Customer Service Supply Chain

LYDIA DAVIS

Cincinnati, OH • 513-***-**** • ***********@*******.*** • www.linkedin.com/in/lydia-davis-81765777 SENIOR PROCUREMENT SPECIALIST

TEAM LEADERSHIP COST-EFFECTIVE STRATEGIES CONTRACT NEGOTIATION Analytical procurement professional with strong background in establishing effective external and internal customer service. Drive strategic vendor management initiatives. Proven track record of securing favorable terms, cost-effective pricing, and sustainable supplier partnerships that align with strategic goals. Recognized as Procurement Star for outstanding performance in supply chain management. Skilled negotiator and strategic alliance builder with aptitude to optimize procurement processes and achieve win-win outcomes via contract negotiation.

Adept at integrating procurement activities with organizational objectives and ensuring compliance with policies and regulations through written communication

Committed to continually seeking innovative ways to enhance procurement strategies and contribute to the organization’s growth and success. PROFE

International Business Machines (IBM) Raleigh Research Triangle, North Carolina • 2005 – 2023 Procurement / Purchasing Iteration Manager (Hybrid) promoted 2016 – 2023 Global Relationship Manager & Negotiator

Secured favorable terms and cost-effective pricing in alignment with IBM's strategic goals by successfully negotiating contract language and rates with suppliers. Forged and nurtured strategic alliances with both internal and external key stakeholders, as well as suppliers for procurement of high-quality products and services. Established strong foundation for sustainable supplier partnerships to create competitive edge.

• Evaluated and interpreted Request for Quotes (RFQs), Request for Purchase (RFPs), and Request for Purchase/Information

(RFPs) to boost procurement processes.

• Achieved recognition as Customer Service Star in 2018 based on exceptional phone etiquette, active listening, customer service, and effective written communication.

• Multi-Tasker on numerous projects achieving win-win outcomes via contract negotiation between IBM and suppliers, resulting in mutually beneficial agreements.

• Implemented negotiation strategies, wrote contracts resulting in substantial cost savings and minimized net payment terms that elevated performance metrics of internal procurement, positively impacting client funding & cash flow. Technical & Educational Services Supplier Relationship Manager for Strategic Suppliers Project Manager for clients in UK, Australia, Japan, Canada, and US for seamless operationalization in diverse global markets. TS SME (2019 & 2018)

Functioned as Technical Services (TS) Subject Matter Expert (SME) and received an award in 2019 for applying best-in-class practices and staffing procurement methods to retain competent talent; drove rapid enhancement of Corporate Pilot Audit Review process.

• Conducted Corporate Audit for internal client during 2018 as TS SME; earned award for outstanding active listening and contributions to process optimization.

Business Controls Representative

Adhered to legal and regulatory requirements while assessing contracts, policies, procedures, and contractual controls, lowering risk of non-compliance and associated consequences. Administered all aspects of vendor relationship management from scope identification and cost negotiation to purchase order placement. Led multiple sourcing projects of varying complexities from conception to completion within predetermined scope and timeline; evaluated selected vendor's competitive edge by carrying out rigorous IBM source selection and fair value analysis.

• Conducted vendor audits, including competitiveness within the market to maintain standards of excellence in terms of supplier performance, service quality, and compliance.

• Guaranteed timely submission, accuracy, and compliance by diligently tracking the entire process of invoice flow.

• Integrated purchasing activities with overall organization’s strategic objectives to maximize organizational strength.

• Aligned sourcing efforts with IBM procurement policies and practices while presenting outcomes to stakeholders to gain business and procurement sourcing manager's approvals. Key Accomplishments:

• Accomplished significant cost savings of 15% on $25M contract by handling high-pressure situations and setting up complex CORE COMPETENCIES

• Customer Service

• Phone Etiquette

• Contract Negotiations

• Skilled multi-Tasker

• Analyzing Purchase Orders/Invoices

• Vendor Performance Management

• Key Decision-Making

• Collaborative

• Written Communication

Lydia Davis Page Two

pilot training program contracts and purchase orders for clients in US, Japan, and Australia within one-month lead time. o Coordinated with multiple stakeholders, including individual Contractors, Global Education Integrator Certified Supplier, buyers from Japan and Australia, Global Supplier Relationship Manager, Client, and Legal Counsel to prepare and approve final contract agreements based on mutual consent. o Received commendation from client for exceeding expectations and acknowledged with gift certificate for successful delivery of project within tight timeline.

• Streamlined contract and invoice discrepancy resolution process by creating worksheet and weekly email updates, leading to 75% decrease in email traffic and delays in contract signing and purchase order issuance as Strategic Global Education Buyer. o Acquired stakeholder feedback, encompassing educating buyers, Global Integrator Supplier, and Global Supplier Relationship Manager on new process through PowerPoint presentation. o Provided customer support and partnership with global integrator supplier and received acknowledgment from clients. Technical Services (TS) Team Lead (Remote) promoted. IBM, Cincinnati, OH• 2008 – 2016 Initiated seamless contractual obligations and procured IT staffing by cultivating a sense of trust through effective relationship- building. Spearheaded process transformations to obtain operational excellence and save time. Strategized creative #get simple ideas to simplify, automate, and augment complex processes. Promoted culture of continuous improvement and professional development by mentoring team to excel in respective roles. Oversaw all HR functions, such as interviewing, coaching, training, and appraising performance of associated personnel and staff, including internal TS IBM contractors. Performed various tasks during three three- week stays in Bangalore, India, including unlocking full potential of TS buyers through training, conducting interviews to identify top talent, and offering guidance on job roles and salary adjustments to attract and retain individuals.

• Achieved improved communication and reduced audit inquiries that benefited both purchasing department and supplier relationship managers.

o Advocated for system upgrades by delivering compelling PowerPoint presentations to upper management and global supplier relationship managers, highlighting discrepancies in systems and outlining tangible benefits of system upgrades.

• Undertook challenging journey, spanning multiple time zones and customs procedures to arrange training sessions in India for 25 buyers, focusing on US purchasing laws and company procurement policies. o Boosted employee morale, lessened turnover rates, raised overall procurement efficiency, and attained fewer errors in purchase order placement by recommending strategic approach that emphasized on need for pay grade and salary adjustments.

• Bolstered supplier base management by executing rigorous vendor audits to interpret competitiveness within market and build mutually beneficial customer relationships.

• Developed comprehensive training format and educated United States and Bangalore India teams from initial scope determination to purchase order placement.

Category Outsourcing Manager for Temporary Staffing (Remote) IBM, Cincinnati, OH• 2005 – 2008

• Oversaw all HR temp staffing functions and negotiated with numerous suppliers for seven external companies. Developed savings processes for external and internal temp staffing. Achieving savings projections using aggregate spending techniques. ADDITIONAL EXPERIENCE before 2005 (will provide additional input as needed)

Sourcing Market Manager, KeyMRO, Florence, KY Training and Development Leader, Ford Motor Company (MSX International), Cincinnati, OH President, Training and Development Company, The Davis Group, Cincinnati, OH and Atlanta, GA Training Manager, Greater American Insurance Companies, Cincinnati, OH Training Leader, Government/Commercial Buyer, Contract Administrator, Procurement Coordinator, General Electric Aircraft Engine, Cincinnati, OH, McAlpins Department Store, Cincinnati, Oh, Customer Service Representative

EDUCATION

Business Management/Human Resources, Bachelor of Arts • Mount St. Joseph University, Cincinnati, Ohio PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Green Belt, Ford Motor Company Train-the-Trainer, Xavier University, Cincinnati, Ohio Adult Learning, Xavier University, Cincinnati, Ohio

VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE

Adult Trainer, The Davis Group IBM Procurement/Finance and Operations, Habitat for Humanity IBM Procurement/Finance and Operations, IBM Mentoring Sponsorship

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