Paula Taylor
West Palm Beach,FL
Summary
Accomplished in strategic negotiation and team leadership, I significantly enhanced procurement efficiency and sales revenue at Tropical Shipping USA. Leveraging skills in supplier management and effective communication, I will drive successful sourcing initiatives and built enduring client relationships, contributing to a marked improvement in purchasing performance metrics and client satisfaction rates. Senior Buyer with over 20 years of progressive experience. Well-versed in planning and executing daily and special inventory buys. Proficient in purchasing and procurement environments. Expert at supporting businesses with high-quality, reliable goods delivered on consistent schedule.
Overview
48
48
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Buyer Manager, Sales
Tropical Shipping USA
Riviera Beach, FL
07.2024 - Current
- Managed annual budgeting process for the purchasing department, aligning expenditures with company goals.
- Evaluated past spending patterns and developed recommendations on how resources could be better allocated.
- Organized training sessions for junior buyers, ensuring they were well-versed in company procedures and policies related to procurement operations.
- Reviewed requisitions, prepared purchase orders and drafted bid requests for buying team and associates, keeping ahead of demand through proactive planning.
Product Marine Buyer Specialist
Lea Machine Services, Inc.
Jupiter, FL
08.2023 - 07.2024
- Supported business expansion efforts through strategic sourcing initiatives tailored towards emerging markets or product lines.
- Conducted regular audits of vendor contracts to ensure compliance with company policies and regulations.
- Enhanced procurement efficiency by streamlining the purchasing process and implementing cost-saving measures.
- Developed comprehensive reporting tools, providing insight into purchasing performance metrics and highlighting areas for improvement in the procurement process.
Account Executive
The Palm Beach Post
West Palm Beach, FL
08.2002 - 08.2021
- Provided exceptional customer service, addressing client concerns promptly and effectively to ensure long-term loyalty.
- Managed multiple accounts simultaneously while maintaining organization and prioritizing tasks efficiently.
- Qualified leads, built relationships and executed sales strategies to drive new business.
- Boosted client satisfaction by developing and maintaining strong relationships through effective communication.
- Exceeded sales targets consistently by identifying new business opportunities and creating customized solutions for clients.
- Established long-lasting relationships with key decision-makers within client organizations, solidifying the company''s reputation as a trusted partner in their respective industries.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge on product offerings, ensuring accurate representation during sales pitches or negotiations with clients.
- Conducted regular check-ins with existing clients to assess their needs and identify upselling opportunities.
- Delivered informative presentations to potential clients, showcasing the unique value of products or services offered.
- Streamlined account management processes for increased efficiency and improved client retention rates.
- Developed detailed reports analyzing account performance data, providing valuable insights for future strategy adjustments or improvements.
- Prepared additional quotes for current clients to upsell products and services.
Supervisor/Sales Representative Team Leader
United Parcel Service, UPS
Tallahassee, FL
07.1993 - 07.2002
- Oversaw daily operations of the department, ensuring smooth workflow and timely completion of tasks.
- Applied strong leadership talents and problem-solving skills to maintain team efficiency and organize workflows.
- Improved customer satisfaction with timely response to inquiries, addressing concerns, and finding effective solutions.
- Increased team productivity by implementing efficient workflows and setting clear expectations for staff members.
- Demonstrated commitment to the organization''s core values, leading by example and fostering a culture of excellence in Next Day Air Service(s) and International Sales for The North Florida District.
Deliver Driver
United Parcel Service, UPS
Tallahassee, FL
06.1992 - 06.1993
- Delivered packages to customer doorsteps and business offices.
- Completed on-time deliveries by choosing best and most efficient routes.
- Improved customer satisfaction by ensuring timely and accurate deliveries of products.
- Read maps, followed oral, and written instructions and used GPS technology to make deliveries.
- Operated vehicle safely in highly congested areas with no traffic violations.
- Completed rush deliveries on tight timetables to satisfy customer needs.
- Maintained upbeat, positive attitude in busy, customer-focused environment.
- Worked scheduled hours as required and took on available shifts during holidays and busy periods.
Sales and Marketing Manager
IBM
Tallahassee, FL
08.1976 - 05.1992
- Conducted market research to identify new business opportunities and stay ahead of industry trends.
- Analyzed sales and marketing data for improved strategies.
- Improved brand visibility with well-executed promotional campaigns and engaging social media content.
- Developed sales strategy based on research of consumer buying trends and market conditions.
- Directed sales support staff in administrative tasks to help sales reps close deals.
- Increased sales revenue by implementing targeted marketing strategies and effective sales techniques.
- Managed sales promotions and marketing strategies on major social media sites.
- Optimized sales processes, streamlining procedures for increased efficiency and better customer service.
- Negotiated contracts skillfully, achieving favorable terms that contributed to bottom-line results.
- Managed cross-functional teams to execute successful product launches and marketing initiatives.
Education
Associate of Science - Business Management
University of Kentucky
Lexington, KY08.1976
High School Diploma -
Danville High School
Danville, KY05.1974
Skills
- Strategic negotiation
- Supplier management
- Sales Presentations
- Data-driven decision-making
- Pricing strategy
- Performance Tracking
- Supplier Relationship Management
- Teamwork and Collaboration
- Customer Service
- Problem-Solving
- Time Management
- Attention to Detail
- Problem-solving abilities
- Multitasking
- Reliability
- Excellent Communication
- Organizational Skills
- Team Collaboration
- Team Leadership
- Active Listening
- Effective Communication
- Adaptability and Flexibility
- Decision-Making
- Price Negotiations
- Relationship Building
- Team building
- Purchase Orders
- Self Motivation
- Coaching and Mentoring
- Pricing Updates
- Interpersonal Skills
- Professionalism
- Document Preparation
- Basic Mathematics
- Documentation And Reporting
- Strategic Planning
- MS Office
- Record-keeping
- Time management abilities
- Inventory Management
- Adaptability
- Written Communication
- Professional Demeanor
- Problem-solving aptitude
- Account Management
- Vendor Sourcing
- Program coordination
- Process Development
- Contract Negotiation
- Bid process management
- Logistics Coordination
- Bid coordination
Certification
- Certification Forklift
- CPDW - Certified Professional in Distribution and Warehousing
- CPPC - Certified Professional Purchasing Consultant
- Florida Class E Drivers License - Expiration 10/06/2026
Timeline
Buyer Manager, Sales
Tropical Shipping USA
07.2024 - Current
Product Marine Buyer Specialist
Lea Machine Services, Inc.
08.2023 - 07.2024
Account Executive
The Palm Beach Post
08.2002 - 08.2021
Supervisor/Sales Representative Team Leader
United Parcel Service, UPS
07.1993 - 07.2002
Deliver Driver
United Parcel Service, UPS
06.1992 - 06.1993
Sales and Marketing Manager
IBM
08.1976 - 05.1992
Associate of Science - Business Management
University of Kentucky
High School Diploma -
Danville High School