THOM MERRILL

**** *. ********, *******, ** *****; ac0vso@r.postjobfree.com; Ph.: 316-***-****

Contracting and Purchasing professional with leadership experience in strategic planning, supply chain development, special projects/new business, negotiations, budgeting, and inventory control. Key positions held in defense/aerospace, start-ups (communications & airframe), commercial, and OEM.

PROFESSIONAL OVERVIEW

Orchestrated several IPTs in proposal negotiations with USAF/USA/USN for major prime contractor: Maintained 12%+ NOP for negotiated projects; maintained uninterrupted production and delivery of aircraft, simulators, aircraft sustainment, and ammunition.

Directed diverse teams in establishing effective supply chains within several industries: Includes defense/aerospace, electronics, aviation, HVAC, and telecommunications [wire and wireless].

Sourced and implemented company-wide ERP / MRP systems: SAP and PeopleSoft, among others.

Proficient with the FAR/DFARS including Government Property, MMAS, EVMS, and Estimating.

Reorganized purchasing department to increase efficiency and reporting accuracy: Outcome was 50% labor savings.

Successfully implemented supplier initiatives and purchasing card program across multiple divisions.

EMPLOYMENT BACKGROUND

BEECHCRAFT DEFENSE COMPANY, LLC – Wichita, KS Aircraft Manufacturer/Integrator

Senior Contracts Negotiator 2009 – 2016

Led proposal teams in development and submittal of FAR/DFARS compliant proposals with an on time submittal rate of 95%.

Led and developed negotiation team strategies: Maintained 12% net operating profit (NOP).

Directed work to begin after finalizing contract award documents and distributing budgets.

Oversaw the delivery of hardware and data in accordance with contract requirements.

Successfully led Government Property team to maintain annual DCMA approval of property system.

Redesigned department procedures: Maintained annual ISO/AS9100C compliance @ 100%.

ECLIPSE AVIATION CORPORATION – Albuquerque, NM Startup Aircraft Manufacturer

Senior Procurement Lead 2005 – 2009

Led Structures Group (four Buyers): This experienced team allowed quick turn for engineering improvements to the airframe when required during development and production block changes.

Composite sourcing and supply manager: Personally developed the composite production sources, to include tooling sourcing, for aircraft composite parts (i.e., fairings, tip tanks, radomes, cabin panels, rudders, empennages, etc.).

Negotiated major subcontracts for all composite parts on aircraft (EA 500 VLJ): Reduced composite part costs by 45% which includes negotiations with prepreg providers to assist in reducing our composite parts manufacturers’ costs.

Special projects leader: First production manager for Wing/Tip Tank modifications.

THOM MERRILL

6930 E. Woodbury, Wichita, KS 67226; ac0vso@r.postjobfree.com; Ph.: 316-***-****

DANTHERM, INC. – Spartanburg, SC Tel-Co HVAC Manufacturer

North American Purchasing/Sourcing Manager 2004 – 2005

Developed supply chain for new product development: Awarded competitive $57M contract.

Increased production efficiencies by cutting supplier lead time by 50%: Resulting delivery for populated telecom cabinets < 6 weeks from 10-12 weeks.

L-3 COMMUNICATIONS – Alpharetta, GA Defense Avionics Displays

Director, Procurement & Materials 2002 – 2004

Department Head for Purchasing, Subcontracting, and Materials groups for $70M division: Directed staff of 48 persons including professional and hourly work groups.

Developed policies and procedures and directed staff training: Acquired ACO Contractor Purchasing System Review (CPSR) approval per FAR/DFARS.

Cut supplier base by 60%; negotiated and issued major subcontracts: Reduced material costs by 10%; cut lead times by 3 months.

POWERTEL, INC. – LaGrange, GA Startup Wireless Telecom Provider

Corporate Purchasing Manager 1999 – 2001

Successfully directed $450M material budget: Company now exists as part of T-Mobile

Established reliable supply base to improve quality and delivery: Zero material outages

Created, trained, and applied corporate purchasing policy within multiple divisions: Resulted in disciplined and streamlined acquisition system.

RELTEC CORPORATION – LaGrange, GA Telecommunications Integrator

Corporate Sourcing Manager 1996 – 1999

Sourced strategic suppliers and negotiated with electronics and raw material manufacturers for multi-plant division: $3 Million material savings in first year.

Reduced vendor base by 25%: Consequence was 33% reduction in price on mature products.

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND

Minnesota State University – Mankato; Bachelor of Science Degree – Open Studies/Business

MILITARY SERVICE

United States Navy – Honorable Discharge

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