TARA LEWIS
Wichita,KS
Summary
Results-focused performer with over 10 years’ accomplishments in the areas of Product Management, Procurement, Internal Auditing and Supply Chain Management. Experience in coordinating and negotiating with suppliers to ensure the best pricing; along with inventory optimization to support production requirements and meet target turn rate and inventory levels. Proven ability to ensure purchased products are of the highest quality possible while reducing overall cost resulting in significant annual savings. Focused on improving business compliance, workflow, and processes through detailed audits and optimization recommendations. Able to fully evaluate information, structures and procedures and initiate corrective actions in a self-directed and systematic manner. Proficient in Oracle, Maximo, SAP, AuditBoard, and LeanDNA (SME), as well as, all Microsoft Office programs.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Global SCM Inventory Business Process Analyst
Spirit Aerosystems
Wichita, KS
01.2023 - Current
- Analyzed current supply chain operations for cost savings opportunities.
- Forecasted future demand based on historical data, market trends, and customer feedback.
- Collaborated with internal teams on projects related to supply chain optimization.
- Prepared reports on inventory levels, procurement activities, and budgeting information.
- Ensured timely resolution of any supply chain issues that arose.
- Assisted in the implementation of new supply chain systems and processes to improve efficiency.
- Maintained accurate inventory records using ERP system.
- Implemented lean supply chain practices, reducing waste and improving process efficiency.
- Kept supply and demand in balance to support production goals and optimize volume.
- Led team development and training initiatives, enhancing supply chain competency and performance.
- Analyzed supply chain performance metrics to identify areas for improvement and implement corrective actions.
- Oversaw inventory management, optimizing stock levels to meet production demands while minimizing holding costs.
- Reviewed and updated supply chain practices in accordance with new or changing environmental policies, standards and regulations.
- Implemented new or improved supply chain processes to enhance efficiency or performance.
- Defined performance metrics for measurement, comparison or evaluation of supply chain factors.
- Provided subject matter expertise in the area of business process management best practices.
- Documented procedures and workflows related to all aspects of business operations.
- Monitored system performance using analytics tools such as Tableau or Power BI.
- Analyzed and tracked data to prepare forecasts and identify trends.
Business Management - SCM
Spirit Aerosystems
Wichita, KS
01.2022 - 01.2023
- Prepared presentations outlining progress made towards objectives established by senior leadership.
- Established key performance indicators used to measure success in various business functions.
- Recommended solutions for optimizing existing workflows or implementing new ones.
- Facilitated communication between departments regarding changes in policies or procedures.
- Created reports to track the performance of operational teams against key metrics.
- Assisted in developing training materials for staff members on best practices for managing daily operations.
- Utilized software applications such as Excel, Powerpoint, and Word to create documents that supported decision making.
- Identified opportunities for cost savings and increased efficiency across departments.
Senior Internal Auditor
Spirit Aerosystems
Wichita, KS
01.2020 - 01.2022
- Performed independent and objective projects that were customer-focused and risk-based to create the highest value for the customer
- Created dashboards in Power BI to present metrics to leadership
- Mentored the intern from Emporia State University during the summer of 2022
- Involved in recruitment for interns and full-time employees at 'Meet the Firm' events
- Participant in Audit Council to help align all functional audit teams across the company
- Develop risk and control matrix and audit programs to determine the scope of an audit
- Help guide and develop new staff members
- Project manager/lead auditor on audits.
Senior Internal Auditor
KOCH INDUSTRIES, INC.
Wichita, KS
01.2017 - 01.2020
- Performed independent and objective projects that were customer-focused and risk-based to create the highest value for the customer
- Led and provided guidance on projects to team members
- Participated on internal financial and operations audits, developed risk assessments and conducted interviews and process walkthroughs to ensure compliance with documented processes
- Investigated discrepancies discovered during auditing process
- Identified control gaps in processes, procedures and systems through in-depth research and assessment and recommended methods for improvement
- Evaluated company policies to determine how well standards adhered to best practices
- Developed vendor risk assessment and procured to pay frameworks and audit programs
- Conducted contract compliance reviews
- Created vendor risk assessment and contract dashboards in Power BI to increase visibility for customers
- Prepared reports on risk and information gleaned from audits and distributed to senior management
- Scaled knowledge learned from audits/projects across Koch Companies
- Owner of the Operations Controls capability on SharePoint; including vendor controls, procurement, and projects
- Participated/presented in the monthly MBM, Good Profit, and team meetings
- Helped train newly hired employees to ensure understanding of company processes, procedures, and deadlines
- Managed Koch Audit and Advisory's 2019 summer interns.
Internal Auditor
KOCH INDUSTRIES, INC.
Wichita, KS
01.2017 - 01.2018
- Performed strategic planning, execution, and finalization of audits
- Reviewed conformity of financial controls with Internal Financial Control Standards (IFC) as well as corporate regulations
- Planned annual audits and evaluated existing internal controls for internal departments and international offices
- Developed auditing programs to address risks and evaluate regulatory requirements
- Reviewed and identified risks, analyzed controls and tested compliance
- Prepared reports on risk and information gleaned from audits and distributed to appropriate personnel
- Identified $3M of recoverables and opportunities for cost savings during a contract compliance review.
Product Manager
WESCO AIRCRAFT
Wichita, KS
01.2016 - 01.2017
- Developed and maintained strong, beneficial relationships with suppliers
- Worked directly with internal/external customers to ensure timely responses to requests
- Worked with senior product managers to develop product price strategies
- Prepared vendor's requests for quotations
- Monitored and tracked internal bid due dates and other bid requirements
- Reviewed and tracked capabilities of suppliers, in addition to performance
- Reviewed inventory levels and/or sourced vendors for best pricing
- Capitalized on market trend data to optimize price strategies
- Maintained/organized files for all proposals, awards, contracts, and amendments
- Coordinated information with other departments, as needed
- Responsible for more than 80,000 part numbers
- Managed 13 suppliers, including two $8M suppliers
- Responsible for training sales team on product lines
- Developed and implemented favorable pricing structures balancing firm objectives against customer targets
- Defined and analyzed metrics to measure product performance.
Commodity Manager
WESCO AIRCRAFT
Wichita, KS
01.2014 - 01.2016
- Accountable for primary supplier relationship, providing cost for ad hoc sales and contract sales
- Responsible for planning and buying assigned commodities
- Reviewed incoming ad hoc and contract opportunities and provided pricing support for those RFQ's
- Obtained quotes (RFQ's) for competitive bidding and awarded the purchase order in support of business plans and strategic objectives to meet Wesco's procurement standards
- Developed, nurtured, and maintained a strong relationship with assigned suppliers
- Provided pricing to ad hoc and contract opportunities
- Negotiated long-term pricing to support the contract process
- Reviewed and validated part master requests
- Maintained pricing books and other appropriate documentation on SharePoint (company's Intranet)
- Developed and prepared purchase orders, agreements, bids, and contracts; processed all paperwork related to purchases including PO revisions
- Administered and reviewed purchase orders, bids, and contracts
- Verified receipts; resolved discrepancies and problems regarding prices, delivery and/or quality.
Assistant Buyer / Housewares Lead
DEAN & DELUCA
Wichita, KS
01.2013 - 01.2014
- Analyzed consumer buying patterns and predicted future trends
- Created reports and forecasted sales
- Created and delivered purchase orders to vendors
- Updated offers in Assist for B2C, B2B, and all retail locations
- Responsible for tracking and purchasing 1,500+ skus
- Participated in a project to reduce spending on operating supplies by price comparison across all Dean & Deluca markets, resulting in $25K annual savings.
Pricing Analyst / Vendor Management Coordinator
DEAN & DELUCA
Wichita, KS
01.2011 - 01.2013
- Monitored delivery of purchase orders and tracked vendor status
- Managed retail catalog supplier participation fees which result in a collection of over $154K toward marketing fee expenses
- Resolved unsatisfactory supplier issues including missing invoices
- Developed, maintained, analyzed, and communicated retail price lists on a monthly basis
- Adjusted retail pricing based on set margins
- Measured and communicated margin fluctuations and new pricing with retail stores
- Negotiated/enforced vendor terms & conditions
- Developed and maintained positive working relationships with suppliers.
Education
B.S. Economics -
The University of Kansas
Skills
- Building Key Strategic Alliances
- Analytics - Power BI and Alteryx
- Contract Management
- Detail-Oriented and Highly Organized
- Strategic Planning
- Strong Research and Analytic Skills
- Cost Reduction
- Demand forecasting
- Supply Chain Management
- Supplier Relationship Management
Affiliations
- Sigma Kappa Sorority
- Alpha Kappa Psi Business Fraternity
- Institute of Internal Auditors
- Gartner (Internal Audit)
Certification
- LeanDNA SME Certification
Timeline
Global SCM Inventory Business Process Analyst
Spirit Aerosystems
01.2023 - Current
Business Management - SCM
Spirit Aerosystems
01.2022 - 01.2023
Senior Internal Auditor
Spirit Aerosystems
01.2020 - 01.2022
Senior Internal Auditor
KOCH INDUSTRIES, INC.
01.2017 - 01.2020
Internal Auditor
KOCH INDUSTRIES, INC.
01.2017 - 01.2018
Product Manager
WESCO AIRCRAFT
01.2016 - 01.2017
Commodity Manager
WESCO AIRCRAFT
01.2014 - 01.2016
Assistant Buyer / Housewares Lead
DEAN & DELUCA
01.2013 - 01.2014
Pricing Analyst / Vendor Management Coordinator
DEAN & DELUCA
01.2011 - 01.2013
B.S. Economics -
The University of Kansas
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