Project Manager Management
Resume:
Valerie Hawthorne-Berry
Email: *********@********.***
Address: **** ********* *****
City: Hoffman Estates
State: IL
Zip: 60192
Country: USA
Phone: 847-***-****
Skill Level: Director
Salary Range: $150,000
Primary Skills/Experience:
See Resume
Educational Background:
See Resume
Job History / Details:
Valerie L. Hawthorne-Berry
5325 Mardjetko Drive
Hoffman Estates, IL 60192
E-mail: *********@********.***
Highly accomplished professional with extensive experience in Procurement, Operation, Strategic Sourcing, Contract Management, Planning and Development, Administration, and Project Management.. Extensive knowledge in process improvements, strategic planning, project execution, and budgeting. The ability to focus on critical issues while developing solutions and motivating others to achieve core objectives.
Professional Experience
Chicago Housing Authority
Director of Procurement, Contracts and Compliance
2008 - Present
Manage and direct $500 million annual procurement spend and authority compliance requirements. Responsible for developing and implementing policies, procedures and objectives for the authority's procurement and compliance operation. Develop and implement Procurement and Compliance strategic goals. Manage a procurement and compliance staff of 25. Collaborate with Senior Management in the planning of long term organizational procurement strategies and policies enhancements. Serve as Contracting Officer to manage and oversee contract negotiation, problem resolutions, and enter into contract agreements.
* Developed and implemented a network file system to standardize how procurement and compliance documents are maintained and stored electronically
*utomated the compliance monitoring process by implementing a new compliance software system to monitor and track contract compliance requirements and expenditures
* Developed and implemented a Procurement Tracker System for business units to track and monitor their procurement projects and contract status
* Streamlined the procurement process by eliminating unnecessary purchasing constraints
* Established a Compliance Policy and Procedure Manual to ensure requirements and guidelines regulated by laws and statues are adhered to by staff and vendors
* Created procurement and compliance reports depicting spend categories, department usage and vendor analysis to maximize cost and leverage spending
* Designed and implemented twelve (12) different monthly workshop programs to educate and inform vendors on CHA's procurement and compliance requirements and contracting opportunities
* Managed focus group sessions across the organization to improve communication, foster collaborative improvements, establish trust, and change management
Sears Holdings Corporation
Strategic Sourcing Manager
2007 - 2007
Managed company wide strategic sourcing initiatives through the development, management and facilitation of product sourcing analyses, strategies and negotiations for $2 billion merchandise resale. Assisted stakeholders in defining their business requirements while developing options and solutions. Directed and coordinated various project activities and deliverables that were cross-functional. Oversaw the development, execution of Request for Proposals and commodity negotiations. Interfaced with senior management to delivered business recommendations and project status. Examined and challenged the accepted practices while seeking a better way to achieve the organization`s goals and objectives. Provided coaching and support to project team members.
* Managed multiple large scale projects simultaneously, and direct others to optimize results
* Leveraged strategic sourcing elements such as supplier relationship management, value engineering and continuous improvement to create value
* Assisted management in sourcing products strategically by identifying vendor partnership opportunities
* Oversaw and coordinated in-depth commodity analyses to determine economic impact
D`Escoto Consulting, Inc.
Senior Contract Manager
2001-2007
Managed and directed $800 million design and construction contracts for Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) under the Capital Improvement Program. Resolved contract issues such as scope of work, penalties, terms and conditions, insurance requirements, and incentives. Managed contractor and subcontractor performance.
* Revised and established Professional Service and Construction boilerplate contract
* Developed database to monitor contract status, change orders and expenditures
* Established evaluation system to monitor and enhance contractor performance
* Prepared contract implementation schedule that outlined the procurement process to contract execution
City of Chicago
Board of Education
Assistant Director of Purchasing - Strategic Sourcing
1999-2001
Directed and managed the strategic sourcing initiative for a particular group of commodities and professional services. Analyzed the purchasing process, expenditures, and organizational constraints. Optimize the size of the organization supply base to reduce the cost of goods and services. Established internal relationships, identified cost savings opportunities and developed new procurement strategies.
* Developed and implemented contracting strategies to increase operational efficiencies and profitability
* Managed sourcing projects that included high risk, large cost and complex negotiations
* Educated departments regarding strategic sourcing through mettings and formal policies and procedures
* Directed and provided guidance to departments ensuring project requirements and objectives were met
Planning and Development
Project Manager
1997-1999
Managed and directed the City participation in residential and commercial development ventures with private developers and other governmental bodies. Formulated, developed and prepared written plans for housing and social services neighborhood projects. Delivered oral presentations to the Mayor and his Chief of Staff members outlining development opportunities and project status.
* Implemented and directed $5.2 million real estate acquisition strategy for residential development.
* Conducted land use condition survey to market available sites to potential developers
* Managed the development of 200 new market rate homes and a 5-acre school campus park
* Created commercial land use plan to depict existing and future commercial development
* Directed and coordinated activities of architects, developers and various city municipal agencies
Regional Transportation Authority
Manager of Procurement and Facility Operations
1995-1997
Managed, directed, planned and oversaw the daily operations of procurement, office services, space planning, remodeling and general building services. Forecasted, developed and maintained departmental budget. Negotiated professional services agreements. Provided managerial direction and guidance to support department staff deadlines and financial objectives. Managed Procurement and Office Service staff.
* Reduced procurement and office service budget by 25%
* Analyzed workflow process, implemented changes, and reduced purchasing and contract processing time
* Developed and implemented contract reporting system to manage $10 million goods and services
* Revised and implemented new policies and procedures with a procurement training program
Education
Master of Business Administration (MBA)
Marketing Communications
DeVry University - Keller Graduate School
Bachelor of Science (BS)
Major: Management
Chicago State University
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