Robert K. Dart
Deputy
Summary
Results-driven metals procurement professional with a strong track record in supplier negotiations and cost reduction strategies. Managed teams effectively while overseeing a $210 million material budget, achieving significant savings and enhancing operational efficiency.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
Assistant Metals Commodity Manager
Aisin World Corporation of America
Seymour
06.2019 - Current
- Led negotiations with strategic suppliers, achieving a $4.8 million cost reduction for 2024.
- Initiated scrap credit negotiations using AMM, targeting $2.1 million in annual savings.
- Monitored American Metal Market for material costs, identifying savings opportunities in cold roll, hot roll, galvanized steel, and bushlings.
- Established and tracked an annual material budget of $210 million to optimize spending.
- Managed four direct associates to improve team output and achieve performance targets.
- Oversaw supplier price adjustment requests to maintain accurate pricing and ensure timely deliveries.
- Presented monthly KPI results and conducted annual budget reviews with executive management.
- Created a tracker for labor and press tonnage costs per hour, assisting buyers in quote analysis.
Purchasing Manager
NVIC
North Vernon
07.2017 - 08.2018
- Managed 10 direct associates, enhancing team productivity and efficiency.
- Implemented new storeroom system for effective inventory management.
- Introduced foundry service business concept, diversifying revenue streams.
- Conducted risk assessments for critical suppliers to minimize disruptions.
- Executed bar-coding process for point-of-use cabinets, improving inventory tracking.
- Executed bar-coding process for point-of-use cabinets, streamlining inventory tracking.
- Oversaw manufacturing operations of forklift counterweights, maintaining quality standards.
Purchasing/ Production Control Manager
Sacoma International, LLC
Edinburgh
09.2014 - 05.2017
- Supervised nine direct associates to enhance operational performance in shipping, receiving, and procurement.
- Scheduled production based on daily forecasts and material releases to align with demand.
- Implemented supplier-managed inventory systems and third-party logistics to improve efficiency.
- Managed Kanban initiatives to optimize supply chain processes.
- Created perpetual inventory system to facilitate scheduling in absence of ERP software.
- Collaborated with customers as liaison between Sacoma and clients, ensuring effective communication.
- Compiled management reports for monthly staff meetings to inform strategic planning.
- Supported Epicor (EPR) implementation efforts for enhanced operational performance.
Senior Buyer
Martinrea
North Vernon
12.2013 - 08.2014
- Oversaw procurement of all stamping materials for automotive fuel systems.
- Negotiated carbon tubing and components with suppliers, achieving favorable terms that supported project timelines.
- Managed cost estimating for customer quotes, ensuring competitive pricing and alignment with project budgets.
- Led cost reduction initiatives to enhance profitability.
- Collaborated with tier one suppliers for Ford, GM, and Chrysler projects.
- Streamlined manufacturing processes for automotive fuel systems, enhancing workflow efficiency and reducing lead times.
- Supervised six direct reports, fostering a productive team environment.
Program/Commodity Buyer
Faurecia Emissions Control Technologies
Columbus
09.2007 - 11.2013
- Managed North American commercial vehicle programs with $200 million annual procurement.
- Led new supplier development initiatives to strengthen sourcing capabilities.
- Issued market tests to secure competitive pricing from suppliers.
- Conducted component price reviews across programs, identifying opportunities for cost reduction.
- Prepared quote reviews for executive sourcing committee to inform decision-making.
- Participated in make versus buy assessments to optimize resource allocation.
- Engaged in design reviews and APQP meetings to ensure project alignment.
- Collaborated with Cummins Emission Solutions to validate component and program costing against their model.
Education
Master of Business Administration - Business Administration
Indiana Wesleyan University
Marion, INBachelor of Science - Accounting
Indiana State University
Terre Haute, INSkills
- Supplier negotiations
- Procurement processes
- Vendor relationship management
- Cost reduction strategies
- Budget management
- Cost evaluation
- Market analysis
- Inventory optimization
- Inventory forecasting
- Demand planning
- Production scheduling
- Logistics
- Lean manufacturing
- Microsoft Excel proficiency
- Standard cost analysis
- Root-cause analysis
- Problem-solving abilities
- Team collaboration
- Production scheduling
Timeline
Assistant Metals Commodity Manager
Aisin World Corporation of America
06.2019 - Current
Purchasing Manager
NVIC
07.2017 - 08.2018
Purchasing/ Production Control Manager
Sacoma International, LLC
09.2014 - 05.2017
Senior Buyer
Martinrea
12.2013 - 08.2014
Program/Commodity Buyer
Faurecia Emissions Control Technologies
09.2007 - 11.2013
Master of Business Administration - Business Administration
Indiana Wesleyan University
Bachelor of Science - Accounting
Indiana State University