Procurement Leader with Savings Track Record

Kenneth Schugardt

Conyngham 570-***-**** ******@***.***

Summary

Strategic Supply Chain Leader with 15+ years driving high-impact procurement, sourcing, and vendor management initiatives across manufacturing, utilities, and large project environments. Known for reducing total cost of ownership through data-driven negotiation, supplier performance optimization, and process standardization. Skilled in leading cross-functional teams and implementing scalable procurement frameworks that improve reliability, visibility, and operational efficiency. Advanced proficiency in SAP, Oracle, JD Edwards, and Odyssey with a strong track record of integrating ERP/MRP insights into tactical and long-range supply chain decisions. Consistently recognized for strengthening supplier partnerships, executing lean improvements, and aligning procurement strategy with organizational growth targets.

Skills

Cost Reduction

Budgeting

Price Negotiation

Develop strategic supply management

Purchase Orders

Vendor Management

Supplier Relationship Management

Contract Negotiation

Contract Management

Inventory Management

Kanban

Requisitions (RFQ’s, RFI’s, RFP’s)

Communications

Facility Management

Strategic Sourcing

Customer Service

Production Scheduling

Material Requirement Planning

Logistics (Import/Export)(Inbound/Outbound Costs)

Resolve Invoice issues

Continuous Improvement

Forecasting

Shipping and Receiving

JIT (Just in Time) Manufacturing

Warehousing

MS Office Suite, Excel, PowerPoint

Construction Management

Experience

ASSISTANT PROJECT MANAGER 06/2024 - 08/2025

Liberty Builds LLC (Div. of Suffolk Construction)

Coordinated end-to-end procurement activities for AWS Data Center projects, driving schedule compliance, budget alignment, and seamless material delivery across multiple trades.

Directed subcontractor onboarding, contract administration, and scope validation, strengthening vendor relationships and elevating overall project execution efficiency.

Implemented data-driven procurement workflows that reduced cycle times, minimized material waste, and delivered measurable cost savings across critical project packages.

Evaluated subcontractor performance using KPI analytics to enhance vendor selection, mitigate risks, and accelerate project milestones for Suffolk Construction.

STRATEGIC BUYER / PROJECT COORDINATOR (CONTRACT) 04/2023 - 02/2024

FlexLink Systems, Inc.

Orchestrated multi-category sourcing projects from planning through award, driving alignment with enterprise procurement strategy and leveraging data-driven supplier evaluations to boost compliance and spend efficiency.

Drove high-value negotiations and vendor consolidation workstreams, securing competitive contract terms, strengthening supplier performance, and delivering quantifiable savings across assigned portfolios.

PURCHASING MANAGER 09/2019 - 09/2022

Trion Industries, Inc.

Led end-to-end procurement for packaging and corrugated materials, optimizing supplier performance through strategic sourcing, competitive bidding, and contract negotiation, ensuring production timelines and quality standards were consistently met.

Drove enterprise-level cost-reduction initiatives, applying demand-based min/max inventory strategies, spend analysis, and supplier consolidation to cut excess stock, improve budget accuracy, and elevate overall procurement efficiency.

Managed vendor relationships and procurement budgets cross-functionally, securing favorable pricing and delivery terms, aligning sourcing decisions with operational goals, and strengthening supply continuity across the organization.

PURCHASING MANAGER (CONTRACT) 12/2018 - 09/2019

Ashland Foundry and Machine Works, LLC

Developed and deployed vendor performance scorecards to evaluate delivery reliability, product quality, and cost competitiveness, driving data-backed supplier decisions.

Optimized sourcing cycles for high value cast components by establishing long-term contractual agreements, reducing supply risk and stabilizing cost structures.

Directed end-to-end compliance audits, ensuring full adherence to ISO requirements and internal quality standards, and strengthening overall supplier governance.

BUYER / EXPEDITOR (CONTRACT) 08/2017 - 11/2018

Flowserve Corporation

Spearheaded procurement of engineered-to-order components while coordinating closely with QA and production, accelerating delivery lead times by 20% through proactive expediting, supplier engagement, and continuous workflow optimization.

BUYER / SOURCING SPECIALIST (CONTRACT) 03/2016 - 06/2017

Talen Energy (System One Holdings)

Led end-to-end procurement of nuclear plant spare parts and multi-category equipment, optimizing supplier selection, delivery performance, and cost efficiency within a highly regulated environment.

Negotiated and executed compliant, best-value contracts for System One Holdings, strengthening vendor relationships while safeguarding technical, safety, and regulatory requirements.

WAREHOUSE MANAGER 08/2014 - 03/2016

Sargent Art, Inc.

Oversaw end-to-end warehouse operations receiving, inventory control, and distribution while redesigning floor layouts, optimizing workflows, and implementing process improvements that boosted efficiency and cut handling time.

Maintained full regulatory compliance with federal, state, and local requirements by enforcing safety standards, updating operational procedures, and driving a culture of accountability across all warehouse activities.

MATERIALS MANAGER 02/2011 - 08/2014

Simmons Bedding

Drove end-to-end materials operations by optimizing JIT and Kanban workflows, executing MRP-based raw-material purchasing, and maintaining accurate inventory control through monthly cycle counts and corporate-mandated annual audits.

Strengthened financial performance by managing all purchasing and inventory budgets, uncovering cost-reduction opportunities, and ensuring high-quality material availability that supported production schedules and forecasted demand.

Partnered closely with sales, production, and finance to synchronize material planning with organizational targets, ensuring on-time supply, improved throughput, and seamless alignment with business objectives.

PURCHASING & INVENTORY MANAGER 07/2008 - 02/2011

International Bedding Corporation

Implemented JIT and Kanban systems, reducing excess inventory by 25%.

Optimized JIT and Kanban purchasing and inventory systems.

Purchased all raw materials based on MRP, schedules, and forecasts.

PROCUREMENT SPECIALIST (CONTRACT) 06/2007 - 05/2008

Exelon Power Generation

Prepared and solicited RFI's (Request for Information), RFP'S (Request for Proposal), and RFQ's (Request for Quotation).

Reviewed proposals and selected apparent successful bidders, including the validation of engineering capability to perform the technical scope of work, where applicable.

Evaluated vendors' proposals and administered resolution to vendor exceptions to technical and/or commercial terms and conditions.

Negotiated with supplier and issued contract.

Organized and facilitated any required pre-bid meetings, receipt and resolution of bidder's questions, evaluation of bids and assumes the role of lead negotiator.

PURCHASING & INVENTORY SPECIALIST / MATERIALS COORDINATOR 01/1989 - 01/2002

Schuylkill Energy Resources / ABB Combustion Systems

Successfully negotiated contracts in total cost reduction effort, established master purchase agreements and strategic alliances with domestic and international suppliers.

Approved all purchases, handled bids, negotiated contract pricing, and performed technical research.

Tracked equipment inventory.

Experienced in supply line materials management, procurement, production, short- and long-range planning, contract negotiation, quality assurance, and general business.

Established material handling procedures and implemented a year-end physical inventory.

Standardized purchasing procedures (SOP) related to facilities, equipment, and services.

Coordinated and monitored strategic vendor alliances.

Experienced in sourcing a wide range of commodities.

Experienced in negotiating long-term agreements with suppliers ensuring the best pricing, delivery, and quality.

Contract and Project Management of a Tilapia Fish Farm, large Overland Ash Conveyor, and a Silt Drying Operation utilized for Co-generation status.

Education and Training

The Pennsylvania State University - Bachelor of Science

Business Administration

Certifications

OSHA 10

OSHA 30

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