EDWIN GARCIA

Procurement Professional

ac1azu@r.postjobfree.com

**** ***** ***** *****

Palmetto, Florida 34221

CELL 314-***-****

Category Management Professional with Produce and Food Procurement Experience

Market Fresh Produce Tampa Florida

01-2016 to 12-2016

Category Manager:

negotiating competitive cost of goods

developing and maintaining rapport with growers, shippers and vendors

creating logistical efficiencies throughout the supply chain.

Sourcing quality product at the right price

growing sales with weekly hot buys and Ad items.

ensure suppliers meet quality and design standards

exercise sound judgement to facilitate efficient, cost saving operations.

Maintaining daily contact with customers and building relationships

problem solving, and assessing customer need with excellent customer service

support the company vision and program. Ability to travel for company business.

Save-A-Lot St. Louis, Mo. A Supervalu Banner

07-2007 to 10-2015

Produce Buyer

4.5 Billion Dollar Corporation; 400 million dollar Produce Department with 1500 Retail Grocery Stores.

procurement of produce direct from the shipper for 15 Distribution centers

Managed produce categories to ensure a greater than 98% Service Level.

negotiated cost and pricing of products ensuring the most competitive prices.

Instituted national promotional pricing and Ads with suppliers.

Enhanced the competitive position and profitability of the company.

Introduced new products to stores increasing retail sales and margins.

Promoted local grown programs and out buys with a focus on customer centricity.

Attended conferences: PMA, Southern Expo, visited key shippers, their fields and packing plants as well as visits to our own Distribution centers.

Sysco and US Foods

Experienced Senior Category Manager

Foodservice Category Manager

Experienced in procurement of Grocery, Coffee, Juices, Dispenser Beverages, Frozen foods, Produce, and dairy

Managed chain accounts, developed monthly flyers and weekly hot sheets.

Analyzed weekly and daily market changes in prices and availability

Presented and Launched new items to the Sales Force

Consolidated Vendors and SKU rationalization to maximize best programs

Negotiated new and existing programs with supplier’s,

Increased logistics profit margin by double digits.

managed to grow exclusive brands by 20% increasing profit margin by 12%

maintained a 99.7 % Service Level, kept inventory and obsolete inventory levels within company policies and exceeded my earned Income goals.

Education: State University of New York @ Albany BS Degree in Accounting

Office Skills: Purchasing programs utilized – Quick books, Perishables System, Triceps, AS400, E3, and Prizm. Additional computer skills include Microsoft Word, Power Point, Excel, Internet, Intranet and Outlook.

References: An Impressive list of References will be furnished upon request

Awards & Training:

Training of Produce Interns through a Program we call Produce University a training and mentoring program to enhance knowledge of the produce industry and strengthen their professional skill set

Completion of Produce training class given by Paul W. Manol Vice President / Lead Instructor

International Produce Training Former Federal Inspector

Quality Assurance Inspector Store Manager Perishable Training

This is a two-week long training program at the Florida Distribution Center and training store. The first week was spent as a store manager trainee. The second week at the DC was spent working with QAI inspecting produce.

Maximizing Perishable Operations Training Program, A week long perishable training program with emphasis on Meat, Produce and Sanitation at Store level

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