Tammy Kemp
Lamar,AR
Summary
Purchasing Manager with extensive experience at NLC Products, experience in supplier negotiation and creating vendor relationships. Demonstrated success in reducing costs and streamlining procurement processes, with the ability to lead a team with professional communication skills. Achieved significant improvements in inventory management efficiencies.
Overview
27
27
years of professional experience
Work History
Purchasing Manager
NLC Products
06.2016 - 02.2025
- Sourced vendors, built relationships, and negotiated prices. Worked with the buyers.
- Purchased new products and oversaw inventory stocking and availability. Created and analyzed reports daily.
- Managed supplier relationships to ensure timely delivery of products and services.
- Achieved cost savings by negotiating contracts and pricing with suppliers.
- Performed monthly reconciliation of open purchasing orders.
- Coordinated paperwork, updated spreadsheets, and maintained permanent records.
- Established long-term agreements with strategic suppliers, securing favorable pricing and delivery terms.
- Implemented strategic sourcing initiatives, reducing overall purchasing costs.
- Trained junior staff members on best practices in purchasing management, contributing to their professional development and growth within the organization.
- Analyzed market trends and adjusted procurement strategies accordingly for optimal results.
- Monitored and evaluated vendor performance to determine compliance with quality standards.
- Wrote standard operating procedures for department.
- Ensured compliance with corporate policies and applicable regulations governing procurement activities, mitigating company risks.
- Conducted regular research to identify trends and cost saving opportunities.
- Streamlined procurement processes for increased efficiency and reduced lead times.
- Scrutinized purchasing data to identify areas for improvement and cost savings.
- Communicated regularly with suppliers to uphold accountability for quality standards and timely delivery of goods.
- Generated reports on purchasing activities to support management decisions.
- Hired and trained purchasing staff to improve effectiveness of purchasing operations.
- Identified opportunities to reduce lead times and improve inventory management.
- Reviewed and approved purchase orders and invoices for accuracy and completeness.
- Established and maintained accurate records of purchases, pricing and payment terms.
- Negotiated pricing and terms with vendors to secure best value for company.
- Cultivated strong relationships with vendors to maintain and improve levels of customer service.
- Achieved significant improvements in supplier lead times through collaborative planning and forecasting.
- Enhanced inventory management efficiencies through introduction of just-in-time procurement system.
Customer Service Representative
NLC Products
10.1997 - 12.1997
- Managed high-stress situations effectively, maintaining professionalism under pressure while resolving disputes or conflicts.
- Resolved customer complaints with empathy, resulting in increased loyalty and repeat business.
- Developed strong product knowledge to provide informed recommendations based on individual customer needs.
- Trained new Customer Service Representatives on company policies, procedures, and best practices.
- Delivered exceptional customer service to every customer by leveraging extensive knowledge of products and services and creating welcoming, positive experiences.
- Investigated and resolved customer inquiries and complaints quickly.
- Provided excellent customer care by responding to requests, assisting with product selection and handling ordering functions.
- Identified and resolved discrepancies and errors in customer accounts.
Accounts Payable Coordinator
NLC Products
01.2003 - 05.2016
- Managed vendor relationships, ensuring prompt responses to inquiries and resolving disputes.
- Coordinated with other departments as needed for approval or clarification on invoiced items, promoting effective cross-functional collaboration throughout the organization.
- Processed check disbursements and reconciled related ledger.
- Assisted with month-end closing tasks, ensuring timely completion of financial statements.
Return Department Manager
NLC Products
03.1998 - 12.2002
- Managed inventory processes, maintaining optimal stock levels while minimizing waste.
- Collaborated with other departments to ensure seamless coordination in achieving company-wide objectives.
- Worked to improve customer satisfaction rates through attentive service, prompt issue resolution, and continuous process improvements.
- Maintained a professional work environment by addressing conflicts proactively.
Education
NONE - General Studies
Arkansas Tech University
Russellville, ARSkills
- Purchase order management
- Supplier relationship management
- Supply chain management
- Vendor relationship management
- New vendor setup
- Vendor sourcing
- Logistics coordination
- Cost reduction
- Account management
- Financial administration
- Project management
- Supplier negotiation
- Strategic planning
- Procurement process improvement
- Price negotiation
- Pricing structures
- Budget management
- Material requirement planning
- Trend analysis
- Data analysis
- Reporting
- Meticulous eye for detail
- Professional communication skills
- Inventory management
- Purchase orders
- Customer service
- Team leadership
Timeline
Purchasing Manager
NLC Products
06.2016 - 02.2025
Accounts Payable Coordinator
NLC Products
01.2003 - 05.2016
Return Department Manager
NLC Products
03.1998 - 12.2002
Customer Service Representative
NLC Products
10.1997 - 12.1997
NONE - General Studies
Arkansas Tech University