William M. Laster
Katy,TX
Summary
MBA candidate with extensive experience in procurement, strategic sourcing, and vendor negotiations. Proven ability to drive cost savings, optimize supply chain operations, and build strong vendor relationships. Expertise includes contract management, supplier selection, and process improvement within complex operational environments. Strong communicator and collaborator, dedicated to enhancing profitability and operational efficiency.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
Uber Driver
UBER TECHNOLOGIES
HOUSTON, TX
01.2018 - Current
- Achieved and maintained a perfect 5-star Uber rider rating
- Responded to passenger concerns and complaints politely and professionally.
- Developed strong communication skills while interacting with diverse groups of riders daily.
- Streamlined administrative tasks such as billing inquiries or dispute resolution using effective problem-solving skills within the rideshare platform.
Sr. Manager – National Operations & Quality Assurance
TOKYO GARDENS CATERING, LLC
HOUSTON, TX
01.2015 - 09.2018
- Oversee operations while directing team of 15 Regional Managers to maintain existing operational excellence and food safety, as well as, continued corporate expansion and cost reduction.
- Demonstrate leadership through ongoing operations management, quality control, sales analytics. Managed vendor selection, contract negotiation, and pricing strategies.
- Develop and maintain several databases incorporating Visual Basic coding to track and monitor vital aspects of corporate data and required subcontractor certifications.
- Facilitate training programs for all new procedures and/or products. Assist in training of corporate and field teams to adhere to all corporate, regulatory, and internal/external client standards.
- Design, implement, and evaluate corporate standards for product labeling in conjunction with R&D team according to regulatory standards.
- Perform site surveys, evaluate plan reviews and blueprints, and meet with client, construction, and regulatory officials for newly constructed and remodeled locations to ensure proper sourcing and cost maintenance.
- Apply best practices in managing new and existing customer relationships.
- Extensive travel providing continual account management to startup and continued operations across the continental United States.
- Authored Corporate Food Defense Program and Regional Manager Operational Guidebook and co-authored Customer Service Training Manual.
- Serve as an integral member of the Food Defense Team, thus ensuring proper implementation of Seafood HACCP program, sustaining the highest levels of food safety and quality.
- Prepare all documentation required for annual NSF (National Sanitary Foundation) desk audit and AIB 3rd party “top to bottom” inspection.
- Led cross-functional teams to achieve project milestones and deliver high-quality results.
- Improved team performance by providing comprehensive training and fostering a collaborative work environment.
- Reduced costs, optimized resource allocation, and improved efficiency in managing projects.
- Managed large-scale projects and introduced new systems, tools, and processes to achieve challenging objectives.
- Reviewed and analyzed reports, records and directives to obtain data required for planning department activities.
Business Development Manager
SUSHIC – TOKYO GARDENS CATERING, LLC
HOUSTON, TX
01.2009 - 01.2011
- Through creation of marketing portfolios and leveraging relationships of existing clientele, effectively increased corporate revenue by over 300%.
- Re-negotiated and sourced supplier contracts for raw material to save internal customers an average of 23%.
- Demonstrated expertise in marketing products and services to local caterers and cafeterias through updated contracts and re-negotiation.
- Responsible for creating promotional items for conventions, as well as all marketing materials for client distribution, including but not limited to, pricing all material, brochures, point of sales flyers, menu boards, site specific signage, promotional programs, grand opening handbooks, sales solicitation letters for quarterly mail-out, and vehicle graphics for delivery vehicles.
Project Manager
FASTSIGNS WEST HOUSTON
HOUSTON, TX
01.2007 - 01.2009
- Managed the full procurement lifecycle for customer projects.
- Sourced, negotiated, and purchased materials.
- Ensured timely production, maintained quality standards, and coordinated logistics to achieve customer satisfaction.
Education
Master of Business Administration - Global Trade and Supply Chain Management
BAYLOR UNIVERSITY
Waco, Texas12.2025
Bachelor of Business Administration - Management, Marketing, International Business
Texas Tech University
Lubbock, Texas05.2004
Skills
- Account Management
- Procurement
- Communication
- Business Launch & Start-Ups
- Vendor Management
- Advertising/Marketing
- Team Leadership
- Program Management
- Customer Relations
Timeline
Uber Driver
UBER TECHNOLOGIES
01.2018 - Current
Sr. Manager – National Operations & Quality Assurance
TOKYO GARDENS CATERING, LLC
01.2015 - 09.2018
Business Development Manager
SUSHIC – TOKYO GARDENS CATERING, LLC
01.2009 - 01.2011
Project Manager
FASTSIGNS WEST HOUSTON
01.2007 - 01.2009
Master of Business Administration - Global Trade and Supply Chain Management
BAYLOR UNIVERSITY
Bachelor of Business Administration - Management, Marketing, International Business
Texas Tech University