I hold a degree in Industrial Engineering from the University of Costa Rica and am currently pursuing the Global Executive Master in Operations & Supply Chain Management (POLIMI + EADA). I have over 5 years of experience in Supply Chain, Procurement, and Inventory Management, with hands-on involvement in real industry projects across Europe through the GEMOS program. My background includes supply chain optimization, demand & supply planning, supplier negotiations, process automation, data analytics, and quality assurance across sectors such as eCommerce, logistics, medical devices, pharmaceuticals and education.
Hi, I’m
Susana Salazar Araya
Industrial Engineer
San Pedro San Rafael,Montes de Oca
Summary
Overview
6
years of professional experience
6
Certifications
3
Languages
Work History
Stryker
Buyer
06.2024 - Current
Job overview
- Manage procurement of direct materials from international suppliers, ensuring uninterrupted supply for the Instruments Division.
- Analyze KPIs in Power BI, Excel, and Power Query (OTIF, past-due orders, PO confirmation rates, inventory levels, Inventory Health Report).
- Lead NPI procurement activities and coordinate SAP MRP automation using Reorder Point (ROP) methodology.
- Founder & Leader of the AI Club at Stryker Costa Rica, creating training resources and implementing AI-based solutions for Supply Chain & Procurement.
- Achievements: Reduced report updates from 1.5 hours to 5 minutes through SAP & Power Query automation; resolved 50 invoice issues to zero and maintained trend; delivered 100% of projects on time and without issues. Green Belt project +$200,000 savings in less than a year on a single material by Sourcing Strategy, RFQ & RFI by Lean Six Sigma Methodology.
Abbott
Buyer
09.2022 - 05.2024
Job overview
- Managed PO placement for 200+ service suppliers at Abbott’s Costa Rica plant.
- Supported interns and cross-functional teams to meet project objectives within deadlines.
- Improved procurement-related processes with AP, Finance, and Supplier Quality.
- Created compliance and procurement performance reports (payment terms, spend analysis, turnover, stock value, supplier benchmarking).
- Designed Power Apps, Excel macros, and automation tools to reduce operational workload by 2 hours daily and process 200+ cases in two weeks.
- Achievements: Generated $4.2M PPV cost savings; reduced past-due POs from 150 to just 3 per month.
GrowUp
Administrative Assistant of Digital Marketing
08.2022 - 09.2022
Job overview
- Led digital marketing initiatives, content creation, and service redesign projects.
- Implemented Lean Service and Six Sigma KPIs.
- Achievements: Reduced customer complaints from 100 to 3 per month by designing and tracking 5 key performance indicators.
University of Costa Rica
Academic Assistant
03.2020 - 07.2022
Job overview
- Reviewed 30+ cases and supported students by resolving questions related to coursework and learning materials.
GSK (GlaxoSmithKline)
Quality Assurance Engineer
07.2021 - 05.2022
Job overview
- Created 4 SOPs across multiple operational areas and improved document-control processes.
- Designed 2 automation solutions in Excel to optimize record-keeping and reduce administrative effort.
- Ensured accurate resource management and compliance with internal procedures.
Education
Politécnico Di Milan, EADA Business SchoolItaly, Spain
Global Executive Master from Operations and Supply Chain Management
01.2027
University Overview
- Duration of the program of study: 1 year and a half (1.5 years)
- Principal subjects/occupational skills covered: Supply Chain Strategy, Leadership Development, Global Supply Chain Planning, Operations Planning via Big Data, Smart Manufacturing, Strategic Purchasing & Supply Chain Finance, Logistics & last-mile delivery, Circular Supply Chains, Social Impact of Supply Chains, Supply Chain Innovation, Managing Supply Chain Risk and Resilience.
- Ranked 1st in Europe, 11th globally & Triple Crown Accredited: EQUIS (European Quality Improvement System), AMBA (Association of MBAs) and the AACSB (Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business).
University of Costa RicaCosta Rica
Licentiate from Industrial Engineering
12.2024
University Overview
- Duration of the program of study: 5 years
- Principal subjects/occupational skills covered: Supply Chain & logistics, operations management, quality management, maintenance management, environmental engineering, business administration.
- Degree accredited by the National Higher Education Accreditation System (SINAES), the Canadian Engineering Accreditation Board (CEAB) and the CFIA Accreditation Agency (AAPIA).
- GPA: 8.2 / 10
Skills
Data Analytics & Insights: Advanced ability to interpret complex datasets, identify trends, optimize performance, and support strategic decision-making using BI tools and statistical methods
Certification
Green Belt Lean Six Sigma November 2025
Awards and recognitions
Awards and recognitions
- MRO Sourcing Benchmarking Impact Award 2025 – Stryker Instruments Division
Delivered a high-value sourcing strategy that generated $200,000 in cost savings with a single material for Stryker TIJ MX, showcasing strong analytical, negotiation, and supplier optimization capabilities. - Global Procurement Award 2023 – Abbott
Recognized by the Directors of One Procurement Global for outstanding contributions in digital transformation projects across Power BI, Power Automate, and Power Apps, driving operational efficiency and advanced analytics adoption. - Robotifest 2023 – Innovation & Technology Excellence UCR
• Group category: Awarded for “SKYBOT”, a Power Apps solution automating supplier payment-issue notifications.
• Individual category: Recognized for “SKYONE”, a STEM poster demonstrating advanced concepts in DDMRP, Industry 4.0, and digital supply chain tools. - STEAM Speaker Recognition 2022 – Bilingual Liceo of Naranjo
Honored as a guest speaker, promoting STEAM education, engineering careers, and technology-driven learning for future generations.
Personal skills and competences
Personal skills and competences
Leadership & Collaboration: Demonstrated leadership driving cross-functional initiatives such as the PFEP project transitioning manual processes into SAP, and leading the AI Club to promote knowledge sharing and innovation. Strong teamwork skills proven through NPI, automation, and supplier-related projects.
Strategic & Analytical Thinking: Skilled in developing strategies to optimize procurement, inventory, and operational efficiency through data analysis, continuous improvement, and digital transformation initiatives.
Communication & Stakeholder Management: Clear and effective communicator with experience engaging suppliers, internal teams, and management to resolve issues, align objectives, and deliver high-quality results.
Customer & Operational Support: Experienced in resolving PO, invoice, and order issues efficiently, maintaining strong service levels and stakeholder satisfaction.
Organizational Strengths: Highly organized and able to manage multiple priorities with strong time management, adaptability, resilience, and rapid learning to perform effectively in fast-paced environments.
Creative & Artistic Skills (Optional Section): Former professional ballet dancer and trained visual artist with skills in oil and graphite drawing—demonstrating discipline, creativity, and attention to detail.
Timeline
Buyer
Stryker
06.2024 - Current
Buyer
Abbott
09.2022 - 05.2024
Administrative Assistant of Digital Marketing
GrowUp
08.2022 - 09.2022
Quality Assurance Engineer
GSK (GlaxoSmithKline)
07.2021 - 05.2022
Academic Assistant
University of Costa Rica
03.2020 - 07.2022
Politécnico Di Milan, EADA Business School
Global Executive Master from Operations and Supply Chain Management
University of Costa Rica
Licentiate from Industrial Engineering