Ricardo Gaona
Kirby Inland Marine
Houston,TX
13
years of professional experience
Dynamic Vessel Operations Purchasing Manager at Kirby Inland Marine with a proven track record in vendor sourcing and cost reduction. Expert in optimizing procurement strategies and enhancing supply chain efficiency. A dependable team player, fluent in Spanish, dedicated to fostering strong vendor relationships and driving operational excellence across diverse fleets.
Work History
Vessel Operations Purchasing Manager
5 Years 8 Months- Administered strategic oversight of inland and offshore fleets, enhancing fleet performance and reliability across 300 vessels.
- Analyzed existing processes and instituted policies to effectively reduce costs and eliminate waste.
- Cultivated strategic partnerships with key account holders to enhance collaboration.
- Led strategic alignment with supply chain and vessel operations, focusing on vessel supply initiatives, including cost efficiency and vendor selection.
- Identified and sourced vendors, negotiating terms to optimize procurement costs.
- Coordinated nationwide warehouse operations for 25+ facilities, enhancing supply chain effectiveness and service delivery.
- Evaluated supplier performance metrics to drive cost-efficiency and uphold product quality standards.
- Developed and implemented procurement strategies to optimize inventory management processes.
Vessel Operations Purchasing Analyst
4 Years 8 Months- Negotiated with vendors to source diverse tools, equipment, and PPE, ensuring optimal pricing.
- Directed fleet operations for over 90 vessels, addressing order-related questions and optimizing response times.
- Managed daily creation and modification of over 50 purchase orders, ensuring timely fulfillment and operational efficiency.
- Contributed to a strong governance culture by complying with all accounting practices and purchasing policies
- Liaison between vendors and vessel personnel
- Maintained positive relationship with vendors and tour vendor facilities as necessary
- Collaborated with vessel personnel to establish and implement best practices for supply purchasing habits.
- Maintain reimbursements according to company procedure
- Oversaw supply outfitting for new builds to ensure operational readiness.
Crew Dispatcher
2 Years 2 Months- Oversaw high-volume inbound and outbound customer call operations.
- Evaluated and confirmed compliance with all requirements for vessel personnel level raises.
- Compiled and maintained an updated list of approved tanker man authorized to operate barge pumping at Exxon Mobil facilities.
- Coordinated crew change schedules and arranged transportation logistics, including flights and ground transportation.
- Oversaw daily verification of vessel personnel payroll accuracy.
- Review and approve crew change expenses for reimbursement
- Facilitated communication between port captains and vessel personnel to resolve operational issues.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Maritime Administration
Skills
Vendor Sourcing
Microsoft Office Suite
Member of Incident Management Team
Team Player
Time Management
Valid TWIC card
Fluent in Spanish
Customer-Focused
Dependable
Team player
Conflict Resolution
Personable Demeanor
ICS training
Timeline
Vessel Operations Purchasing Manager
Kirby Inland Marine
12.2020 - CurrentRead More
Vessel Operations Purchasing Analyst
Kirby Inland Marine
04.2016 - 12.2020Read More
Crew Dispatcher
Kirby Inland Marine
02.2014 - 04.2016Read More
Texas A&M University
Bachelor of Science from Maritime Administration
Read More