Tyree Welch
Fayetteville,AR
Summary
Forward-thinking and results-driven supply chain professional with a strong background in procurement and inventory planning across high-volume, fast paced manufacturing environments. Demonstrated ability to drive operational excellence through cross-functional collaboration, data-driven insights, and continuous process improvements. Adept at leading teams, managing supplier relationships, and leveraging market knowledge to ensure the right product delivers on time and at the best possible price.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior MRO Buyer/MRO Buyer
MARSHALLTOWN
11.2023 - Current
- Managed MRO procurement and sourcing operations, including identifying and qualifying new and alternate suppliers to ensure supply continuity and risk reduction.
- Managed end-to-end purchase order process with a focus on on-time, in-full (OTIF) delivery performance and supplier accountability.
- Conducted market analysis to support cost-saving initiatives and drive favorable outcomes in vendor negotiations.
- Supervised and coached hourly Material Handlers to enhance inventory accuracy, streamline material flow, and improve service levels to production.
- Achieved $82K in cost savings by consolidating corrugate vendors and negotiating cost avoidance opportunities through strategic sourcing initiatives.
Senior Material Handler
MARSHALLTOWN
08.2023 - 11.2023
- Operated forklift and other material handling equipment to receive, unload, and transport materials to designated locations, ensuring timely and accurate delivery within the facility.
- Maintained inventory accuracy by performing precise data entry and barcode scanning at receipt points; assisted with cycle counts and corrected discrepancies to support lean inventory practices.
- Collaborated cross-functionally with Engineering and Operations teams to optimize storage layouts, improve material flow, and resolve receipt and usage issues across work cells.
- Led continuous improvement initiatives in Receiving, Inventory Control, and Material Handling, enhancing efficiency, reducing waste, and supporting overall plant productivity.
Buyer/QA Defect Coordinator
Planters - Hormel Foods Corp (Previously Kraft Heinz Company)
04.2019 - 08.2023
- Procured direct and indirect materials by leveraging systems such as SAP, AS400, QAD, Oracle, and SRM to manage inventory levels, execute replenishment strategies, and ensure compliance with quality and delivery requirements.
- Collaborated cross-functionally with R&D, Operations, Marketing, and Logistics to support new product launches, resolve supply issues, and coordinate supplier and material changes.
- Developed and maintained strategic supplier relationships; identified alternate sources, resolved quality and logistics issues, and led initiatives to improve local inventory levels and delivery processes.
- Forecasted material needs based on production plans and market conditions, proactively managing risks related to shortages, lead time fluctuations, and cost changes.
- Led inventory planning by setting economic order quantities, executing cycle counts, coordinating recycling/disposal of nonconforming materials, and aligning purchasing with financial targets.
Material Planner/QA Defect Coordinator
Kraft Heinz Company
04.2019 - 05.2021
- Managed flow of incoming packaging supplies and bulk ingredients by analyzing plant production plans, inventory levels, defined requirements needed, and ensuring material availability and compliance to approved specifications.
- Established direct material inventory levels for plant by maintaining economic order quantities, ensuring accuracy of physical inventories, managing inventory dollars monthly in accordance to financial plans, and developing long-range requirements.
- Managed flow of incoming indirect supplies by analyzing plant production plans, resolving logistical issues, and developing contingencies or implementing action plans for potential shortages or allocations.
- Managed supplier relationships by resolving complaints in accordance with purchasing procedures, ensuring defective materials were returned to vendor for credit, generated SAP notifications for out of spec materials, and scheduled routine supplier meetings.
- Coordinated recycling and removal of defective or rejected materials from plant.
- Worked directly with suppliers to establish local level inventories and delivery procedures.
- Coordinated logistical support for introduction of new products or changes in existing products, as well as managed supplier or material changes.
- Utilized SAP and SRM transactions to purchase direct and indirect materials and ingredients.
- Interacted with all plant departments, Distribution Centers, other Kraft plants, Kraft Corporate Finance, Kraft Corporate Purchasing, R&D, and Logistics.
Packaging/Wet Tower/Mixing Tank Operator
Nestle Gerber
06.2014 - 03.2019
- Operated and maintained mixing tanks, packaging lines, and automated wet tower systems, ensuring consistent product quality by performing regular inspections, swabs, and in-process quality checks aligned with USDA and internal specifications.
- Conducted equipment disassembly, cleaning, and reassembly using hazardous chemicals and following strict SOPs, CIP protocols, and Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedures to ensure food safety and operational compliance.
- Monitored automated production processes and made real-time adjustments to optimize performance, reduce downtime, and maintain target throughput in high-paced manufacturing environments.
- Utilized forklifts and hoists to transport ingredients and materials, ensuring safe handling practices while maintaining a clean and organized work environment across multiple production departments.
- Actively participated in Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) initiatives, led an Autonomous Work Group to drive equipment performance improvements, and delivered performance updates and improvement proposals to plant leadership and executive teams.
Wet Tower Process Operator
Nestle Gerber
04.2017 - 05.2018
- Monitored and adjusted automated production processes to maintain consistent output, quickly correcting deviations to ensure efficiency and product quality.
- Performed weekly 7–9 hour Clean-in-Place (CIP) procedures in high-temperature, wet environments, adhering to strict sanitation standards and safety protocols.
- Conducted detailed in-process quality checks during nightly production runs to ensure compliance with specifications and minimize deviations.
- Operated hoists and forklifts to safely handle bulk ingredients, and disassembled/reassembled processing equipment using SOPs and Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedures to support safe and effective cleaning.
Packaging Machine Operator
Nestle Gerber
06.2014 - 04.2017
- Operated multiple high-speed packaging machines in a fast-paced production environment, ensuring product quality met defined specifications through regular checks and adjustments.
- Performed equipment disassembly, cleaning, and reassembly for sanitation and size changeovers, following detailed SOPs and Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedures to maintain safety and compliance.
- Actively participated in Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) initiatives as part of an Autonomous Work Group, identifying and implementing process improvements to boost equipment reliability.
- Facilitated weekly crew meetings focused on equipment performance, preventive maintenance strategies, and continuous improvement efforts.
- Delivered formal presentations to management and executive leadership, highlighting measurable performance gains driven by team-led process enhancements.
Inventory Management Specialist
Wal Mart Stores Inc
05.2010 - 06.2014
- Ordered and replenished merchandise to maintain optimal stock levels on the sales floor and in the stockroom, ensuring product availability and visual merchandising standards.
- Unloaded and down-stacked freight shipments efficiently, organizing incoming inventory for accurate placement and easy retrieval.
- Labeled, sorted, and organized merchandise in the stockroom, maintaining a clean and efficient storage system to support fast restocking and inventory accuracy.
- Conducted daily stockroom audits to track inventory levels, identify discrepancies, and support overall inventory control and loss prevention efforts.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Business Administration And Management
University of Arkansas-Fort Smith
Fort Smith, ARHigh school diploma or GED - undefined
Northside High School
05-2010
Skills
- Communication
- Leadership
- Problem-solving
- Collaboration
- Adaptability
- Organization
- Prioritization
- Procurement
- Multitasking
- Initiative
- Sourcing
- Negotiation
Timeline
Senior MRO Buyer/MRO Buyer
MARSHALLTOWN
11.2023 - Current
Senior Material Handler
MARSHALLTOWN
08.2023 - 11.2023
Buyer/QA Defect Coordinator
Planters - Hormel Foods Corp (Previously Kraft Heinz Company)
04.2019 - 08.2023
Material Planner/QA Defect Coordinator
Kraft Heinz Company
04.2019 - 05.2021
Wet Tower Process Operator
Nestle Gerber
04.2017 - 05.2018
Packaging/Wet Tower/Mixing Tank Operator
Nestle Gerber
06.2014 - 03.2019
Packaging Machine Operator
Nestle Gerber
06.2014 - 04.2017
Inventory Management Specialist
Wal Mart Stores Inc
05.2010 - 06.2014
High school diploma or GED - undefined
Northside High School
Bachelor of Arts - Business Administration And Management
University of Arkansas-Fort Smith
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