Supply Chain Security Officer

ALBERTO A. CAREAGA

1-520-***-**** *********@*****.*** Nogales, Arizona He/Him

Dynamic and results-driven Supply Chain and Procurement Leader with over 20 years of experience in global sourcing, materials planning, logistics, and operations management within the medical device and manufacturing industries. Proven expertise in MRP/ERP systems (SAP, QAD), Lean Manufacturing, and Six Sigma methodologies. Adept at negotiating high value contracts, managing cross-border supply chains, leading cost-reduction initiatives, and ensuring regulatory compliance (ISO 13485, EU MDR, FDA). Strong cross-cultural communicator fluent in English and Spanish, with a successful track record of managing teams, coordinating international trade efforts, and streamlining inventory systems across the U.S., Mexico, and Europe. PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Senior Buyer & Planner February 2022 – present

Accelerate Diagnostics Tucson, AZ

Executed high-level MRP and ERP operations (QAD), leading strategic planning and procurement of critical materials including antibiotics, chemicals, instruments, and manufacturing consumables.

Directed global sourcing and contract negotiations, achieving cost reductions and securing favorable supplier terms while ensuring consistent supply chain performance.

Partnered closely with Engineering, R&D, and Operations teams to support new product development, ensuring alignment of purchasing strategy with innovation and manufacturing goals.

Led implementation and optimization of Kanban inventory systems, enhancing supply chain efficiency and reducing material shortages.

Developed and executed inventory and warehouse management strategies, improving stock accuracy and driving on-time delivery performance.

Managed vendor relationships and oversaw supplier performance, quality assurance, and compliance for high-stake pharmaceutical and biotech materials.

Served in a senior management capacity, driving cross-functional initiatives to streamline operations and support business growth objectives.

Buyer November 2019 – October 2021

ROCHE Diagnostics Oro Valley, AZ

Executed advanced MRP and ERP functions to manage global procurement of medical components, ensuring consistent material availability and supporting uninterrupted production workflows.

Processed and managed eSignature (eSig) documentation, deviation forms, purchase orders (POs), and blanket POs, ensuring accuracy and traceability in all procurement transactions.

Supported cost-control initiatives through supplier negotiations and strategic sourcing, contributing to budget adherence and efficiency improvements.

Supply Chain Manager September 2012 – November 2019 Uptime, LLC a NextMed Company Tucson, AZ

Developed and implemented supply chain strategies aligned with business goals to optimize procurement, inventory, and distribution operations.

Managed stocking levels of critical raw materials (electronics, automotive, medical parts) in close collaboration with production planners to ensure continuous operations.

Led operations at the Distribution Center, improving efficiency and reducing lead times through optimized inventory management and stock control.

Introduced and tracked KPIs to measure and drive improvements in procurement, inventory accuracy, and on-time delivery performance.

Maintained optimal safety stock levels, ensuring uninterrupted production while minimizing excess inventory and associated costs.

Managed cost-saving initiatives through bid proposals, supplier negotiations, and strategic sourcing, delivering measurable financial benefits.

Utilized Six Sigma methodologies, ERP systems, and Kanban to streamline processes, improve forecasting, and enhance overall supply chain efficiency.

Plant Manager and Supply Chain Manager June 2004 – May 2012 Precept Med Douglas, AZ

Managed Materials, Warehouse/Logistics, and Production Scheduling for operations in both the U.S. and Mexico, overseeing seamless coordination between cross-border teams.

Directed end-to-end supply chain functions, including purchasing raw materials, inventory control, master scheduling, and quality assurance for medical device production.

Led the U.S. Distribution Center, optimizing processes to improve order fulfillment, reduce lead times, and enhance inventory accuracy.

Developed and implemented Quality Control Plans, ensuring supplier compliance with industry standards and ISO 13485 certification requirements.

Acted as an internal ISO 13485 auditor, driving continuous improvement initiatives and maintaining FDA compliance across production and distribution operations.

Negotiated cost reduction initiatives through bid packet reviews, contributing to significant cost savings in sourcing and supplier management.

Oversaw production of molded polyurethane trays and other medical devices for hospital kits, ensuring timely delivery and high-quality standards.

Managed departmental budgets, driving cost-saving strategies while maintaining high customer service levels and on-time delivery performance.

Played a key role in facilitating the acquisition of the company, managing transition efforts and ensuring continuity of operations during the acquisition process. Senior Buyer June 1998 – June 2004

BD Medical Systems Nogales, Sonora, México

Led global supplier negotiations and quotations, driving cost-saving programs and securing favorable terms to optimize procurement processes.

Supervised procurement, quoting, negotiations, warehouse, and planning departments, ensuring seamless coordination across functions.

Achieved $450K in cost savings on a key component through strategic sourcing, vendor negotiation, and process optimization.

Reduced warehouse inventory costs by $50K through improved inventory management, stock turnover, and waste reduction initiatives.

Collaborated with warehousing teams to streamline operations, improve stock accuracy, and ensure timely delivery of materials to production.

Served as an internal auditor for ISO 13485 and BSI certification, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and driving continuous quality improvement.

Scheduled and planned production requirements in alignment with supply chain needs, maintaining optimal inventory levels and avoiding production delays. Buyer and Planner February 1996 – June 1998

CR Bard Medical Division Nogales, Sonora, México

Co-planned and managed procurement of raw materials, working closely with suppliers to negotiate competitive pricing and secure cost-effective contracts.

Led price negotiations and quote management with suppliers, ensuring the best pricing and terms for critical materials, including thermo-trays and other components.

Collaborated with Quality Assurance teams to ensure the first article samples met specifications, using quality documentation programs (QUMAS) for compliance and traceability.

Implemented Just-In-Time (JIT) inventory strategies in collaboration with suppliers, optimizing material flow and reducing excess stock while maintaining production schedules.

Coordinated global pricing initiatives with sister companies worldwide to leverage purchasing power and negotiate favorable terms for high-volume materials.

Ensured timely procurement and planning for critical commodities, contributing to seamless production operations and reduced lead times.

Buyer and Planner August 1988 – January 1996

Badger Meter Plastic Molding Nogales, Sonora, México

Planned and managed procurement of plastic resin and other plastic components for production, ensuring timely availability of high-quality materials.

Collaborated with Engineering to evaluate and approve first article samples, ensuring they met technical and quality standards before full-scale production.

Worked closely with Quality Assurance teams to secure approvals for resin suppliers, maintaining a high standard of material quality and supplier compliance.

Managed warehouse operations, ensuring efficient inventory control, stock levels, and timely material availability for production needs.

Transitioned from part-time to full-time role in 1991, taking on increased responsibility in procurement, planning, and supply chain management.

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND

Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering Fall 1985 – Fall 1990 The University of Arizona Tucson, AZ

CERTIFICATIONS

Six Sigma Green Belt

Association for Supply Chain Management Certified in Planning and Inventory Management (APICS CPIM) ADDITIONAL SKILLS

Technical: Advanced – Master Purchasing and Lean Manufacturing Advanced – Material Requirements Planning (MRP I)

Advanced – Manufacturing Resource Planning (MRP II) Advanced – Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP)

Advanced – IBM AS/400, QuickBooks, SAP, QAD, and Oracle Advanced – European Union Medical Device Regulation (EU MDR) Advanced – Post-Market Surveillance (PMS) and Post-Market Clinical Follow-Up (PMCF) Advanced – International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 9000, 14000 and 13485 Advanced – Microsoft Office 365 (SharePoint, Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Teams, and Outlook) Languages: Fluent in speaking, reading, and writing in English and Spanish

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