Purchasing, Inventory Mgmt, SAP, Vendor Partnership, Entreprenurial
Resume:
Beckie Huffman
**********@*******.***
SUMMARY
I have built my career on developing strong relationships and providing outstanding service to my internal and external customers by taking pride in making things better than I found them and a passion for suply chain, purchasing and analytics. Drawing on a deep background in inventory control, forecasting, product development, assortment planning, and finance. I specialize in transforming untapped potential into profitable results. I successfully work cross-company with internal/external customers and suppliers. I am driven to improve processes and develop strategies that move the business forward.
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, including product development and NPI.
TECHNOLOGY EXPERIENCE
Proficient with MPR & ERP systems, SAP/Webi BI, Microsoft Office (especially Excel), Adobe, SharePoint, LN, JIRA, Syspro, Concour, Medius, 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
Nilfisk - Contract
Nilfisk is a world leader in professional cleaning products, solutions and services, offering a range of
commercial vacuums, industrial vacuums, floor cleaning machines, and pressure washers.
MRO & Material Buyer 4/2024- present
Implementing cost savings of an average of 15% within first 3 months
Streamlining MRO process & reporting capabilities, by creating Sharepoint lists
Created replenishment system for 5S items with barcode scannable system
Managing all MRO purchasing in addition to non-MRO buying
SAP Implementation Team 10/2023- 4/2024
Developing SAP training documents and best practices
Creating data verification templates
Partnering with vendors for data verification and scrub
Caregiver 9/2022-5/2023
Zinpro
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 11/2021-9/2022
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
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 10/2020-5/2021
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
The world’s largest manufacturer of foil balloons with offices and distributors all over the world.
Sr. International Buyer 10/2018-10/2020
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)
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 11/2013-7/2018
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) 3/2010- 11/2013
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
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 2/2008- 3/2010
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 10/2005-2/2008
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
An online gift basket company built on delighting its customers with themed gift baskets.
Owner 4/2002-10/2008
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 2023-present
Everyday Miracles 2010-present
St. Paul Women’s Shelter 2010-2018
Free bikes for Kidz 2010-2012
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