Tara Shook
Supply Chain Expert
Orlando,FL
Summary
Dynamic and results-driven strategic sourcing professional with over 20 years of proven success across the manufacturing, hospitality, and investment banking sectors. Expertise in supply chain management encompasses logistics, purchasing, and planning, complemented by a deep understanding of inventory control and capital expense management. Recognized for exceptional leadership in cross-functional teams and strong communication abilities, consistently delivering impactful negotiation outcomes. Strategic thinker focused on forecasting future savings and adept in program/project management, ensuring alignment with organizational goals while driving efficiency and innovation.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
6
6
Certifications
Work History
Senior Procurement Specialist
L3 HARRIS
Orlando, FL
08.2023 - Current
- Cross-functional collaborator ensuring the establishment of standard procedures in accordance with the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), DFARS, International Traffic Arms Regulation (ITAR) and Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation(DFAR)
- Review drawings, specifications, and purchase history for sourcing strategy for hardware, cables and mechanical parts. Work with Engineering on ECO’s, end of life cycle part alternates.
- Negotiate pricing, payment terms, QAR Codes, and lead times to improve profitability and operational effectiveness
- Process purchase orders consistent to program timeline, contractual terms, company procurement policies and KPI standards.
- Effectively communicate procurement actions with suppliers and stakeholders while still working independently and adapting quickly to change
- Lead POC that manages and updates comprehensive supplier repository of over 150 suppliers, ensuring compliance with regulations and internal policies
- Work proposal for potential new programs or program extensions
- Certified Small Business Liaison Officer
- Advanced Laser Systems Technology
Indirect Commodity Manager
Luminar Technologies-LiDAR
Orlando, FL
01.2018 - 07.2023
- Perform Negotiations with local and global suppliers
- Work closely with suppliers on deliverables, ensuring they align with the schedule to meet demand
- Communicates with Finance and Warehousing on a regular basis to validate/correct invoices or delivery issues that come up
- Training on ERP system and Mentored Buyer
- Complete new supplier onboarding
- Coordinates and Leads RFQ’s with the key stakeholder
- Partner with Legal to negotiate commercial and legal terms with the supplier
- Contributed to established policies, procedures and controls to ensure effective Procurement implementation.
- Savings Tracked to Date for Direct and Indirect Components on the BoM are over $3 Million.
- Lead and participate in cross-functional teams to develop effective Commodity Strategies, Relationship & Change Management Strategies, as well as Communication Strategies
- Select appropriate sources that improve value to the organization, and help attain targeted results for product quality, service to sales and profit
- Work with Production and Sourcing to ensure deliveries align to the Production Timeline
- Ongoing Supplier interface with Quarterly discussions on improvement in performance and deliverables
- Manages ongoing relationships with various stakeholders and resolves conflict as needed
- Drive Aggressive implementation plans to conform with production schedules
- Perform special activities, projects, and assignments as requested.
Senior Materials Specialist
Metters Inc.
Orlando, FL
03.2016 - 12.2017
- Expedite fulfillment of supplier needs for information in order for the supplier to perform.
- Strategy Development – Identify overarching opportunities for Indirect Suppliers for a Savings of 25% of BOM
- Works with cross functional teams to maintain timeline of program
- Tracks orders, receives goods, and ensures products are placed into the appropriate inventory.
- Ongoing administration of PO's to assure scheduled delivery dates, PO closeouts, and payments Confers with supervisors to determine accurate need dates for materials and parts and consistently/routinely informs supervisors about the status of the product.
- Remain in contact with the suppliers to make sure that the project is meeting milestones according to schedule.
- Procure Direct and Indirect products and supplies to specific programs ensuring compliance with government and/or company policies
Commodity Specialist (Contractor)
Siemens Corp
Orlando, FL
05.2015 - 03.2016
- Participates in strategies to purchase and arrange timely deliveries of supplies and materials;
- Expedites as needed and serves as liaison between suppliers, internal disciplines and the project site, getting prior approval for purchases in excess of established limits.
- Resolves semi-complex delivery, quality or other related problems with SAP purchases and invoice discrepancies.
- Reviews and analyzes requisitions and supply plans for domestic and international purchases.
- Negotiates prices, terms and quality requirements with domestic and international suppliers and services.
- Identify and obtain cost improvements of purchased products and services from suppliers through negotiation, process improvements and value analysis
- Interface with strategic logistic planners and procurement specialists to optimize the timing and aggregation of releases and purchases
- Manage Suppliers through Score cards to improve supplier performance
- Develop good relationships with suppliers and maintain high levels of on-time, quality deliveries
- Resolve Delivery, quality or commercial problems with purchases. Resolve field deficiency, product warranty or factory repair cost issues with suppliers
- Interface extensively with Engineering, Project Management and Supply Management Specialists regarding suppliers' capabilities and performance
Senior Buyer
Spiralkote Flexible Packaging
Orlando, FL
04.2009 - 04.2015
- Identify internal demand through working with Production
- Maintain raw material for inventory to ensure on time delivery or expedite where necessary
- Issue purchase orders for materials
- Purchase all materials, supplies, equipment and services of acceptable quality from reliable sources, at the most advantageous terms and conditions, pricing and delivery
- Planning with facility management to assure an adequate supply of materials for operation
- Inventory all office and facility supplies; reorder accordingly
- Negotiation
- Review contracts and purchase orders in order to monitor pricing and verify correct invoicing of Account Payables
- Review issues of invoices and request credits when necessary. Approve invoices as needed and return to Controller
- Maintain a continual appraisal of all purchasing activities while searching for new or alternative materials and/or suppliers, equipment and sources of supply that offer cost saving opportunities and better opportunity
- Planning and Coordinating with Production on raw material deliveries
- Analysis savings versus spend on a quarterly basis
- Responsible for confirming on time shipping of materials
- Review WIP inventory on floor
- Review monthly packaging inventory
- Financing - process sales and use tax reporting for state, handle vendor/customer rebate and work hand in hand with the Comptroller
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Marketing And Supply Chain
Briarcliffe College
Bethapage05.2003
Skills
Excellent Communication and Decision-Making Skills
Team Leadership and Motivation
Forecast Future Savings
Big Picture/ Strategic Thinker
Program/Project Management
Negotiation
Strategic Sourcing
Data Management
Certification
SBLO Certified
Timeline
SBLO Certified
01-2025
Senior Procurement Specialist
L3 HARRIS
08.2023 - Current
Indirect Commodity Manager
Luminar Technologies-LiDAR
01.2018 - 07.2023
Senior Materials Specialist
Metters Inc.
03.2016 - 12.2017
Commodity Specialist (Contractor)
Siemens Corp
05.2015 - 03.2016
Senior Buyer
Spiralkote Flexible Packaging
04.2009 - 04.2015
Bachelor of Arts - Marketing And Supply Chain
Briarcliffe College