Beckie Huffman

952-***-****

ady0n0@r.postjobfree.com

EXPERIENCE TYPE

A broad range of companies including retail (brick & mortar, catalog, E-commerce), manufacturing, distribution & finance. With a depth of product types including apparel, health & beauty, outdoor, party supplies, bicycle parts & accessories, and pet supplies.

TECHNOLOGY EXPERIENCE

Proficient with MPR & ERP systems, SAP/Webi BI, Microsoft Office (especially Excel), Adobe, SharePoint, JIRA, Syspro, Retek, Jaspersoft, SmartSheet, JBA, MP2 and other internal retail software.

HIGHLIGHTS OF QUALIFICATIONS

Experienced buyer contributing to the rapid growth of prominent brick-and-mortar,

e-commerce, distribution, manufacturing and catalog companies

Sophisticated planning and analytical skills

Proven track record of meeting or exceeding financial goals

Skilled at identifying issues and solving problems

Adept at seizing new opportunities, setting priorities, and achieving goals

Passionate about improving processes and streamlining operations

Team player able to collaborate with colleagues to achieve mutual success

Consistently delivers high-quality service to internal and external customers

WORK EXPERIENCE

Caregiver -6 mos September 2022-February 2023

Zinpro -11 mos Eden Prairie, Minnesota

Family owned for more than 50 years, Zinpro improves the health and wellbeing of both animals and people as a pioneer in the research and development of performance trace minerals and innovative solutions. With regional sales offices in 11 countries and products marketed in more than 70 countries worldwide, Zinpro is the global leader in advancing greater nutrition and smarter practices for a better, more sustainable world.

Purchasing Agent November 2021-Septemer 2022

Developed SAP training documents and best practices

Managed over $100 million of incoming raw goods and over 450 rolling purchase orders (100+ incoming per month)

Partnered with transportation, three plants, a subcontractor and a warehouse/distribution center to ensure the right amount of raw goods are supplied on time

Worked closely with suppliers in an extremely tight material supply and transportation shortage market

Created SOPs (standard operating procedure) and process documentation, providing clear direction for all areas of responsibility

Teamed up with IT to significantly reduce the time to create and print POs -being able to create and print multiple POs automatically, saving hours of labor per week

Updated hundreds of SAP data fields creating more accurate purchases and reporting

Federal Package Network -8 mos Chanhassen, Minnesota

A contract manufacturer in business for over 40 years, FDA registered and Organic certified. Offering the entire process of research and development; formulation; blending and filling; decorating and labeling; and health and beauty containers. Any single or combinations of these services.

Sr. Buyer October 2020-May 2021

Negotiated a contract estimated to save $36K in 2021. Savings of contract and other negotiations, $21K for Jan-May

Completed category request for competitive quote. Estimated to save $35K in 2021 and $50-$90K in 2022 for packaging and labels

Managed all aspects of 2 two major container decorating projects, expected to grow the business and provide more services for our customers

Created SOPs (standard operating procedure) and process documentation, providing clear direction for all areas of responsibility

Learned to read engineering specifications

Anagram International -2 yrs Eden Prairie, Minnesota

The world’s largest manufacturer of foil balloons with offices and distributors all over the world. Anagram is a subsidiary of Party City Holdings Inc.

Sr. International Buyer October 2018-October 2020

Managed $22M+ inventory portfolio, determined inventory levels, re-order processing and direct procurement of product

Created process documentation for all areas of overseas buying, and the current categories managed by the Purchasing Manager and continued to develop overseas sourcing and supplier relationships

Trained in the MRO Buyer position to develop process improvements, documentation and efficiencies, with over 230 Suppliers and over $8M in orders

Proactively sought out IT partnership to develop purchasing reporting, becoming more automated and created new reports to grow the departments knowledge in multiple areas

Became a trusted IT partner to be one of few trained on Cognos BI

Developed automated container calculator saving over $100K per year in freight

Quality Bicycle Products (QBP) -8 yrs, 5 mos Minneapolis, Minnesota

QBP is the nation’s largest distributor of bicycle parts and accessories and a brand-creation leader. Buying products from the best bicycle-industry brands, the company distributes them to independent bicycle and outdoor retailers. QBP owns over 20 proprietary brands and partners with bike dealers to carve out new niches in the industry.

Brands Sr. Buyer & Soft Goods Product Manager November 2013-July 2018

Oversaw sales of $3M in soft goods for internal brands, negotiated with suppliers, ensured on-time delivery, executed data analysis, generated PO forecasts, determined pricing, and directed procurement of international and domestic products

Managed multiple brand projects, timelines and tasks simultaneously

Forecasted and purchased all soft goods for proprietary brands and executed product development

Responsible for managing new soft goods development from product concept to sketches, patterns, and colorization on to final production and market. Most recently worked on our newest brand, KETL Mountain Apparel

Negotiated with suppliers to increase margins and obtain the right product at the right time. Sought out products with best value for the price and quality

Worked with teams to replenish best sellers, review products at the end of their lifecycle and move through an exit strategy

Distribution Sr. Buyer (III to IV) March 2010- November 2013

Demonstrated departmental leadership by developing and implementing improvements and training co-workers. QBP management recognized these outstanding contributions by creating a new position for me: Distribution Senior Buyer IV.

Developed closeout/discontinued template and rolled out to the Purchasing dept, resulting in the reduction of over $255K of product and saving over $25K in potential carrying costs, in addition to freeing over 200 bin spaces

Realized the need for more concise communication with IT to develop reports and eliminate duplication. Became the guardrail keeper between Purchasing and IT when translating needs and approving priorities.

Developed pipeline strategy with a supplier prior to price increases gaining $100K in margin dollars and 1.5% margin.

Identified opportunities for process improvements creating a $30K departmental savings.

Target.com- 4 yrs, 6 mos Minneapolis, Minnesota

The third most searched online retailer (during my employment), hosting the majority the in-store assortment and 1000’s of additional skus.

Special Projects Buyer February 2008- March 2010

Supported the Merchandising Division with projects to help drive sales and improve the guest experience

Developed a robust and relevant data structure (left navigation/filters) for 165 categories within 10 departments

Researched competitors to analyze navigation structure, copy, images, technology and refinements to develop recommendations for structure creation and improvements

Developed numerous tracking and research tools aiding in consistency and speed of main project

Seasonal and Pets Buyer October 2005-Februray 2008

Merchandised Seasonal Categories including Valentines Day, Easter, Halloween, Christmas and more, along with the Pet Category.

Received the 2007 Target.com “Excellence Award” given to only five people in the company

Increased sales by 72% for the Seasonal Category

Expanded assortment by 170% through drop-ship vendors, reducing the need for warehouse space, markdowns, and increasing turnover by not holding excess inventory

Worked with vendors on discounts, pricing, rebate programs and dating

Created a plan with shipping team to use Mail Innovations for largest vendor, reducing shipping costs

Collaborated with largest vendor to increase expedited shipping of Halloween costumes resulting in a 395% increase in sales for those days

Serendipity-do-da.com- 2 yrs, 6 mos Eden Prairie, Minnesota

An online gift basket company built on delighting its customers with themed gift baskets.

Owner April 2002-October 2008

Managed all aspects of the company from developing basket themes, purchasing, assembly, web development, sales and marketing.

EDUCATION

University of Minnesota, St. Paul, Major: Retail Merchandising, B.S. Degree

VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE

Eden Prairie Baseball Association Board 2020-present

Everyday Miracles 2010-present

St. Paul Women’s Shelter 2010-2018

Free bikes for Kidz 2010-2012

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