Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Timeline
Generic

Samuel Kozono

Walnut,CA

Summary

Results-driven Regional Purchasing Manager known for unparalleled productivity and efficient task completion. Specialize in strategic supplier negotiation, cost reduction strategies, and inventory management. Excel in communication, problem-solving, and leadership, ensuring seamless operations and strong vendor relationships within dynamic market environments.

Overview

22
22
years of professional experience

Work History

Regional Purchasing Manager

Gold Star Foods
Ontario, CA
04.2024 - 05.2025
  • Reduced procurement costs by implementing strategic sourcing initiatives and negotiating favorable contracts with suppliers.
  • Streamlined procurement processes for increased efficiency and cost savings through the implementation of digital tools and automation.
  • Managed a team of procurement professionals, fostering collaboration and teamwork to achieve organizational goals.
  • Developed strong relationships with key suppliers, resulting in improved communication, better pricing, and reliable delivery schedules.
  • Led cross-functional teams in the development of procurement strategies for major projects, ensuring alignment with business objectives.
  • Ensured compliance with corporate policies and industry regulations by implementing robust procurement controls and monitoring systems.
  • Drove continuous improvement initiatives within the procurement function by identifying areas for optimization and proposing actionable recommendations.
  • Resolved invoice and payment issues to facilitate prompt payment to suppliers.
  • Monitored and managed procurement budget to control costs.
  • Managed supply chain process, from order placement to delivery, to facilitate on-time and accurate fulfillment.
  • Prepared and presented reports to management on purchasing trends and cost savings to aid in decision making.
  • Developed and maintained relationships with key suppliers for smooth communication and to meet required expectations.
  • Negotiated pricing and terms with vendors to secure best value for company.
  • Hired and trained purchasing staff to improve effectiveness of purchasing operations.
  • Monitored inventory levels and avoided shortages with timely replenishment of stock.
  • Generated reports on purchasing activities to support management decisions.
  • Identified opportunities to reduce lead times and improve inventory management.
  • Facilitated resolution of vendor disputes and discrepancies.
  • Cultivated strong relationships with vendors to maintain and improve levels of customer service.
  • Managed supplier relationships to negotiate favorable terms and conditions.
  • Collaborated with cross-functional teams to align purchasing strategies with business goals.
  • Developed and maintained purchasing policies to ensure compliance and efficiency.
  • Coordinated inventory management processes to optimize stock levels across regions.
  • Led contract negotiations to establish agreements with key vendors and suppliers.
  • Implemented procurement systems to streamline purchasing workflows and reporting processes.
  • Trained team members on best practices in procurement and vendor management strategies.
  • Established metrics for measuring supplier performance against established goals.
  • Analyzed market trends and industry developments to identify potential areas of improvement in supply chain operations.
  • Monitored vendor performance and compliance to contractual agreements.
  • Collaborated with cross-functional teams on special projects related to procurement strategies and processes.
  • Conducted regular reviews of existing inventory levels to ensure appropriate stock levels are maintained.
  • Ensured compliance with company guidelines as well as local laws and regulations pertaining to purchasing activities in the region.
  • Developed and implemented policies, procedures, and best practices for purchasing activities across the region.
  • Maintained relationships with key suppliers to ensure timely delivery of materials.
  • Coordinated with internal departments on sourcing needs and requirements for projects or initiatives.

Procurement Manager

DPI Specialty Foods West Division
Ontario, CA
04.2017 - 01.2024
  • Managed vendor relationships to ensure quality and timely delivery.
  • Coordinated cross-functional teams to align procurement with business goals.
  • Implemented inventory management systems for efficient stock control.
  • Trained junior staff on procurement processes and best practices.
  • Evaluated supplier performance to maintain high standards of service and reliability.
  • Managed the procurement process from purchase order generation to delivery of goods or services.
  • Prepared daily, weekly and monthly procurement reports for supervisor review.
  • Built long-term relationships with company vendors and suppliers to secure optimal prices.
  • Monitored supplier performance in terms of quality, delivery and responsiveness to ensure compliance with contractual agreements.
  • Investigated discrepancies between purchase orders and invoices received from vendors.
  • Delegated tasks to procurement teams to expedite work processes.
  • Tracked company inventories and recorded item quantities in company databases.
  • Implemented stock optimization strategies and minimized product loss.
  • Participated in trade shows or conferences related to procurement topics to stay abreast of industry developments.
  • Analyzed purchasing trends and identified opportunities for consolidating orders and leveraging volume discounts.
  • Utilized computer systems to track shipments and material deliveries.
  • Reviewed supply levels and aging inventory to forecast purchasing needs.
  • Identified dead inventory and created solutions for excess liquidation through creative inventory management solutions.

Buyer

DPI Specialty Foods Inc.
04.2004 - 03.2017
  • Increased supplier efficiency by negotiating contracts and maintaining strong relationships with vendors.
  • Reduced procurement costs through strategic sourcing, competitive bidding, and effective negotiations.
  • Streamlined purchasing processes by implementing efficient systems and procedures for order management.
  • Achieved cost savings by identifying opportunities for consolidation and bulk purchasing across departments.
  • Ensured timely delivery of products by closely monitoring vendor performance and addressing any issues promptly.
  • Coordinated with logistics teams to resolve any shipping delays or discrepancies while minimizing impact on operations.
  • Provided training and guidance to junior team members on best practices in purchasing, fostering a culture of continuous improvement within the procurement department.

Sales Representative

DPI Specialty Foods Inc.
12.2002 - 04.2004
  • Enhanced client satisfaction by addressing concerns promptly and providing exceptional service.
  • Generated additional sales opportunities with upselling and cross-selling techniques.
  • Consistently met or exceeded quotas by implementing strategic sales plans and effective time management.
  • Optimized territory coverage by strategically planning routes for maximum efficiency in meeting clients facetoface.

Education

Bachelor of Arts - Economics

UCLA
Westwood
05.1985

Skills

  • Demand Forecasting
  • Performance Improvement
  • Price Negotiation
  • Supplier Management
  • New Vendor Setup
  • Cost Analysis
  • Performance Metrics
  • Cross-functional Collaboration
  • Project Management
  • Supply Chain Management
  • Conflict Resolution
  • Supplier Relationship Management
  • Team Leadership
  • Inventory Control
  • Inventory Management
  • Relationship Building
  • Cost Assessments
  • MS Office
  • Documentation and Reporting
  • Pricing Updates
  • Profit and Loss Understanding
  • Reporting Knowledge
  • Requests for Information
  • Data Analysis Understanding
  • Attention to Detail
  • Purchase Orders
  • Forecasting
  • Coaching and Mentoring
  • Procurement Expertise

Accomplishments

    Premium Buyer Award - 2008 & 2009

Timeline

Regional Purchasing Manager

Gold Star Foods
04.2024 - 05.2025

Procurement Manager

DPI Specialty Foods West Division
04.2017 - 01.2024

Buyer

DPI Specialty Foods Inc.
04.2004 - 03.2017

Sales Representative

DPI Specialty Foods Inc.
12.2002 - 04.2004

Bachelor of Arts - Economics

UCLA

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