Quality Control Supply Chain

THOMAS P SMITH

Chicago Metro Area, IL /630-***-**** /******@*************.** /linkedin.com/in/import-consulting

SUMMARY AND PROFILE

With over 200 international trips to Pacific Rim countries, I am a highly skilled consumer product operations leader with extensive experience in sourcing, logistics, and quality control for both retail and e-commerce platforms. I have a proven track record of driving revenue growth and enhancing margins through effective management of diverse product lines and distribution channels. I excel in building high-performing teams and nurturing talent at all levels. As a collaborative and strategic business consultant, I bring strong business acumen, exceptional communication skills, and a commitment to accountability, delivering impactful solutions for clients.

Expertise

EBITDA/Margin Growth Logistics/Supply Chain Customer Engagement Strategic Intl. Sourcing

Product Development Process Optimization Margin Improvement Innovative Thinking

Problem Solving Can-Do Attitude Quality Control Adaptability

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Design Toscano, Woodale, IL

Director, Global Imports & Logistics

2018 - 2025

Manage Overseas Operations, Logistics, Quality Control and Purchasing for 4000 sku resin statuary and Furniture product lines from China, Philippines, Indonesia and Thailand Logistics Management

Negotiated Ocean and Drayage rates with various freight forwarders and carriers to keep operations costs at lowest rates. Saved $400 per container on drayage costs resulting in 8-month savings of $300K

During Covid Secured containers through secondary carriers and associations to keep costs per container lower than market/premium rates, saving over $2K per container and $1.5M over 8-month period.

Researched and filed for US Government tariff exclusions on 1,600+ products, resulting in $350K+ repayment

Collaborated to develop an item-level Purchase Order tracking system to enable Customer Service, Purchasing and Accounts Payables the ability to pull real time item and order status.

Effectively managed through the major supply chain crisis by continually monitoring the market and securing vessel space and containers to keep production moving and maintain inventory levels.

Direct Import Programs

Implemented direct import programs for Amazon and Wayfair. resulting in 20% improvement in net margins, and $4.5M revenue growth and ability to see our products into other countries.

Developed tracking format to consistently meet all Amazon Direct Import requirements and timelines to ensure on-time bookings, order processing, customs clearance, and invoicing.

Hired and managed a team of 6 China based and 3 US based associates to manage Quality Control, On Time Shipping of Orders, Direct Import Management, Logistics and Consolidations.

Managed all compliance and SIOC testing for Amazon Direct Import reducing fees and fines by 80%

Quality Control

Improved production and quality control process by 2% resulting in $1.5M reduction in damages and returns in 18-month period

Guided factories in perfecting “mail pack” packaging to enable direct to consumer order fulfillment saving on warehouse stocking and labor costs.

Developed a new damage communication process to reduce specific damage return issues enabling factories to understand issues and create better solutions.

Club Colors, Inc. Schaumberg, IL

Manager - Consultant

2017 - 2018

Collaborated with sales and marketing teams to identify opportunities where direct source could expand product offerings and increase profitability.

Leveraged experience of global sourcing and product development to exceed company goals and open new business channels.

Developed and designed custom products to promote client brands and new product launches.

Lesure Arts, Inc. Little Rock, AR

International Product Development & Sourcing Consultant

2015 - 2017

Established overseas company presence by sourcing new factories which met customers’ quality and certification requirements, resulting in increased company revenue by $3M.

Implemented pricing and margin models which improved profitability with key customers: Walmart, JoAnne’s, Michaels, Target and others in the craft industry. This resulted in 6% improvement in net margin

Led innovation workshops with cross-functional support from Marketing and Sales leaders.

Delivered in-house Consultant support to the CEO of Leisure Arts, Inc.

Tiger Accessory Group, Div. of MAT Holdings, Inc, Chicago, IL

Senior Sourcing and Product Manager

2009 - 2015

Managed and led multiple corporate initiatives, including market analysis, strategic planning, sourcing, cost savings, obsolete inventory, product development, pricing, packaging, and sales materials.

Maintained distribution oversight of 500 + SKUs through collaboration with Sales leadership, developing and presenting customer-specific programs.

Analyzed market landscape and developed promotional plans which won over $4M in new business with large home improvement retailers.

Developed new line of LED emergency/warning lights for new retail channel, creating incremental revenue of $1.5M.

Delivered $520K cost savings through implementing strategic sourcing procedures and leveraging high volume products.

ADDITIONAL EXPERIENCE

Outside Senior Import Category Manager - for customer Albertsons/Jewel - Osco

Product Consulting Agent to Chinese Factories

EDUCATION AND OTHERS

Argosy University/Georgia Southern University

Bachelor of Science, Business Administration

Interests

Feed my Starving Children

Lurie Children’s Hospital

Trap Shooting

Family

Golf

Contact this candidate