Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Sunnie Svenningsen

Simpsonville,SC

Summary

Results driven Sourcing and Procurement professional with over 6 years of extensive experience in sourcing, supplier management, and cost optimization. Proven ability to lead complex projects that drive significant cost savings, operational efficiency, and enhanced supplier relationships. Adept at developing and executing sourcing strategies that align with business objectives, ensuring seamless supply chain operations. Highly skilled in ERP systems, including SAP and Oracle, with a strong focus on process improvement and team leadership.

Overview

6
6
years of professional experience

Work History

Strategic Sourcing Manager - Indirect

International Vitamin Corporation
Greenville, SC
12.2022 - Current
  • Directed the strategic sourcing initiatives across multiple sites, achieving a $36M reduction in Indirect spend through innovative contract negotiations and supplier management.
  • Led a successful multi-site Vendor Managed Inventory (VMI) project, improving inventory accuracy by 25% and reducing stockouts by 40%.
  • Established the Indirect Procurement department from the ground up, developing Standard Operating Procedures and defining roles, thereby enhancing procurement processes and accountability.
  • Proactively managed material and product supply risks, ensuring continuous supply chain stability and minimizing production downtime.
  • Conducted comprehensive analysis of procurement data, including spend analysis, supplier performance metrics, and market trends, to drive informed decision-making. Regularly review KPIs to identify opportunities for cost savings and process improvements.
  • Led quarterly business reviews with key suppliers to assess performance, negotiate contract adjustments, and align on future business strategies. These reviews resulted in improved supplier relationships, increased delivery reliability, and improved supplier performance.
  • Developed and executed risk management strategies that mitigated supply chain disruptions, reducing the frequency of critical supply issues.

Senior Buyer

Amsted Rail Company
Fountain Inn, South Carolina
12.2021 - 12.2022
  • Led the procurement of both Direct and Indirect materials, achieving cost reductions through strategic sourcing and supplier negotiations.
  • Implemented advanced forecasting tools that integrated with SAP, resulting in improved inventory turnover and a reduction in excess inventory.
  • Conducted detailed analysis of procurement and supply chain data, including purchase order histories, supplier performance, and cost trends, to optimize purchasing decisions and improve inventory management. Regularly reviewed and reported on KPIs to ensure alignment with business objectives.
  • Cultivated strong relationships with key suppliers, negotiating improved terms that enhanced delivery performance, and reduced lead times. Led quarterly business reviews to assess supplier performance, discuss challenges, and strategize for future improvements.
  • Worked closely with operations, quality, and engineering teams to streamline procurement processes, reducing production downtime due to material shortages.
  • Oversaw inventory control measures, reducing excess inventory, and improving stock accuracy. Collaborated with cross-functional teams to implement continuous improvement initiatives that enhanced inventory management processes.

Aftermarket Parts Manager

Proterra
Greenville, SC
03.2021 - 12.2021
  • Perform routine reviews of Sales Order aging reports, initiate expedite actions as necessary, provide quotes as requested by the Customer, and conduct routine follow-up for approval.
  • Attended daily Field Service Call, provided status on part requests, maintained file system to track Customer correspondence and quote activity, and participated in routine reviews with Accounts Receivable to track Customer account status.
  • Gathered and reported metrics for Sales Order revenue and Sales order aging, identified negative trends, initiated actions to improve revenue and customer satisfaction.
  • Contributed to parts planning by forecasting sales, changes to recommend spare parts/tooling list, and future inventory deployment needs. Ensured effective participation in the escalation process to provide responses to relevant issues on all orders.
  • Ensured proactive communications and partnership between customers, relevant business partners, and Customer Service leadership regarding order issues and changes.
  • Developed new strategies and ideas to retain and grow the aftermarket parts business. Identified customers who were not purchasing the product and connected with them to earn and retain their business.
  • Monitored selling prices for parts and recommended adjustments based on market and customer input.
  • Developed and maintained tracking report for Customer Service deliverables for new Customer contracts; followed up with action owners to ensure deliverables are met.

Strategic Sourcing Analyst

Kobelco
Moore, SC
03.2020 - 03.2021
  • Played a key role in reducing annual parts spend by $6.5M through strategic supplier negotiations, vendor consolidation, and the introduction of competitive bidding processes. This initiative not only optimized costs, but also enhanced supplier relationships, driving long-term savings.
  • Assisted in developing and executing a global sourcing strategy that diversified the supply base and reduced dependency on high-risk suppliers, particularly in Asia. This strategy improved supply chain resilience, reduced lead times, and mitigated the impact of market fluctuations.
  • Developed a comprehensive supplier performance evaluation system that tracked key performance indicators, such as delivery reliability, quality metrics, and cost efficiency.
  • Utilized advanced data analytics to assess procurement activities, supplier performance, and market conditions. Developed reports and dashboards that provided actionable insights to senior management, facilitating informed decision-making and strategic planning.
  • Established and maintained strong relationships with key suppliers, conducting quarterly business reviews to evaluate performance, discuss improvement opportunities, and negotiate better terms. This proactive approach resulted in enhanced supplier cooperation and reduced lead times.
  • Collaborated with engineering, production, and quality teams to ensure that sourcing strategies aligned with overall business goals. Supported the launch of new products by securing necessary materials on time and within budget, contributing to successful market entries.

Indirect Buyer

Diana Pet Food
Hodges, SC
07.2019 - 12.2019
  • Efficiently completed and processed supply orders for raw materials, equipment, and services, ensuring alignment with production schedules. Supervised the scheduling and delivery of materials through both MRP (Material Requirements Planning) and Non-MRP systems, maintaining a seamless flow of supplies to meet production demands.
  • Secured critical raw materials, equipment, and supplies to consistently meet or exceed service level objectives for both internal and external customers. Leveraged relationships with approved alternate suppliers to minimize costs, increase profitability, and ensure continuous supply.
  • Led negotiations with suppliers to secure competitive pricing and favorable terms, consistently achieving or surpassing cost-saving targets. Rigorously tested and approved quoted items to ensure they meet quality standards and align with budgetary constraints.
  • Managed and executed cost-saving initiatives, delivering on annual targets for direct, indirect, and cost avoidance objectives. Spearheaded cost savings projects for indirect items and packaging materials, contributing to the overall profitability and efficiency of the procurement function.
  • Provided expert purchasing services and information to various departments, ensuring procurement activities aligned with operational requirements. Facilitated effective communication between procurement and other departments, enhancing collaboration and supporting smooth operations.
  • Established and maintained strong relationships with new and existing suppliers, ensuring adherence to best purchasing practices. Served as the single point of contact for suppliers, resolving issues related to quality, delivery, invoices, and other order-related matters to ensure timely and accurate order fulfillment.
  • Managed the conversion of purchase requisitions into purchase orders within the ERP system, taking into account supply chain constraints and ensuring efficient procurement processes. Monitored and optimized the use of ERP systems to streamline procurement operations and improve data accuracy.
  • Collected and meticulously matched all shipping and receiving documents with purchase orders to ensure accurate accounting and inventory records. Worked closely with the accounting department to reconcile discrepancies and maintain financial integrity.
  • Demonstrated a comprehensive understanding of plant operations and equipment functionality, allowing for informed procurement decisions. Established strong relationships with operators, supervisors, and managers across all U.S. Plants, facilitating effective communication and collaboration.
  • Chaired the safety committee, playing a key role in enhancing health, safety, fire, and security measures within the manufacturing environment. Worked closely with the operations team to implement safety protocols and ensure compliance with regulatory standards.

Senior Buyer

Eaton Hydraulics
Greenwood, SC
04.2018 - 07.2019
  • Developed, coordinated, and managed relationships with a diverse range of suppliers, ensuring timely and cost-effective procurement of materials. Engaged in regular communication and negotiations with suppliers to secure favorable terms, mitigate risks, and resolve any supply chain issues. Implemented supplier performance evaluations, which led to improved delivery reliability and quality.
  • Scheduled and executed material purchases using MRP (Material Requirements Planning) systems, ensuring alignment with production schedules and inventory levels. Leveraged data analysis to forecast material needs, optimize stock levels, and prevent production delays. Coordinated with suppliers to adjust delivery schedules based on fluctuating production requirements.
  • Interpreted and analyzed complex procurement and production data to inform purchasing and planning decisions. Utilized this data to anticipate material shortages, adjust purchasing strategies, and align procurement activities with overall business objectives. Provided actionable insights to the management team, contributing to improved operational efficiency.
  • Managed cycle counts and reconciled inventory discrepancies within SAP, ensuring accurate inventory records and minimizing stock variances. Implemented continuous improvement initiatives that enhanced inventory accuracy and reduced the occurrence of stockouts and overstock situations. Collaborated with cross-functional teams to maintain optimal inventory levels and support seamless production operations.
  • Scheduled sales orders and released production orders in alignment with sales forecasts, ensuring that manufacturing activities met customer demands. Managed the flow of materials through the production process, adjusting schedules as necessary to accommodate changes in demand or material availability. Maintained close communication with production teams to ensure adherence to schedules and timely order fulfillment.
  • Reviewed and processed purchase requisitions, converting them into purchase orders, while ensuring compliance with company policies and budget constraints. Monitored the timely delivery of materials and addressed any delays or issues that could impact production schedules. Resolved purchase order and invoice discrepancies by investigating root causes, coordinating with suppliers, and implementing corrective actions. Processed invoices for payment, ensuring accuracy and adherence to financial guidelines.
  • Utilized Oracle to manage a wide range of procurement activities, including processing purchase orders, managing financial claims, and handling invoice approvals. Ensured that all transactions were accurately recorded in the system, and that financial claims were resolved efficiently. Maintained a high level of data integrity within Oracle, which contributed to improved financial reporting and compliance.
  • Utilized advanced Excel skills to track and analyze consumption rates, forecast future material needs, and monitor ongoing projects. Created and maintained detailed reports that provided visibility into material usage, past-due items, and project status. These reports were used to make informed decisions and adjust procurement strategies as needed.
  • Managed large datasets related to parts consumption, supplier performance, accounts payable, and inventory levels. Ensured that data entries were accurate and up-to-date across multiple account systems, supporting efficient procurement operations and effective decision-making.

Education

Associate of Science - Business Management

Piedmont Technical College
Greenwood
12-2019

Skills

  • Strategic Sourcing & Supplier Management
  • Procurement & Procurement Standards
  • Inventory Control & Optimization
  • Contract Negotiations & Cost Reduction
  • Data Analysis & Reporting
  • ERP Systems
  • Process Improvement & Cross Functional Collaboration

Timeline

Strategic Sourcing Manager - Indirect

International Vitamin Corporation
12.2022 - Current

Senior Buyer

Amsted Rail Company
12.2021 - 12.2022

Aftermarket Parts Manager

Proterra
03.2021 - 12.2021

Strategic Sourcing Analyst

Kobelco
03.2020 - 03.2021

Indirect Buyer

Diana Pet Food
07.2019 - 12.2019

Senior Buyer

Eaton Hydraulics
04.2018 - 07.2019

Associate of Science - Business Management

Piedmont Technical College
Sunnie Svenningsen