Thomas Jockel
Edgewater,Maryland
Summary
Dynamic seafood procurement professional with extensive experience at Whole Foods Market Inc. Proven track record in cost management and supplier relations, enhancing product offerings and ensuring compliance with food safety standards. Adept at demand forecasting and fostering teamwork, driving significant improvements in operational efficiency and customer satisfaction.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Global Perishables Procurement Seafood Buyer
Whole Foods Market Inc
08.2019 - 10.2025
- Conducted price negotiations and vendor relationship management
- Helped coordinate logistics for timely delivery of seafood products.
- Maintained records of purchases and supplier performance metrics for analysis.
- Collaborated with sales team to forecast demand accurately, avoiding stock-outs or overstock situations.
- Developed a comprehensive understanding of market trends and adjusted purchasing strategies accordingly.
- Maintained strong working knowledge of global seafood markets, staying ahead of potential supply chain disruptions.
- Ensured product quality by conducting thorough inspections and maintaining close relationships with vendors.
- Enhanced product offering by sourcing new seafood varieties based on consumer preferences and market trends.
- Supported trade show participation by researching relevant events and coordinating booth setup.
- Maximized profitability by identifying opportunities for cost reduction and negotiating volume-based discounts from suppliers.
- Maintained compliance with industry regulations and certifications by enforcing strict supplier standards.
- Implemented sustainable sourcing practices to contribute to corporate social responsibility goals.
- Assisted in developing promotional materials showcasing the company''s diverse range of seafood offerings.
- Evaluated supplier performance regularly, providing feedback for continuous improvement initiatives.
- Achieved optimal inventory levels by closely monitoring stock and strategically purchasing seafood products.
- Improved supplier relationships through regular communication and negotiation of contracts.
- Reduced lead times by working closely with suppliers to expedite shipments when necessary.
- Managed procurement processes to maintain consistent supply of high-quality seafood products for customers.
- Resolved issues promptly with suppliers, ensuring minimal impact on business operations and customer satisfaction.
- Negotiated favorable pricing and payment terms with suppliers, resulting in cost savings for the company.
- Reviewed bids and contracts to place appropriate orders.
- Ordered produce products and maintained appropriate back stock levels.
- Analyzed sales and inventory data to determine purchasing needs and reorder points.
- Researched and identified new suppliers and vendors.
- Established relationships with vendors to secure competitive pricing and discounts.
- Prepared and analyzed reports to track inventory and purchasing trends.
- Negotiated contracts with vendors for cost-effective purchasing terms.
- Evaluated product quality and vendor performance to maintain quality standards.
- Cultivated relationships with wholesalers and distributors to increase inventory availability.
Processing Room Team Leader
Whole Foods Market Mid-Atlantic Seafood Facility
08.2018 - 03.2019
- Supervised daily operations to ensure compliance with food safety regulations and quality standards.
- Trained and mentored team members on best practices for seafood handling and preparation.
- Conducted regular performance evaluations to identify areas for improvement and recognize high achievers.
- Fostered a collaborative team environment, promoting open communication and problem-solving among staff members.
- Empowered team members by delegating responsibilities according to individual strengths and areas of expertise.
- Managed conflict resolution among team members, fostering a positive and collaborative work environment.
- Maintained an inclusive and diverse team culture, promoting respect and understanding among all members.
- Established open and professional relationships with team members to achieve quick resolutions for various issues.
- Increased customer satisfaction ratings by closely monitoring service quality standards and addressing any issues promptly.
- Led by example, demonstrating commitment and professionalism that inspired team members to excel.
- Oversaw quality control measures, maintaining high standards for all project outputs.
- Maintained overall safe work environment with employee training programs and enforcement of safety procedures.
- Optimized customer experience by delivering superior services and effectively troubleshooting issues.
- Collected, arranged, and input information into database system.
- Evaluated customer needs and feedback to drive product and service improvements.
- Frequently inspected production area to verify proper equipment operation.
- Gathered, organized and input information into digital database.
- Observed packing operations to verify conformance to specifications.
General Manager
Annapolis Seafood Markets
08.2016 - 08.2018
- Directed cross-functional teams to enhance operational efficiency and meet organizational goals.
- Developed and implemented strategic initiatives to optimize resource allocation and reduce costs.
- Oversaw performance evaluations, fostering a culture of continuous improvement among staff members.
- Analyzed market trends to inform decision-making and drive competitive advantage in service offerings.
- Facilitated training programs that improved employee skills and enhanced team productivity.
- Developed and implemented strategies to increase sales and profitability.
- Implemented robust inventory management systems to optimize stock levels and minimize waste/costs associated with excess product storage.
- Addressed customer complaints and feedback with immediate action, turning dissatisfied customers into loyal patrons.
- Drove the successful execution of numerous large-scale events/promotions while closely managing costs/budgetary constraints associated with event planning/management activities.
- Optimized supply chain logistics, ensuring timely delivery of products and significantly reducing transportation costs.
- Negotiated with suppliers to secure better pricing, reducing operational costs while maintaining product quality.
- Handled problematic customers and clients to assist lower-level employees and maintain excellent customer service.
- Monitored daily cash discrepancies, inventory shrinkage and drive-off.
- Reduced financial inconsistencies while assessing and verifying billing invoices and expense reports.
- Supervised creation of exciting merchandise displays to catch attention of store customers.
President/General Manager
True World Foods LLc Raleigh NC
08.2013 - 08.2015
- Directed strategic initiatives to enhance operational efficiency across supply chain management.
- Cultivated partnerships with suppliers to ensure quality product sourcing and timely delivery.
- Oversaw annual budgeting processes, aligning financial strategies with organizational goals.
- Implemented performance metrics to evaluate team productivity and drive continuous improvement.
- Analyzed market trends to inform strategic planning and identify growth opportunities.
- Streamlined procurement processes, reducing costs while maintaining high quality standards.
- Hired and managed employees to maximize productivity while training staff on best practices and protocols.
- Managed crisis situations effectively while minimizing disruption to daily operations.
- Enhanced company performance by implementing strategic plans and overseeing daily operations.
- Prepared annual budget forecasts and monitored performance to meet organizational objectives.
- Drove revenue growth by expanding product offerings and identifying new market opportunities.
- Established a culture of accountability by setting clear expectations and holding individuals responsible for results.
- Monitored financial performance and implemented measures to enforce compliance with budgetary standards.
- Built a diverse workforce through targeted recruiting efforts focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion principles.
- Led budgeting efforts, ensuring alignment with strategic priorities while maintaining financial discipline.
- Managed budget implementations, employee reviews, training, schedules, and contract negotiations.
- Monitored financial performance, set budgets and controlled expenses to provide financial stability and long-term organizational growth.
- Managed budget implementations, employee evaluations, and contract details.
- Led team to exceed sales targets, implementing motivational incentives and comprehensive training programs.
- Oversaw successful launch of new product lines, coordinating between departments to ensure unified approach and timely delivery.
- Assisted in recruiting, hiring and training of team members.
- Interacted well with customers to build connections and nurture relationships.
- Managed purchasing, sales, marketing and customer account operations efficiently.
- Reported issues to higher management with great detail.
- Developed and implemented strategies to increase sales and profitability.
- Optimized supply chain logistics, ensuring timely delivery of products and significantly reducing transportation costs.
- Handled problematic customers and clients to assist lower-level employees and maintain excellent customer service.
- Monitored daily cash discrepancies, inventory shrinkage and drive-off.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Mathematics/Engish Literature
University of Virginia
Charlottesville, VASkills
- Import and export regulations
- Supplier relations
- Demand forecasting
- Food safety standards
- Cost management
- Documentation management
- Industry networking
- Sustainability practices
- Ethical sourcing
- Traceability systems
- International trade
- Cold chain management
- Food safety regulations
- Transportation planning
- Compliance monitoring
- Industry trends
- Category management
- Promotion planning
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Ordering and purchasing
- Excellent communication
- Organizational skills
- Adaptability and flexibility
- Decision-making
- Price negotiations
- Relationship building
- Purchase order management
- Task prioritization
- Self motivation
- Product knowledge
- Interpersonal skills
- Global procurement
- Interpersonal communication
Certification
- HACCP certitfication
- Food Safety & Handling certification (Md., Va., D.C., NC)
Timeline
Global Perishables Procurement Seafood Buyer
Whole Foods Market Inc
08.2019 - 10.2025
Processing Room Team Leader
Whole Foods Market Mid-Atlantic Seafood Facility
08.2018 - 03.2019
General Manager
Annapolis Seafood Markets
08.2016 - 08.2018
President/General Manager
True World Foods LLc Raleigh NC
08.2013 - 08.2015
Bachelor of Arts - Mathematics/Engish Literature
University of Virginia
Highest sales growth, True World Foods 2015
Awarded for individual unit Outstanding sales growth for 2015.