Rion Lawson
Winthrop Harbor,IL
Summary
Accomplished procurement and inventory management professional with over 15 years of experience overseeing purchasing operations, vendor management, and supply chain optimization. Proven success in driving cost savings, improving workflow efficiency, and ensuring product availability within complex, fast-paced environments. Recognized for strong analytical skills, vendor relationship management, and strategic purchasing initiatives that align with organizational goals.
Overview
31
31
years of professional experience
Work History
Buyer Specialist
Cardinal Health
10.2020 - 04.2025
- Manage procurement of high-priority medical products, ensuring consistent supply and mitigating stockouts.
- Strengthen vendor partnerships to secure favorable pricing and dependable performance.
- Standardized purchasing workflows, improving accuracy and minimizing invoice and shipment discrepancies.
- Partner with cross-functional teams to expedite purchase orders and optimize inventory turnover.
- Utilize trend analysis to forecast demand and guide cost-effective purchasing decisions.
- Enhanced inventory controls to improve availability during high-demand cycles.
Inventory Analyst
Cardinal Health
02.2017 - 10.2020
- Conducted in-depth data analysis to identify root causes of supply chain inefficiencies and recommend corrective action.
- Collaborated across Sourcing, Finance, Operations, and Sales to ensure on-time product delivery and operational efficiency.
- Supported inventory health through data analytics, root-cause resolution, and proactive risk identification.
- Managed purchase orders and supplier communications to maintain service level commitments.
- Provided sales support through demand forecasting and opportunity identification.
Supply Chain Coordinator
Cardinal Health
04.2015 - 02.2017
- Monitored daily inventory levels and ensured adherence to service standards.
- Generated and analyzed reports to maintain supply accuracy and customer satisfaction.
- Partnered with Inventory Analysts and Field Representatives to meet client needs.
- Coordinated closely with the receiving team to streamline product intake and order readiness.
Inventory Control Specialist
Cardinal Health
06.1994 - 04.2015
- Maintained inventory accuracy through audits, cycle counts, and discrepancy resolution.
- Streamlined order fulfillment processes to enhance shipping and delivery performance.
- Implemented new packaging and handling protocols, reducing product damage and returns.
- Served as a liaison between customer service, logistics, and freight vendors for issue resolution.
- Contributed to warehouse process improvements that reduced turnaround times and increased efficiency.
Education
General Studies
Zion Benton High School
Zion, IL06.1994
Skills
- Vendor Relationship Management
- Purchase Order Management
- Supply Chain Optimization
- Inventory Control
- Forecasting & Demand Planning
- Process Improvement
- Data Analysis
- Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Customer Service
- SAP
- Microsoft Office Suite
Timeline
Buyer Specialist
Cardinal Health
10.2020 - 04.2025
Inventory Analyst
Cardinal Health
02.2017 - 10.2020
Supply Chain Coordinator
Cardinal Health
04.2015 - 02.2017
Inventory Control Specialist
Cardinal Health
06.1994 - 04.2015
General Studies
Zion Benton High School