Supply Chain Global Director

Ronald Foster

Coraopolis, PA ***** • 504-***-**** • *************@*****.***

Global Director of Sales and Procurement

Sales Leadership Chemical Manufacturing Global Leadership Supply Chain Management

Forward-thinking and results-driven global director with experience in developing innovative strategies and building high performing teams. Able to formulate tactics to maximize gross margin by customer, region, facility, and market segment, while driving growth and profitability in highly competitive markets. Highly regarded for developing, communicating, and implementing effective product line, pricing, and procurement strategies. Skilled in overseeing customer value propositions, needs-based segmentation, and margin management. Adept at cultivating strong connections in the marketplace through long-term, positive relationships with customers, key stakeholders, and industry partners.

Areas of Emphasis

Global Procurement Sales Management Operations Planning Strategic Planning Product Development

Contract Negotiations Analytical Skills Business Process Improvement Relationship Building Forecasting

Strategic Marketing Team-Building Skills Written & Verbal Communication Cross-Functional Collaboration

Project Management Pipeline Management Global Key Account Management Budgeting Customer Service

Technology Skills

Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) SAP

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

CORNERSTONE CHEMICAL COMPANY, New Orleans, LA 01/2016 – Present

Global Business Director

Lead a global team of financial and supply chain staff members based in the UK, focusing on acrylonitrile sales, marketing, and logistics. Oversee the operations of Netherlands and UK legal entities as a board member. Streamline the strategic pipeline by engaging in negotiations with distributors and storage companies. Conduct research to identify competitor trends, new technologies, and industry best practices. Analyze financial statements, reports, and data to evaluate business performance and make recommendations to maximize profitability and revenue.

Successfully managed the financial performance of global sales of acrylonitrile and its coproducts, amounting to more than $300M.

Negotiated and executed sales contracts with more than 30 customers across North America, South America, and Europe. Recommended offerings to satisfy customer needs.

Increased European sales from 18M pounds to 44M pounds and grew the customer base from 1 to 6 customers.

Effectively negotiated procurement contracts, resulting in $25M in cost reduction and operational excellence.

Successfully improved operating profitability by 22% year-over-year (YOY).

Implemented a new inventory procedure for third-party storage tanks in the United Kingdom and Europe, enhancing inventory supply.

ASCEND PERFORMANCE MATERIALS, Houston, TX 06/2013 – 12/2015

Director Raw Material Procurement

Managed a team consisting of 7 procurement staff members, ensuring continuous improvement of the purchasing process, and overseeing an annual expenditure exceeding $1B. Guided procurement processes to support the project team involved in propylene capacity expansion, including sourcing, selecting vendors, negotiating contracts, purchasing, managing inventory, and implementing cost-saving initiatives.

Oversaw the strategy and sourcing of major raw materials valued at more than $300M.

Developed strategic sourcing plans to effectively manage the growth in demand for raw materials by identifying supplier capacity limitations and implemented plans to alleviate limitations.

Designed and implemented programs and standardized processes to mitigate manufacturing supply risks.

Negotiated and enhanced contracts in 2014, resulting in company savings of $25M.

Successfully implemented a hedging strategy for the supply of natural gas.

BAYER MATERIALSCIENCE LLC, Pittsburgh, PA 05/1997 – 06/2013

Director Strategic Raw Material Procurement 08/2008 – 06/2013

Supervised a group of procurement experts charged with overseeing an annual expenditure of $800M. Developed and executed high level initiatives and standardized procedures to minimize supply risks and enhance business needs. Established and implemented sourcing strategies. Cultivated supplier relationships and developed strategies to reduce overall costs. Prepared, executed, and oversaw supply agreements across various commodities, vendors, products, and services.

Led the global sourcing efforts for essential materials in 9 countries, totaling an annual expenditure of $150M.

Identified, analyzed, negotiated, and selected suppliers, securing the highest quality standards and most cost-effective, timely delivery of materials to align with applicable guidelines.

Managed and optimized a $1.4M operating budget and ensured appropriate staffing levels.

Successfully negotiated and enhanced contracts in 2011, resulting in $15M savings for the company.

Implemented extended payment terms, leading to the reduction of working capital by $3.5M in 2011.

Earlier Experience at Bayer

Styrene Sales Manager 06/2006 – 07/2008 Leverkusen, Germany

Senior Procurement Specialist 05/1997 – 05/2006 Pittsburgh, PA

EDUCATION

DUQUESNE UNIVERSITY

Master of Business Administration, Supply Chain

PENN STATE UNIVERSITY

Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Business Logistics

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