Kenneth Wise

Email: abqrsu@r.postjobfree.com

Address: *** * **** **

City: Bryan

State: OH

Zip: 43506

Country: USA

Phone: 419-***-****

Skill Level: Management

Salary Range: $90,000

Willing to Relocate

Primary Skills/Experience:

See Resume

Educational Background:

See Resume

Job History / Details:

Kenneth E. Wise, Jr.

409 N. Lynn Street

Bryan, Ohio 43506

419-***-**** cell

419-***-**** phone

abqrsu@r.postjobfree.com

18+ years Global Sourcing / Purchasing / Supply Chain Development of multiple products / brands, achieving business success -Best Fit / Best Cost- goals.

Skills Overview:

As a Buyer, Global Sourcing Manager, New Product Development Manager, and Supply Chain Logistics Manager within multiple brands, channels and industries, my skill set has progressively evolved and is somewhat unique. At times classified as Project Manager or Program Manager, depending on the industry and how it is structured. Understanding current and forecasting market trends in a global marketplace to strategically plan and translate that through the design, quality, packaging, component coordination, marketing, manufacturing, and ultimately delivery to the customer. Challenging new concepts and delivery models, being a change agent to raise the bar via an ordered and logical thought process with a very creative edge, this is what I bring to your position.

This skill set has been termed -cradle-to-grave- in the industry. A skill set that has been learned, developed, and mastered to ensure that every aspect of a product or project is touched, understood, and addressed before completed through customer delivery. From the mental phase of an idea placed on a piece of paper to the final result - analyzed, interpreted, coordinated, negotiated and challenged in a limited time period. For this, I deliver the following skills:

* Strong Project Management skills including time-line execution, cross functional coordination, budget control, planning and scheduling, scope focus, resource awareness, and multi-source collaboration

* Thorough communication skills (written and verbal) at the customer, technical, executive and board levels

* Expertise in supplier selection and recommendation, including qualitative / quantitative analysis, selection criteria, RFQ / RFP development / analysis, and continuous process audits for product / service optimization

* Sustained purchasing history with proven creativity and success in negotiation, persuasion, and leveraging

* Managed new vendor / supplier identification, qualification and on-going performance measurement

* Multi-dimensional knowledge base keen to in-line problem solving, metrics development, and decision-making

* Supply Chain Management - strong logistics and transportation experience both domestic and international

* Experience in Retail, Gift & Specialty, FDM, distribution, catalog, mail-order, and manufacturing

* Sensible, logical, fair, honest, dedicated, self-reliable, consistent, and personable

* Ability to manage dynamic priority changes while maintaining project goals

* Excellent critical thinking, formatting, and root cause problem solving skills

* Technical mindset with a creative, innovative, and enterprising personality

* Very strong background in strategic sourcing, forecasting, negotiation, persuasion, and project management

* A fast learner, an eagerness to expand knowledge and improve both the process and myself along the way

* Broad knowledge of product materials and manufacturing methods, with an understanding of global positioning

* Experience in multiple manufacturing facilities and techniques around the world, including work flow streamlining, on-line trouble shooting, lean concepts, and process flow evaluation / improvement

* Excellent customer / supplier relationship skills and the ability to work as the liaison between internal and / or external customers and manufacturers both in writing and verbally

* Testing protocol adherence including the creation of test methods when standards are not available

* Quality Control and Quality Assurance method development

* Facilitation of printing and package design / engineering parameters from primary through final stages

* Experienced in brand management, marketing, and new product launch strategies in various market channels

* Accounting and financial planning methods and strategies awareness

* Continuous awareness of market sensitivity, trends (both market and manufacturing), technologies, supplier-based global trends, and material options. Typically in multiple product categories

* Fiscally responsible for managing categories ranging upwards of $160 million

Additional personal achievements include;

* Experience managing over 1000 sku's on a regular basis with perceptive category management / leadership

* High success rate history of on-time product launches in fast-paced retail environment

* Proficient with Excel, Word, Outlook, Power Point, MRP (AS400 based - JBA-JDA, HFA / Oracle based NDS)

* Authored comprehensive Vendor Shipping and Routing Guidelines for several businesses that streamlined increased efficient product delivery to the DC for optimal flow through the DC(s) to the customer(s)

Professional Experience:

Arrow Tru-Line, Inc; (Archbold, OH): Mar 06 - July 12

* Director - Global Supply Chain Logistics -

- Charged to a newly created position two years after becoming Brand / Marketing Manager which required both external and internal communication across departments and suppliers to build new inventory strategies

- Improved raw steel material, manufactured, assembled, and purchased goods flow from source to outbound distribution (Domestic and International) in a faster, leaner, more economical fashion

- Implemented Lean practices for inventory control as well as redefined supply chain logistics that resulted in increased turn rates across all six North American facilities

- Created 12 month plan to reduce inventories by $1M (10%+) while working with sales to streamline product flow and value stream to customers. Exceeded step goals and completed with overall 15% reduction

- Reduced Slow Moving and Obsolete (SLOBS) Inventory by over 80% in just six months

- New Project Management (Sales / Purchasing) responsibilities were also re-added to revitalize and grow a product category within the business - increased customer base and sales by 20%

- Six months later, Marketing and Export Logistics responsibilities were added due to stagnation and demand

* Brand / Marketing Manager (New Market Expansions) -

- Six months after becoming Sourcing / New Projects Manager responsibilities grew to oversee Marketing, venturing into direct mail, print, event planning, trade show & website efforts (including Import Logistics)

- Created renewed brand strategy which fostered nationally recognized back-to-back-to-back industry awards

- Six months later promoted to manage a five-member cross-functional team to launch the company`s first branded product in a newly created product category while maintaining marketing responsibilities

- Responsible for new category market penetration, product development, product evolution, brand development / direction, marketing, packaging, distribution models, and sales strategy

- Monitored, analyzed, and developed increasing sales and profitability structures simultaneously

- Identified and sold into additional new markets. Created product expansion plan to support sustainability

- Moved from design concept through product launch, branding, marketing, training tools, packaging, dealer strategy, trade and consumer shows plan, as well as market identification inside a six month time period

- Developed marketing and promotional collateral, plus dealership training programs

- Responsible for National Media campaigns to promote product awareness within a guerilla budget

* Sourcing / New Projects Manager -

- 18 months after hire promoted to Sourcing / New Project Manager within Sales team to help pilot business into new and expanded product opportunities while maintaining Import Logistics responsibilities.

- Analyzed and Recommended new product opportunities. Responsible for creation and execution of RFQ / RFP, contract negotiations, and strategic sourcing into approved expansion product categories

- Project Leader for first comprehensive company catalog project across multiple departments, completing on-time and within budget and coordinated enhancements to company website

- Selected as member of 3-person Cost Reduction Team removing over $800K annually in materials, supplies, MRO, and indirect services

* Buyer / Planner (Import Logistics) -

- Entered as Buyer of commodity goods, packaging, and specialty purchasing / planning for a $100+ million multi-plant, multi-site metal roll-forming, stamping manufacturer.

- Approximately 60% of goods are manufactured and the remaining balance purchased globally. Including castings and plastics. Plus distribution across six facilities across the USA and Canada

- Exceeded performance expectations within first 90-days, earning expanded job title and responsibilities to include Import Logistics - streamlined the importation process, saving approximately $400K annually

- Initiated packaging changes that reduced cost and accelerated output - a savings of over $50K annually

Independent Consulting; (Archbold, OH / Phoenix, AZ): Jul 03 - Mar 06

* Project Management, Product Sourcing, Logistics, and Supplier-Matching (re-location transition employment)

Belae Brands, Inc; (Phoenix, AZ): Feb 99 - Apr 03

* Senior (Sourcing) New Product Development / Contract Mfg Manager

* Key Operations Team member in turn-around / start-up purchase of $65M Home Decor / Fragrance / Personal Care business (Claire Burke, VitaBath, KidCare, Simple Elegance, Waverly Home, plus private label brands)

* Gained increased areas of responsibility within first 12 months employment and increased title just 6 months later.

* Responsible for the product development, sourcing, purchasing, manufacturing, package design / engineering, and distribution to various retail markets including Department, Specialty / Gift, Food / Drug / Mass, and Club Stores

* Cradle-to-Grave position for Strategic Project Management from product ideation through DC delivery and beyond

* Worked directly with Marketing, Sales, and Manufacturing to identify & qualify "best fit" to project goals and budget

* Provided time-line and forecasting for multiple country of origin manufacture, plus design input during development

* Created and maintained RFI`s, RFQ`s, Bills of Materials (BOM), Forecasting, and Time-Lines on continuous basis for both on-going business improvement as well as seasonal new product launches every three months

* Defined Materials, Packaging, Quality Standards and inspection methods. Created test methods for both product and packaging to ensure best possible product to be delivered. Inventory planning and scheduling coordination.

* Attended on-site start-ups (both domestic and international) of key elements in production to ensure quality and timeliness. Often trouble shooting and problem-solving situations on-line for efficiency and time maintenance

* Improved profitability steadily each year moving from a $10 million loss at acquisition to a $1.3 million profit in year three. Improved manufacturing efficiencies, lowered overheads, and streamlined product flow to distribution.

* Created and introduced new technologies to Marketing and Key Manufacturers to introduce to market

* Key member of a team that achieved a 99%+ Performance Rating Honorable Mention from Target Corp for the delivery of the Simple Elegance Program - Holiday 2000. First program with this customer

Intimate Brands Inc; Bath & Body Works, Inc; (Reynoldsburg, OH): Aug 93 - Feb 99

* Sourcing Project Manager (included Victoria`s Secret Fragrance, BBW at Home, & The White Barn Candle Company)

* Began in distribution and quickly moved into the Manufacturing Group. Responsible for all product sourcing, development, purchasing, manufacturing, and logistics for products sold within the Home Decor / Fragrance / Personal Care / Table Top / and Accessory categories of the retail brands

* Cradle-to-Grave position for Strategic Project Management from product ideation through DC delivery and beyond

* Created and managed strategic supplier relationships for cost effective fulfillment of direct and indirect material and service needs within designated categories for this company during its five year growth from $120M to a $1.3B annual sales company. Streamlining several processes and departments along the way

* Sourced, coordinated, and contracted over 200 suppliers and contract manufacturers around the world

* Fashion forward strategy focused on defining all trade categories via both product innovation and performance

* Accountable for RFI`s, RFQ`s, BOM`s, Production Forecasting, Planning, and Production Scheduling, as well as Packaging Engineering, Quality, Testing, and Logistics planning. Continuous process analysis with Lean mindset

* Established competency through distribution, supervision, manufacturing, planning / scheduling, package engineering, and Sourcing / New Product Development (NPD).

* Co-authored the company NPD Process

* Led internal and external teams, conducted market research, developed strategies, negotiated contracts, implemented solutions, drove benchmarking, and conducted category management to ensure success

* Directly involved with Marketing & Design Teams in product ideation, development, and sales strategies

* Directly involved with Research & Development and manufacturers as primary methods for creating and establishing new product concepts, techniques, and introductions for the Marketing and Merchandising teams

* Created and maintained Time-Lines and Bill of Materials (BOM) for new and on-going products

* Managed over 1,000 projects (SKU's) on a regular basis with a new product / collection launch every 6-8 weeks

* Solely sourced and negotiated of over 1,200 SKU's across multiple sources and countries for the November 1997 launch of White Barn Candle Company stores; completed start (concept) to finish (in-store) in less than 45 days

Columbus Camera Group, LLC; (Columbus, OH): Feb 1987 - Dec 92

* Regional Manager - Lead Buyer

* Responsible for sourcing, purchasing, budget control, and distribution of photography equipment and supplies for a large scale buy-sell-trade global mail-order business with 15 retail locations across the Midwest

* Managed 12 person shipping, receiving, and distribution department (including mail-order portion)

* Enhanced supplier base from three recognized dealerships to over 12 recognized dealerships while meeting dealership requirements and increasing sales plus credit standards while improving the inventory turn ratio

* Actively participated in sales and product training for new products as well as at all new location opening launches

Organizations, Affiliations and Other Achievements:

* Three-time nominee for Most Inspirational Bandsman - The Ohio State University Marching Band

* Three- year Squad Leader - The Ohio State University Marching Band

* TBDBITL Alumni Association Member - The Ohio State University

* Five-time FOUR-H Award winner for individual performance (Bath & Body Works)

* Three-time Team Award winner for team performance (Bath & Body Works)

* Former Member of Association of Crafts and Creative Innovations

* CPI (Crisis Prevention Intervention), CPR, First Aid, and Med Certified for Youth Recovery Academy (2004-2006)

* Process -Thank-You- recognition within Sauder Woodworking for Quality attribute within first 30 days of employ

* Completed the Tom Peters course on -Super Selling-

* Completed the Chester Karass course on -Negotiation-

* Completed the Greg Githens (University of Toledo) course on -Successful Project Management-

Education and Training:

Bachelors of Science in Engineering: The Ohio State University (Columbus, OH)

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