Kenneth M. Kiernan
*** *. ********* ** ******* IL 60622
HYPERLINK "mailto:******@*****.***" ******@*****.***
I am an experienced National Buyer seeking opportunity to further my professional development. In over eight years of purchasing experience in a variety of categories and contexts, I have provided superior service, creative thinking and professionalism to the organizations in which I have been employed. I seek to continue utilizing these talents in a challenging environment.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
WISCO - WELDING INDUSTRIAL SUPPLY COMPANY 2018-2019
Buyer
Provides Customer Service and Vendor Management for Inside and Outside Sales. Inventory Management -- Processes receiving and reviews inventory daily. Places Purchase Orders and contacts vendors for shipping updates.
KUSTOM SEATING UNLIMITED 2017 - 2018
Buyer
Ensured manufacturing shop is supplied with materials and supplies to meet production schedule.
Processed invoices, Advanced Shipping Notifications, and Ship Plans.
Forecast quarterly usage of inventory to create and update Purchase Orders.
MIFAB INC. 2014-2017 Chicago IL
Buyer
Vendor management for a global manufacturing company. Primary contact for overseas vendors (Asia and the Middle East).Prepared Purchase Orders to fill Sales Orders nationwide and maintain warehouse inventory.
Coordinated overseas shipments to the US and Middle East.
Maintained Inventory database and tracked warehouse transfers.
NORTHEASTERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY 2013 Chicago IL
Buyer
Reviewed requisitions for adequacy of specifications for supplies and services.
Entered purchase orders into Banner and issued contracts as required.
Prepared bid invitations, selected qualified bidders, secured quotations, and made awards.
Maintained bid applications, disclosure forms, insurance certificates, W-9s and procurement files.
CATALYST RANCH 2011-2012 Chicago IL
Client Services Manager
Received meeting calls, placed holds on calendar, prepared Meeting Bids and Contracts. Ensured signed contract and deposit are received by due date.
Maintained and developed client relationship after meeting has taken place.
Conducted Tours with clients through the facility.
Coordinated each meeting’s specific details with the client, including but not limited to: time frames, headcounts, room set up, supply and Audio Visual needs, all catering orders, deliveries to and from the Ranch and any other information pertinent to the client’s satisfaction.
Maintained and expanded the Ranch’s client profiles in ACT (customer management system).
Tracked referrals with A/R dept. to ensure collection of outstanding commission.
NATIONAL SAFETY COUNCIL 2008-2009 Itasca IL
Buyer
Purchased a wide variety of print and other media, including books, CDs, advertising, and various mail solicitations.
Also purchased non-media products, services, equipment and supplies necessary to NSC daily operations from a variety of sources.
Solicited competitive bids and negotiated for best pricing.
Responsible for inventory control of print and other media purchases, including anticipating inventory fluctuations and cyclical demand while maintaining appropriate inventory levels.
Established new vendor opportunities, and maintained existing vendor relationships, to ensure optimal cost savings opportunities.
Monitored inventory levels and initiated production of materials printed in-house.
FOLLETT HIGHER EDUCATION GROUP (FHEG) 2000-2007 Oak Brook IL
Book Buyer, Professional Reference
Purchased Professional Reference for academic bookstores managed by FHEG.
Responsible for 250 stores with Professional Reference, offering assistance/advice and training on day-to-day store issues, troubleshooting problems, and providing customer service in daily communication with store management and staff at a variety of college bookstores nationwide.
Initiated and maintained relationships with vendors, publishers, and distributors.
Reviewed new product lines with vendors representatives monthly to determine placement for sale in various stores.
Created and maintained a changing master database of law reference titles for use in store ordering process.
Created sales promotions to be utilized by stores to generate additional sales.
Traveled on a semi-monthly basis to stores nationwide for review of store processes and maintenance, displays, and promotions.
Profiled store subject categories based on sales history, floor space, enrollments, and courses offered.
Created merchandise purchase orders of frontlist product, determined quantities for and anticipated replenishment of product, generated returns lists for out-of-print titles.
EDUCATION
Substantial portion of MA in English, DePaul University
BA Journalism, DePaul University
National Merit Honor Society Scholar