Strategic Sourcing Procurement Manager

Patricia Pickett, CPPB

Odenton, MD ***** • ********@*******.*** • 253-***-****

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/patriciapickett

Personal Summary

Certified Professional Public Buyer (CPPB) with 15+ years of expertise in procurement, contract management, and strategic sourcing for government and educational sectors. Proven track record of delivering cost savings, streamlining processes, and leading high-value solicitations. Skilled in team leadership, compliance, and supplier negotiations.

Key Achievements

Mentor 8+ procurement officers, improving compliance and efficiency in state procurement.

Led solicitation evaluations for employee health programs (HMO, PPO, Dental, Vision, etc.), awarding contracts to the most advantageous carriers, securing over $1.3M in savings to the district under the new contracts.

Secured $80K in returns for unused inventory through vendor negotiations.

Streamlined procurement processes, reducing turnaround time for contract awards by 30%.

Professional Experience

Procurement Manager 04/2024 – Present

Maryland Dept. Of General Services, Office of State Procurement (DGS-OSP) Annapolis, MD

Manage and coach 9 procurement officers providing training and support in preparing State and State agency solicitations, ensuring compliance with state regulations and policies.

Advise agencies in selecting the most optimal procurement method (RFQ, RFI, ICPA, IFB, RFP, Sole Source) to meet project needs.

Forecast and prioritize expiring contracts; reduced lapses by 30% via proactive tracking and agency stakeholder management.

Deliver targeted training to improve organizational compliance, promoting professional growth and productivity.

Continually train and mentor staff in State equitable sourcing compliance; 20% increase in diverse supplier (SBR/MBE/VSBE) participation through compliant documentation.

Manage administrative duties to include verifying employee hours using Workday platform and conducting performance reviews.

Respond to PIA requests and observe vendor/PO debriefs providing support as needed.

Senior Buyer 09/2012 – 09/2023

Baltimore City Public Schools Baltimore, MD

Developed SOW and administered solicitations (IFBs, RFPs) ensuring adherence of federal, state, and local laws, along with school district policies, in collaboration with dept. stakeholders and legal dept.

Reviewed and approved requisitions exceeding $1M, ensuring compliance with contractual requirements.

Assisted evaluation committee members with bid/proposal technical, financial, or legal questions, providing strategic insights and ensuring a fair, transparent, and compliant procurement process.

Teamed up with the districts legal dept. and contract Awardee to negotiate contractual agreements (PSAs, MSAs, NDAs, Amendments, Novatians), maintaining the school districts best interests.

Mentored and coached junior team members on procurement best practices, procedures and policies, fostering professional growth and team development.

Maintained reports: contract expiration reports, solicitation logs, invoice on hold reports.

Assistant Buyer 10/2011 – 09/2012

Baltimore City Public Schools Baltimore, MD

Collected bid submissions, supporting Buyers in bid openings and evaluations.

Reviewed and approved purchase order requests via the use of K-12-Buy e-procurement platform and Oracle Fusion ERP system.

Prepared procurement-related correspondence, to include Notice of Intent to Award and Non-Responsive letters.

Verified and reconciled vendor invoices, working with the accounting department to enhance vendor payment turnaround time.

Purchasing Agent 12/2007– 07/2010

Carlson Paving Company (Rebrand to Astec) Tacoma, WA

Monitored inventory stock levels and spend, aligning with management's strategic planning for purchasing methods.

Identified high-volume materials and implemented blanket purchase orders for long lead parts, reducing inventory costs.

Conducted supplier site visits, evaluating operations and verifying quality standards, fostering strong relationships.

Coordinated consignment stock level requirements with vendors making necessary adjustments.

Collaborated with Quality Control, Research & Development (R&D), and suppliers to identify root causes and implement corrective actions on materials.

Stock Replenishment Buyer 03/2006 – 11/2007

Service Paper Company (acquired by Bunzl) Sumner, WA

Responsible for purchasing and maintaining daily item replenishment for 100+ JAN//SAN goods, considering inventory levels and seasonal fluctuations.

Resolved actual and potential supplier performance problems while maintaining positive supplier relationships.

Negotiated returns with vendors for outdated, obsolete, or slow-moving stock, driving significant cost savings in a single season.

Accounts Payable Invoice Specialist 05/2002 – 01/2005

Weyerhaeuser Corporate HQ Federal Way, WA

Audited accounts using Rumba and SAP programs as needed.

Analyzed and coded invoices/expenses to appropriate general ledger accounts ensured appropriate terms and discounts are applied to invoices.

Trained new employees on accounts payable processes and sales and use tax laws.

Automated Logistics Specialist (92A) 01/1998 – 01/2002

U.S. Army Joint Base Lewis–McChord, WA

Performed various activities related to receipt, issue, and temporary storage of authorized supply items.

Provided technical assistance in shipping, receiving, and assigned duties.

Performed inspection and processing of customer orders, handling damaged goods, and addressing shortages.

Identified excess equipment, record shortages, and maintained equipment accountability.

Education

B.A. in Accounting w/concentration in Finance, St. Martins University, Lacey, WA

B.A in Business Administration (2nd Major), St. Martins University, Lacey, WA

Supply Management Course, 6 months, U.S. Army Quartermaster School

Professional Certification

Certified Maryland Procurement Associate (CMPA)

Maryland Procurement Academy (MDPA) Awarded Summer 2024

Certified Professional Public Buyer (CPPB)

Universal Public Procurement Certification Council (UPPCC) Credential #12666

Awarded 2013 Renewed 2022 Expires 2028

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