Supply Chain Strategic Sourcing

DEANNE M. KUSCHE, CPM, CPIM, CSCP

New Richmond, WI 419-***-**** ********@*****.***

SUMMARY

Experienced leader with extensive background in Global Strategic Sourcing, Import trade compliance, inventory control, purchasing, and materials management. Possess thorough understanding of SIOP, one-piece flow, Kanban, point-of-use inventory, and Lean manufacturing, with in depth knowledge of MRP, Oracle, QAD, JDEdwards, Mapics XA and AS400 systems. Expert user of Microsoft Office Suite. Recognized for building highly motivated teams and effective communication skills.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Texas Hydraulics March 2022 – March 2025

Director, Strategic Sourcing

Reported directly to the GM and Responsible for overall sourcing strategy exceeding $50M and supporting multiple business units.

Proficiently identified and qualified suppliers with a proven record of delivering products that align with Business Goals and adhere to SQDC principles to enhance cost-effectiveness.

Drove cost savings of $1.5M per year by leading negotiations with suppliers to secure favorable total cost savings.

Optimize the supply chain processes and supplier relationships to drive cost savings, improve quality and mitigate supply chain risk.

Spearheaded make vs buy decisions for machined components and plated rod/tube.

Collaborate with sales managers on long-term strategic supply, price, and logistics issues.

Support annual re-cost efforts, including supplier cost analysis.

Completed annual CMRT, COO certifications and Free-Trade Agreements

Implemented supplier evaluation tool for quality, delivery and cost which helped to improved supplier on time delivery from under 50% to above 95%.

Led the improvement of the FAI (first article) process within the entire organization.

Certified internal ISO-9001 auditor.

Northwire, a LEMO Group Company, Osceola, WI July 2015 – March 2022

Manager, Strategic Sourcing & Shipping/Receiving

Responsible for locating and maintaining the best sources of supply for Northwire components, materials and services. Evaluate all aspects of the relationships with suppliers, including quality, value and the ability to respond quickly to changing supply requirements. Select suppliers that can act as long-term partners and help the company meet growth objectives.

Drove improvement in supplier scorecards from 50% to above 97% OTD in 2016.

Negotiated annual cost savings of 2% through developing strategic supplier partnerships and sourcing channels.

Lead negotiations of all capital expenses (capital equipment assets & facility maintenance).

Act as the sourcing leader in the electronics commodities.

WARREN RUPP, INC., A unit of Idex Corporation, Mansfield, OH January 2006 – July 2015

International Trade Compliance and Global Category Sourcing Manager (2014)

Lead Warren Rupp’s trade compliance strategy, policy, programs, tools and related projects to ensure compliance with export and import laws and regulations. Provide full responsibility and leadership for assigned spend categories, working closely with multiple business units, developing strategies and coordinating on a global basis all related supply chain activities to assure that total cost of ownership and value-added requirements are met.

Actively works across functions to ensure that import/export compliance is maintained while ensuring that overall organization objectives are supported. Provide education and training on import/export policies and procedures.

Supports the maintenance of international trade data within the ERP operating system. Leads import/export classification process.

Responsible for monitoring and communicating the impact of changing regulations to key stakeholders.

Responsible for the leadership and development of three direct reports.

Champion of the Strategic Sourcing processes, ensures consistent application of processes, drives strategic thinking within the supply chain organization.

Oversees all activities related to the management of assigned spend, from intent to purchase through delivery of commodity/service.

Recruit, maintain and manage world-class suppliers with focus on total cost of ownership improvements while maintaining the highest code of ethics and conduct.

Plans, organizes, directs, controls and communicates all strategic sourcing activities related to assigned spend.

Materials & International Trade Compliance Manager (2013-2014)

Orchestrate processes that affect material movement, from supplier to assembly line. Handle inventory planning (PFEP), purchase order processing, forecast visibility, logistics, compliance, and material flow within facility, including off-site warehouses and accuracy of inventory locations. Report to VP of Supply Chain & Operations with four direct reports.

Responsible for the design and maintenance of the import/export compliance audit program in accordance with governmental and ISO guidelines.

Design, coordination, and lead material flow into and within facility, including off-site warehousing.

Guide planning and administration of annual physical inventory count.

Develop, implement, and manage import / export compliance procedures and documentation.

Guide supplier negotiations for inventory replenishment methods, such as Kanban, consignment, and point of use. Manage existing programs and communication with supply chain. Work with category Sourcing Managers to leverage buys and establish contracts.

Maintain accuracy and integrity of $8M of inventory and daily activities regarding transactional events.

Materials Manager (2008-2013)

Oversaw $42M annual spend and approved supply chain supporting manufacturing in North America. Controlled purchase price variance for non-contractual supply chains and ensured on-time delivery from suppliers. Supervised process improvements in buying and inventory control activities.

Maintained material KPIs and reported on action plans and countermeasures to executive staff on monthly basis.

Managed daily Commodity Buyers activities.

Led continuous improvement of inventory turns and dollars on hand.

Regularly evaluated suppliers and issued supplier scorecards. Identified problem areas within internal / external material management processes and established action plans for improvements.

Reviewed EOZ inventory and established action plans to reduce and eliminate potential of EOZ.

International Commodity Buyer / Import Compliance Coordinator (2006-2008)

Ensured compliance with Customs Bureau of Protection regulations for two locations in Mansfield and Versa-Matic Pump Group located in Export, PA. Purchased all production requirements for components sourced in Asia and India for both manufacturing facilities as well as domestic sand cast aluminum and stampings for Warren Rupp Inc.

Designates product classifications according to tariff codes.

Initiated purchase orders (POs) and amendments for parts, services, and capital tools.

Worked with plant engineering team to ensure timely execution of product and service sourcing activities.

Analyzed impact to company when quotes and delivery competitiveness were required.

Actively participated in RFQ / RFB process, PO process, and supplier contract negotiations.

Tracked inflationary impacts and determined impact to manufacturing profit.

Implemented visual Kanban / pull system with one supplier, resulting in 77% reduction of inventory on-hand at Warren Rupp ($150K reduction).

EDUCATION & CERTIFICATIONS

Bachelor of Applied Science in Court Reporting, TEIKYO WESTMAR UNIVERSITY, LeMars, IA (May 1994)

ISO 13485:2016 Lead Auditor Certified (February 2021)

DOT – Hazardous Materials Ground Transportation (November 2018)

RMC Project Management Tricks of the Trade Training (December 2015)

Greenbelt Certified in Negotiation (January 2012)

Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) (2007)

Certified in Production & Inventory Management (CPIM) (2000)

Certified Purchasing Manager (CPM) (1997)

PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS

Member of local Apics Chapter

Member of International Compliance Professionals Association (ICPA)

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