RICHARD KROLL
Agawam,USA
Summary
Expertise in supply chain management encompasses strategic sourcing, continuous improvement, and team leadership. Proven track record in driving operational efficiencies and implementing Lean Six Sigma methodologies enhances procurement effectiveness. A commitment to developing staff aligns with organizational values and fosters a culture of excellence.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
System Director, Supply Chain
Bristol Health
Bristol, CT
03.2025 - Current
- Utilizes data analytics to identify enterprise-level opportunities to achieve cost savings, consolidate the supply base or leverage internal capabilities (“make or buy”). Develops business analysis/ROI to obtain executive leadership approval.
- Developed and implemented strategies ensuring supply of necessary goods and services, resulting in reduced operating costs across all Bristol Health entities.
- Manage Bristol Health’s Group Purchasing Organization (GPO) memberships to optimize cost savings, rebates and administrative fee share.
- Identified opportunities to leverage GPO suppliers and contracts, monitored GPO contract compliance, and partnered with GPO Relationship Managers to create improvement plans addressing non-compliance.
- Monitor current market trends and strategies for medical supplies, healthcare supply chain, procurement, and contracting. Communicate opportunities and risks to executive leadership, recommending action plans to mitigate risks.
- Developed annual cost savings targets through analysis of actionable cost reduction opportunities, creating strategies to exploit identified opportunities and achieve projected cost savings.
- Strategically manage non-labor costs by utilizing all available resources and proven sourcing processes. Engage stakeholders, align business objectives and ensure the availability of high-quality goods and services at competitive pricing.
- Effectively negotiates with suppliers to maximize cost reduction opportunities using internal and external pricing information and performance benchmarks.
- Influence internal and external stakeholders, including executive leadership, to achieve organizational objectives.
- Represent Supply Chain by participating actively in organization committees and task forces. Manage policies and procedures for the procurement, contracting, materials management and value analysis processes.
- Identify opportunities to streamline the processes and operations of the Supply Chain teams while ensuring compliance with all organizational and regulatory policies.
- Coach and mentor staff to ensure alignment with the organization’s C.A.R.E. values. Identify training and development opportunities for staff to strengthen their key proficiencies and support career growth.
Purchasing Manager
Bristol Health
Bristol, CT
12.2021 - 03.2025
- Manage Requests for Proposal (RFPs), supplier negotiations, contract implementation, and Group Purchasing Organization optimization to ensure cost-effective and quality supply chain management.
- Lead supplier selection and qualification of alternative sources to optimize the supply base and supply chain resilience.
- Negotiate effectively with approved suppliers to maximize cost reduction opportunities using internal and external pricing information and benchmarks.
- Identify annual cost savings targets based on actionable cost reduction opportunities analysis.
- Strategically manage non-labor costs, engaging stakeholders, aligning business objectives, and ensuring high-quality goods and services availability at competitive pricing.
- Develop and enforce protocols for order processing, product and supplier selection, backorders, invoice discrepancies, and resolution processes, ensuring compliance with procurement policies.
- Conducted RFPs for goods and services, guided departments, and performed proposal analysis to achieve favorable pricing and terms.
- Collaborated with organizational stakeholders to identify supply opportunities and requirements.
- Utilize IT systems for cost-saving analysis, supplier performance evaluation, supply standardization, usage patterns, and contract compliance monitoring.
- Monitored medical supplies market trends and procurement strategies, communicated opportunities and risks to System Director of Supply Chain.
- Head a team of Buyers and Materials Management staff, optimizing procurement for hospital goods and services.
Continuous Improvement Manager
JBI Interiors, LLC
Chicopee, MA
05.2019 - 12.2021
- Led continuous improvement initiatives, enhancing operational efficiency in a commercial custom millwork organization.
- Analyzed company processes, identifying improvement areas and implementing strategies that enhanced operational workflows.
- Addressed and resolved shortfalls, issues, and complaints in existing business processes to streamline operations.
- Enhanced the functionality of Epicor ERP, implementing measures to optimize its usage and capabilities.
- Monitored staff performance and organizational processes, ensuring alignment with company objectives and standards.
- Managed and mentored diverse teams, guiding and training staff in new process implementations to ensure effective adoption.
- Communicated innovative ideas to management, fostering collaboration and alignment with strategic goals.
- Reported directly to the VP of Manufacturing, steering strategic improvements across the organization.
- Stayed abreast of management practices and process optimization advancements to drive continuous improvement.
Operations Manager
Synovos
, Remote
07.2018 - 03.2019
- Spearheaded global operations across 8 sites, directing functional areas including service levels, system integration, procurement, savings, and inventory; implemented organizational best practices to achieve company objectives.
- Drove continuous process improvement by assessing operations and analyzing trends; optimized employee performance and processes to uphold industry-leading best practices.
- Championed client relationships, exceeding service and profit objectives through strategic initiatives; collaborated with executive leadership and sales force to identify and seize business opportunities.
- Orchestrated employee training on ERP/MRP systems, motivating teams to achieve company and personal goals while mentoring career development for site managers, buyers, and attendants.
- Ensured stringent compliance with Safety and OSHA regulations, fostering positive client rapport through timely issue resolution and open stakeholder communication.
Site Manager
Synovos
Sheffield, MA
07.2017 - 07.2018
- Orchestrated procurement of over 5,000 MRO parts and daily storeroom operations; supervised supply chain, purchasing, receiving, inventory control, and customer service for on-site MRO logistics.
- Established site-specific operational goals, optimizing cost-effectiveness through strategic purchasing and procurement oversight, achieving targeted cost savings.
- Spearheaded inventory management and developed Inventory Reduction Programs aligned with client needs; monitored levels and prepared reports to ensure budget adherence.
- Cultivated vendor relationships, negotiated pricing, and researched savings opportunities; implemented SOPs to streamline processes and enhance documentation quality.
- Enforced stringent Safety and Security Procedures, ensuring compliance and maintaining a safe working environment across all site operations.
Category Manager / Commodity Buyer Specialized
Performance Food Group
Springfield, MA
02.2014 - 12.2016
Perishable Buyer / Merchandiser – Team Leader
C&S
Hatfield, MA
07.2010 - 02.2014
Center Store Sales Manager
Big Y World Class Market
, MA & CT
03.2003 - 07.2010
Perishable Inventory Control
A&P
Springfield, MA
08.2001 - 03.2003
Education
Master of Business Administration (MBA) - Supply Chain Management
Fitchburg State University
Fitchburg, MA12-2025
Bachelor of Science (BS) - Business Management
Westfield State University
Westfield, MA01-2010
Skills
- Supply chain management
- Freight and logistics
- Lean inventory management
- Operations management
- Procurement strategies
- Strategic sourcing
- Contract management
- Vendor negotiation
- Capital procurement
- Lean Six Sigma
- DMAIC methodology
- Process mapping
- Root cause analysis
- Quality assurance
- Continuous improvement
- Project management
- Talent development
- Team leadership
- Stakeholder management
- Stakeholder engagement
- Business strategy
- Profit and loss management
- Market analysis
- Change management
- Analytical thinking
- Data analysis
- Power BI analytics
- Oracle software proficiency
- SAP expertise
- JD Edwards ERP
- Epicor solutions
- Lawson software
- EDI knowledge
- Microsoft Access and Office Suite
- MS Outlook
- Windows OS
- SQL proficiency
- EDM super user
- Sync operations
- Attention to detail
- Time management
- Problem solving
- Communication skills
- Leadership
- Team collaboration
- Data analysis
- Vendor negotiation
- Procurement strategies
- Team leadership
- Contract compliance
- Stakeholder engagement
Certification
- Certified Materials & Resource Professional, American Hospital Association (AHA), Chicago, IL, 2023
- Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt, (SSGI) Six Sigma Global Institute, Boston, MA, 2022
- Certified Lean Practitioner, (SSGI) Six Sigma Global Institute, Boston, MA, 2021
Professional Highlights
- Spearheaded 6 ERP implementations, integrating material and building catalogs in SAP and Synovos Sync Interfaces.
- Served as project leader to develop and roll out 5S in the Bristol Health central materials storage location.
- Implemented PAR system at Bristol Health to reduce on-hand inventory value from $230k to $66k in 12 months.
- Contributed to delivering over $400k operational cost savings at Bristol Health in FY 2024.
- Slashed year-end inventory variance to < $100 in 2023, down from a $15k average over three years from prior leadership.
- Secured and expanded Bristol Health's courier services, generating nearly $50k in annual savings in 2022.
- Directed Kaizen events at JBI Interiors, enhancing shop safety and securing $500k inventory for on-demand use.
- Cut aged inventory value at PFG from $25k to under $2k through strategic sales and transfers in 2015.
- Maintained 15 consecutive months without inventory loss from spoilage at C&S Wholesale Grocers.
- Selected for Big Y’s elite Supermarket 101 program in 2006.
Timeline
System Director, Supply Chain
Bristol Health
03.2025 - Current
Purchasing Manager
Bristol Health
12.2021 - 03.2025
Continuous Improvement Manager
JBI Interiors, LLC
05.2019 - 12.2021
Operations Manager
Synovos
07.2018 - 03.2019
Site Manager
Synovos
07.2017 - 07.2018
Category Manager / Commodity Buyer Specialized
Performance Food Group
02.2014 - 12.2016
Perishable Buyer / Merchandiser – Team Leader
C&S
07.2010 - 02.2014
Center Store Sales Manager
Big Y World Class Market
03.2003 - 07.2010
Perishable Inventory Control
A&P
08.2001 - 03.2003
Master of Business Administration (MBA) - Supply Chain Management
Fitchburg State University
Bachelor of Science (BS) - Business Management
Westfield State University