Kara L. Zakula
[pic]
***** *. ****** ***** **. - New Berlin, WI 53151 - 414-***-**** -
www.linkedin.com/in/karazakula - **********@**********.***
Accomplished multifaceted supply chain professional with broad experience
in purchasing, planning, component expediting, sales, marketing,
engineering support and electro-mechanical/hydraulics assembly. Core team
member and team player that is highly responsive to internal and external
customer needs. Adept in consistent "on time" procurement of parts and
schedules through development of strong supplier, operations and NPD team
relationships. Outstanding communication, presentation, and leadership
qualifications. Flexibility allows for success in both independent and in
cross functional team environments. Experience includes the medical
device, industrial drive, transformer/line reactor, hydraulic/pneumatic and
electro-mechanical industries.
Demonstrated Specialties & Skills
Quality Parts Procurement JIT LEAN
Kanban Cycle Count
Inventory
New Supplier Development Key Supplier Relations Management
Pricing
Service Component Management Strategic Market & Business Planning
Training & Team Development
Technical Assembly Supply Chain MRP &
ERP
Professional Experience
Mortara Instrument - Milwaukee, Wisconsin February 2006
- February 2013
Buyer Planner
. Reviewed system reports to plan for jobs slated for assembly and managed
associated purchase orders required to
fill component demands
. Released, prioritized and procured parts for outside assembly of printed
circuit board kits through the
stock room and contract manufacturer
. Reviewed shortage parts for jobs and responded to sales coordinators and
production manager on status and availability
. Created daily and weekly reports and schedules to build jobs based on
customer orders
. Attended and reported at weekly hand shake meetings with the production
supervisor and production
manager regarding weekly build schedules
. Participated in supplier audits
IDC Industrial Drives & Controls - New Berlin, Wisconsin
February 2003 - February 2006
Sales & Operations Coordinator
. Key liaison between sales and customers; main conduit to sales team
regarding customer needs
. Developed and sent out quotes to customers
. Attended product promotional events
. Developed and maintained tracking systems for daily operations
. Entered and coordinated customer orders
. Front line customer service contact coordinating the distribution of
field support requests to other departments
TCI Trans-Coil Inc - Milwaukee, Wisconsin November 1998 -
January 2003
Career Progression
Buyer - Customer Service Representative
. Coordinated services for make to order parts
. Procured all purchased parts to support customer orders in all phases of
assembly - custom orders and cores
. Maintained purchase order status reports, late vendor status reports and
returned goods reports
. Core team member attending daily production meetings with assembly leads,
planners, schedulers and the
customer service team
. Managed safety stock and zero cost reports
. Reviewed purchase orders and acknowledgements for accuracy on all out
going orders
Marketing Assistant
. Liaison between customers and CSR (Customer Response Team)
. Planned, implemented, monitored and updated corporate sales and marketing
team strategies
. Developed and implemented customer surveys and also determined methods to
improve organizational performance
. Maintained and distributed literature for marketing and sales teams as
well as supporting trade shows
Wisconsin Air National Guard - Milwaukee, Wisconsin October
1985 - January 1999
128th Refueling Wing
E5 Staff Sergeant
Crew Chief & Hydraulic Mechanic
Served as a Guardsman for 12 years. Organized planned and executed
troubleshooting, maintenance checks,
rebuilt hydraulic/pneumatic components on KC-135 E and R model aircraft.
. Active duty participant in Desert Shield and Desert Storm
. Deployed and stationed for operations in Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Spain
. Frequently trained and mentored fellow guard members
. Military awards include:
Air Force Achievement Medal Air Force Outstanding Unit
Award With Valor
Air Reserve Forces Meritorious Service Medal National Defense Service
Medal
Southwest Asia Service Medal Air Force Longevity Service
Award
Air Force Training Ribbon Cold War Service Recognition
Wisconsin Air National Guard - Milwaukee, Wisconsin October 1985
- January 1997
128th Refueling Wing
Selected Civil Service - Hydraulic Mechanic
Served as an Air Technician for over 10 years full time. Organized planned
and executed troubleshooting,
maintenance checks, rebuilt hydraulic/pneumatic components on KC-135 E and
R model aircraft.
. Selected Civil Service WG-10 Step 5
. Frequently trained and mentored fellow guard members
Education
Alverno College - Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Completed Business Communication Coursework
Milwaukee Area Technical College - Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Business Communications
Chanute Air force Base - Rantoul, Illinois
Hydraulics and Pneumatics
Professional Affiliations
APICS
Volunteer Experience
. Wisconsin Air National Guard Color Guard
. Wisconsin Air National Guard Recruiting Campaigns - State Fair
. Saint Sava Sumadija International Folklore Dance Group
. Holiday Folk Fair International Volunteer