
Laboratory Institute of Merchandising
New York, NYSkills
- Source to Pay Transformation
- Digital Procurement Systems (Coupa, Cora, SAP, Velocity)
- Accounts Payable Management
- Stakeholder Engagement
- Strategic Sourcing
- Contract Negotiation
- Process Improvement Strategies
- Data-Driven Decision Making
- Team Leadership and Development
- Compliance and Risk Mitigation
- Supplier Relationship Management
- Team Leadership and Development
Timeline
Associate Director, Source to Pay Operations, NA
Unilever
03.2022 - Current
Procurement Transformation Senior Manager
Unilever
04.2020 - 03.2022
Sr. Procurement Manager
Unilever
03.2013 - 04.2020
Strategic Sourcing Manager
Unilever
03.2007 - 03.2013
Procurement Manager
Schering Plough Pharmaceuticals (Merck)
01.2002 - 03.2007
Bachelor of Arts - Buying & Merchandising
Laboratory Institute of Merchandising
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