TAMMIE RICE
Laveen,AZ
Summary
Dynamic purchasing professional with a proven track record at Epicurean Foods, adept at negotiating contracts and optimizing supplier relationships. Skilled in cost control and inventory management. Managed diverse customer base with national accounts, foodservice, and retail. With warehouses in both Arizona and Colorado, was able to keep fill rates above 99.7% for our chain customers.
In addition, helped to start and successfully lead a cheese cutting operation for our retail customers. Successfully managed customer service, accounts payable and marketing in the earlier years with Epicurean Foods.
Overview
31
31
years of professional experience
3
3
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Purchasing Agent
Arizona Chain Distribution - Soto Foodservice
Mesa, AZ
02.2025 - Current
- Managed vendor relationships to ensure timely delivery of foodservice products.
- Assisted in evaluating supplier proposals and negotiating pricing agreements.
- Coordinated inventory management and procurement processes for optimal stock levels.
- Analyzed purchasing trends to identify opportunities for cost savings and efficiency.
- Supported cross-functional teams to streamline order fulfillment processes.
- Utilized procurement software to track orders and manage supplier performance.
- Maintained accurate records of purchases, contracts, and supplier communications.
- Adapted quickly to changing market conditions and supply chain challenges.
- Facilitated smooth operations through accurate tracking of purchase orders, invoices, and payments.
- Maintained complete documentation and records of all purchasing activities.
- Ensured timely delivery of materials through effective planning and coordination with suppliers.
- Computed and created purchase orders to monitor stock levels, verify purchase requisitions, and expedite customer orders.
- Created purchase orders to monitor stock levels, verify purchase requisitions, and expedite customer orders.
- Maintained consistent email communication with stores and suppliers to confirm and track orders and verify price revisions on purchase orders.
- Improved supplier relationships through regular communication and proactive problemsolving.
Director of Purchasing
Epicurean Foods
Mesa, AZ
11.1994 - 02.2025
- Developed and implemented strategic sourcing strategies to optimize supplier relationships.
- Led cross-functional teams to enhance procurement processes and drive cost savings initiatives.
- Negotiated contracts with suppliers to secure favorable terms and pricing for diverse product lines.
- Analyzed market trends to inform purchasing decisions and align inventory management with company goals.
- Established performance metrics for vendor evaluation, ensuring compliance with quality standards.
- Collaborated with finance department to forecast budgetary needs and align purchasing plans accordingly.
- Mentored procurement staff in best practices, fostering professional development and improving team efficiency.
- Implemented inventory control measures, reducing stock levels and optimizing warehouse space utilization.
- Improved supplier lead times through collaborative forecasting efforts.
- Led a team of procurement professionals, providing mentorship and fostering career development opportunities.
- Ensured adherence to company policies, procedures, and ethical standards in all procurement activities.
- Spearheaded continuous improvement initiatives, driving process optimization in the procurement department.
- Reduced supply chain risks by diversifying the supplier base and implementing contingency plans.
- Achieved cost savings by negotiating contracts and managing supplier relationships.
- Developed strategic sourcing plans to identify potential suppliers and achieve best value for the organization.
- Enhanced supplier performance with regular evaluations, feedback sessions, and improvement plans.
- Evaluated new suppliers through a comprehensive qualification process to ensure quality products and services were sourced consistently.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to understand their needs and ensure timely delivery of materials.
- Launched training programs for staff members to enhance expertise in purchasing software applications.
- Sourced vendors, built relationships, and negotiated prices.
- Purchased new products and oversaw inventory stocking and availability.
- Coordinated paperwork, updated spreadsheets, and maintained permanent records.
- Generated reports, documents and analysis in [Software] for senior management review and approval.
- Adjusted procedures to maximize department effectiveness.
- Monitored inventory levels and avoided shortages with timely replenishment of stock.
- Negotiated pricing and terms with vendors to secure best value for company.
- Reviewed and approved purchase orders and invoices for accuracy and completeness.
- Established and maintained accurate records of purchases, pricing and payment terms.
- Cultivated strong relationships with vendors to maintain and improve levels of customer service.
- Communicated regularly with suppliers to uphold accountability for quality standards and timely delivery of goods.
- Created purchasing policies and procedures that complied with company standards and regulatory requirements.
- Facilitated resolution of vendor disputes and discrepancies.
- Hired and trained purchasing staff to improve effectiveness of purchasing operations.
- Researched and evaluated potential suppliers to determine best fits for company needs and to identify cost savings opportunities.
- Reduced costs by streamlining contract bidding and procurement processes to assure best prices for materials and services.
- Assessed areas of service concern and developed improvement plans.
- Tracked contract performance metrics and reported issues or non-compliance with appropriate stakeholders.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Accounting
Western Internation University
Scottsdale, AZ 02.2002 - 05.2005
Skills
- Order tracking
- Procurement
- Scheduling
- Inventory management
- Contract negotiation
- Demand forecasting
- Cost control
- Pricing structures
- Negotiation
- New vendor setup
- Product sourcing
- Supplier negotiation
- Vendor relationship management
- Vendor engagement
- Cost reduction strategies
- Purchase order processing
- Excellent communication
- Vendor relations
- Inventory management skills
- Pricing negotiation
- Team building
- Price structuring
- Purchasing oversight
- Multitasking Abilities
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Time management
- Supplier relationship management
- Adaptability and flexibility
- Decision-making
- Analytical thinking
- Conflict resolution
- Inventory control
- Project management
- Cross-functional teamwork
- Cost analysis
- Supply chain management
- Vendor management
- Contract management
- Demand planning
Timeline
Purchasing Agent
Arizona Chain Distribution - Soto Foodservice
02.2025 - Current
Bachelor of Science - Accounting
Western Internation University
02.2002 - 05.2005
Director of Purchasing
Epicurean Foods
11.1994 - 02.2025