Purchasing/Inventory Manager
Resume:
Kristy-Jo Croman
Harrisburg, PA 17112
Email: *****@*****.***
Cell: 717-***-****
Career Profile
Forward-thinking, results-driven and enthusiastic Buyer with thirty years of purchasing/procurement experience in diverse industries including gaming, hospitality, equipment, recreation, manufacturing, construction and food service. Exceptional organization, communications, forecast accuracy, negotiation, attention-to-detail and problem-solving skills used to maximize cost-effective business operations that grow company profit dollars.
Areas of Effectiveness
Buyer/Purchasing Agent
Strategic Sourcing
Logistics/Inventory Replenishment
Strategic Planning/Forecasting
Contract Negotiations
Stock Control
Bid Preparation/Analysis
Vendor/Supplier Relations
Trainer/Mentor
Professional Experience
Rite Aid Jan. 2020 – Sept. 2024
Replenishment Buyer
Purchased products for distribution centers ensuring that levels are appropriate to support stores.
Maintained distribution centers instock targets, when accounting for vendor supply issues, at 95% or greater.
Suggested transfers between distribution centers to help balance excess inventory or dated product.
Monitored and researched supply constraints across suppliers.
Worked with the category team on product and purchase order issues, excess and outdated product issues.
Evaluated and collaborated with suppliers and category management teams on reduction of MOQs
Challenged forward/incremental buy requests by providing data on current inventory position when necessary.
Sechan Electronics – Lititz, Pa March 2019 – Jan.2020
Buyer
Purchased electronics for government equipment builds based on specific product matrix per the customer.
Ensured accuracy, cost effectiveness and on time delivery of purchased products.
Worked with planning team and engineers to find alternatives for products when needed.
Kelly Services – TE Connectivity, Middletown, PA Nov. 2018 –March 2019
Buyer
Purchased electronic items for factory builds by issuing approved purchase orders
to suppliers within agreed upon timelines.
Communicate quality/delivery issues to management.
Kristy-Jo Croman Resume Page 2 of 3
Penn National Gaming - Hollywood Casino at Penn National Race Course, Grantville, PA May 2010 to Dec. 2017
Buyer
Purchased products/supplies for Facilities, IT, Track Maintenance, Gaming and Food & Beverage Departments.
Sourced reliable vendors for goods and services which saved approximately $10k a year by negotiating favorable contracts.
Priced requisitions accurately and created /tracked purchase orders and communicated issues with the end users.
Maintained accurate vendor records and ensured compliance with internal controls and the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board.
Worked with payables department to guarantee that payments were processed properly.
Trained in-house and off-site employees on the purchasing system.
Continually grew the minority vendor base by 2% each year.
Precision Industries, Omaha, NE @ Hershey Co., Hershey, PA Dec 2008 to March 2010
Site Manager
Purchased items for factory and tracked delivery of products.
Supervised storeroom personnel as well as a buyer.
Decreased GR/IR issues, in SAP, by 75%.
Verified daily inventory which showed continual improvement of stock items needed.
Baystate Pool Supplies/Mainline Distributing/Distribution, King of Prussia, PA Sept. 2003 to July 2008
Purchasing Agent / Inventory Management
Purchased $1.5M pool supplies/products and managed inventory for a very seasonal business.
Crafted reports to make seasonal and early buy-in purchases to achieve more accurate/proper inventory levels as well as developed reports on customer sales for specific vendors and the sales force.
Created and organized yearly inventory processes.
Handled O&E/RGA issues, customer return, accounts payables issues surrounding customer product credits.
Worked with vendors for yearly buy-ins, pricing, deals and marketing.
Maintained pricing in the system for purchase orders and customer invoices.
Solely responsible for the yearly customer catalog.
Newell Rubbermaid, Exton, PA April 2002 to April 2003
Forecast Analyst
Forecasted and analyzed Graco’s imported items for the Toys R Us/Babies R Us account.
Revamped the forecasting model using history, inventory status, import issues and promotions which saved five hours of work each week.
Reviewed weekly point of sale to determine if any changes needed to be made in projections, trends or if competitive product was affecting Graco’s sales.
Wrote weekly reports explaining variances, effects of Graco products and margin losses and gains.
Kristy-Jo Croman Resume Page 3 of 3
Vimco, Inc., King of Prussia, PA April 2001 to April 2002
Purchasing Agent/Inside Sales
Purchased concrete accessories and sourced suppliers.
Procured concrete construction related products for distribution.
Researched products/suppliers that met customer project specifications while maximizing product quality and line variety.
Took customer’s orders and directed them to products that would best suit their needs.
Manpower, Inc. for Corning, Inc., Corning, New York Jan 2000 to Mar 2001
Forecast Analysis Assistant
Built, rebuilt and updated financial forecast models.
Consolidated/reconciled division/business group’s submissions with forecast/yearly plan models/schedules.
Helped implement a new computer system to more effectively handle the size of reports and spreadsheets.
Sysco Food Services, Horseheads, New York April 1986 to July 1999
Buyer/Inventory Management (01/1997 to 09/1999)
Purchased food items (frozen, dry goods, fresh chicken, produce), collaborated with brokers/suppliers to negotiate lowest price for high-quality merchandise.
Evaluated programs between suppliers and chose the ones that would bring the best product to the customer without losing market share or profits for the company which resulted in increased sales of items by 2-5% yearly and 5% cost savings of stored inventory.
Managed inventory levels up to 1,000 items utilizing JIT methodology and managed inventory levels suitable for cost efficiencies.
Planned and implemented marketing programs by aggressively persuading vendors to promote items, including regional trade shows, flyers and presentations for sales staff and end-users.
Ensured customer needs were met via training sales staff, customer service and end users.
Assistant to the Controller (Summer 1996)
Financial Promotion Assistant (Summer 1995) – Recouped $30k of unclaimed promotional dollars.
Accounts Payable Assistant Manager (04/1986 to 12/1994) – Managed OS&D issues for proper invoice payment while training and mentoring new employees.
Awards and Recognition
Penn National Gaming (Hollywood Casino at Penn National Race Course Award) - Best Support Player, 2014
Received highest salary increase allowed by company due to exceptional performance, 2017.
Top contender for “Merchandiser of the Year Award, Sysco Food Services, 1999
Education and Professional Development
B.S. - Marketing, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 1997
A.S. - Business Administration, Corning Community College, Corning, New York, 1994
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