Nishchala (Nipa) Raval
North Brunswick,NJ
Summary
Results-driven professional with experience in procurement, production planning, inventory management, and logistics within the food production industry. Skilled in managing day-to-day operations and leading large teams to enhance productivity, quality, and efficiency. Possess in-depth knowledge of food industry audits, traceability, and compliance standards. Demonstrated expertise in coordinating shipments, overseeing inventory control, and ensuring accuracy in stock movement and documentation. Proficient in ERP Systems, strong familiarity in RF scanners and AS400. Adept at managing shipping and receiving processes, including bills of lading and cycle counting. Proven leadership in supervising teams within logistics operations, driving continuous improvement and operational excellence. Recognized for a detail-oriented approach, strategic planning, and the ability to streamline processes to meet organizational goals effectively.
Professional with experience in procurement and inventory management, skilled in optimizing supply chain operations and ensuring timely availability of materials. Strong focus on team collaboration and achieving results, adaptable to changing needs. Expertise in vendor negotiations, stock control, and process improvement. Known for reliability and proactive approach to problem-solving.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
Work History
Production/Purchasing Inventory Control Manager
Prana Imports and Gourmet Foods
03.2021 - Current
- Lead end-to-end supply chain operations, encompassing strategic sourcing, procurement, production planning, inventory management, and logistics coordination to ensure seamless material flow and on-time delivery
- Drive strategic sourcing and supplier management of raw and packaging materials, executing data-driven negotiations to achieve cost optimization, improve supply continuity, and support financial planning goals
- Develop and execute weekly, monthly, and quarterly production plans in alignment with demand forecasts, capacity constraints, and customer requirements, utilizing ERP/MRP (SAP) systems for real-time visibility.
- Manage contract manufacturers operations, overseeing production scheduling, material reconciliation, and inventory movement; ensure adherence to regulatory compliance (FDA, SQF, BRC), and quality management standards.
- Create and maintain detailed Bills of Materials (BOMs), issue work orders, and coordinate assembly of finished goods, ensuring accuracy, traceability, and alignment with lean manufacturing practices
- Analyze production KPIs, cost metrics, and supplier performance dashboards to identify process optimization opportunities and drive continuous improvement initiatives that enhance productivity and reduce waste
- Oversee vendor performance, supplier qualification, and auditing, ensuring alignment with contract manufacturing organizations (CMOs/CDMOs) and adherence to quality, delivery, and cost objectives
- Lead process improvement projects focused on efficiency, throughput, and cost reduction, leveraging Six Sigma, Lean, and Operational Excellence methodologies
- Collaborate cross-functionally with Finance, R&D, Quality, and Operations to align supply chain strategies with business and financial objectives, ensuring budgeting accuracy and working capital optimization
- Implement procurement analytics to improve cost modeling, monitor market intelligence, and enable data-driven decision making across all sourcing and planning activities
- Manage global supply chain partners and external manufacturing relationships (co-packers, suppliers, 3PLs), ensuring scalability and supplier readiness for new product launches (NPI)
- Champion regulatory compliance and sustainability initiatives, integrating risk management and supply continuity strategies across multiple product categories
- Conduct periodic inventory verification at 3PL warehouses, performing audits and root-cause analyses to maintain inventory accuracy and compliance with SOX and internal standards
- Optimize procurement workflows and ERP data integrity, ensuring transparency in cost structures and enhancing responsiveness across production and sourcing functions
- Provide executive-level reporting on KPIs, supplier performance, and operational metrics, highlighting key insights for strategic planning and continuous improvement
- Build and develop high-performing teams by mentoring direct reports, promoting a culture of collaboration, innovation, and excellence in execution across all supply chain disciplines
- Achieved X% cost reduction through supplier consolidation and long-term contract negotiation
- Improved schedule adherence by Y% by optimizing planning and material flow
- Increased inventory accuracy to Z% via enhanced 3PL reconciliation and ERP controls
- Shortened lead times by N days through cross-functional coordination and supplier performance management
- Streamlined inventory management processes for increased efficiency and accuracy in procurement operations.
- Developed and implemented vendor evaluation criteria to enhance supplier performance and reliability.
- Led cross-functional teams to optimize supply chain strategies, reducing lead times and costs.
- Negotiated contracts with suppliers, securing favorable terms and improving overall purchasing power.
- Monitored market trends and pricing fluctuations to make informed purchasing decisions that support organizational goals.
- Trained and mentored junior staff on inventory control best practices, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
- Established key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure procurement effectiveness and drive operational excellence.
- Collaborated with finance to align budget forecasts with purchasing strategies, ensuring resource optimization across departments.
- Implemented continuous improvement initiatives designed to optimize the procurement process, resulting in increased savings on material costs over time.
- Reduced overall supply chain costs through strategic negotiations with vendors and streamlining procurement processes.
- Optimized vendor relationships by regularly assessing contract terms and conditions with a focus on long-term value creation rather than short-term cost reductions alone.
- Managed cross-functional teams responsible for the procurement, storage, and distribution of goods, ensuring seamless flow of products throughout the organization.
- Streamlined communication between departments to ensure timely delivery of materials required for production schedules while reducing excess inventory levels.
- Conducted regular audits of warehouse operations to ensure compliance with safety regulations, minimizing risk exposure within the organization.
- Improved order accuracy and reduced lead times for critical materials by closely monitoring demand patterns and adjusting purchasing plans accordingly.
- Increased efficiency in inventory management by implementing effective purchasing strategies and maintaining strong supplier relationships.
- Evaluated potential suppliers based on quality standards, lead times, pricing structures, and capacity capabilities to select best-fit partners for company needs.
- Sourced vendors, built relationships, and negotiated prices.
- Purchased new products and oversaw inventory stocking and availability.
- Coordinated paperwork, updated spreadsheets, and maintained permanent records.
- Used [Software] to authorize and monitor purchase orders and consumables.
- Performed monthly reconciliation of open purchasing orders.
- Generated reports, documents and analysis in [Software] for senior management review and approval.
- Progressed through various purchasing, warehousing and leadership roles.
- Monitored inventory levels and avoided shortages with timely replenishment of stock.
- Negotiated pricing and terms with vendors to secure best value for company.
- Cultivated strong relationships with vendors to maintain and improve levels of customer service.
- Facilitated resolution of vendor disputes and discrepancies.
Receiving Manager
Freez Central Mills
10.2011 - 03.2021
- Lead end-to-end supply chain operations, coordinating daily with Sales, Planning, and Printing teams to ensure seamless order fulfillment and on-time delivery across multiple retail and e-commerce channels
- Manage distribution and logistics of incoming blank apparel shipments, verifying all inbound BOLs and packing lists for accuracy while ensuring real-time inventory reconciliation in the Warehouse Management (WM) System
- Oversee the allocation and movement of raw materials (blanks) to printing stations, maintaining full traceability through accurate ERP/WM data entry, ensuring a live inventory environment at all times
- Collaborate cross-functionally with Sales, Operations, and Production Planning teams to resolve order discrepancies, implement alternate sourcing solutions, and maintain supply continuity
- Implement and monitor key operational KPIs, including inventory accuracy, order cycle time, and production throughput, using insights to drive process improvement and operational excellence
- Coordinate mid-year and year-end inventory audits, leading cycle counting initiatives and root-cause analysis to identify and correct inventory discrepancies, improving overall inventory management efficiency
- Apply Lean and continuous improvement principles to optimize warehouse layout, material flow, and production staging, achieving greater productivity and space utilization
- Partner with logistics providers and 3PLs to enhance distribution efficiency and reduce lead times, supporting strategic cost-reduction initiatives and supply chain optimization
- Ensure regulatory and compliance standards are met across warehousing and distribution activities, including labeling, safety, and product traceability requirements
- Contribute to strategic planning by providing data-driven insights on material flow, capacity utilization, and demand variability, aligning operational performance with company growth objectives
- Drive cross-functional communication and alignment, ensuring visibility between warehouse operations, procurement, and finance to support budget accuracy and cost control
- Support the development and refinement of ERP and WM systems, collaborating with IT and operations to improve automation, data accuracy, and reporting transparency
- Foster a collaborative, high-performance culture within the operations team, providing leadership and coaching focused on process discipline, accountability, and continuous improvement
- Spearhead initiatives to enhance supplier coordination, inventory optimization, and procurement efficiency, strengthening supplier relationships and ensuring reliable product availability
- Trained and mentored staff on best practices in receiving procedures and safety protocols.
- Managed receiving operations to ensure timely and accurate inventory intake.
- Utilized inventory management systems to track stock levels and manage discrepancies effectively.
- Unloaded, sorted and stored incoming merchandise.
- Verified deliveries against paperwork and contacted vendors to resolve discrepancies.
- Managed shipping and receiving team, overseeing training, schedules and work assignments.
- Conducted counts and audits of inventories to identify and resolve discrepancies in records.
- Managed inbound receiving departments.
- Streamlined receiving processes by implementing efficient inventory management systems.
- Gathered and processed merchandise returns.
- Collaborated with other department managers to develop cross-functional strategies for maximizing store performance.
- Maintained accurate computer records of materials weights, bill amounts, and identified variances.
- Reduced product damage by establishing thorough inspection procedures during the receiving process.
- Boosted inventory and recordkeeping accuracy by conducting thorough inspections and comparing shipment contents with documentation.
- Prepared shipping documents and invoices, processed payments, and fielded client questions.
- Oversaw warehouse staff and maintained efficiency in fast-paced environment.
- Maintained established levels of goods based on sales forecasts and demand to fulfill orders on time.
- Tracked production and quality control systems to proactively identify deficiencies.
Education
Diploma - Textile Chemistry
MS University
Baroda, India06.1995
Skills
- Microsoft office, Oracle NetSuite,BlueCherry WMS
- Procurement strategy with Inventory control & Production planning/Scheduling
- ERP/MRP systems
- Supplier management, negotiation with cost optimization
- Data analysis, Demand forecasting
- Lean manufacturing, Team leadership
- Logistics coordination
Accomplishments
- Supervised team of [Number] staff members.
- Achieved [Result] through effectively helping with [Task].
- Used Microsoft Excel to develop inventory tracking spreadsheets.
Languages
English
Full Professional
Hindi
Full Professional
Spanish
Limited Working
Gujarati
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Production/Purchasing Inventory Control Manager
Prana Imports and Gourmet Foods
03.2021 - Current
Receiving Manager
Freez Central Mills
10.2011 - 03.2021
Diploma - Textile Chemistry
MS University