Procurement & Fleet Operations Leader

Michael L. Bridges, II

803-***-**** • Lexington, SC • ***********@*****.*** • LinkedIn Profile

PROCUREMENT & FLEET OPERATIONS LEADER

Strategic procurement and operations leader with nearly two decades of experience elevating sourcing functions, strengthening supplier governance, and optimizing asset and technology performance across multi-site, statewide operations. Trusted partner to CFO, COO, and executive leadership, aligning financial, operational, and risk strategies with enterprise objectives. Known for advancing procurement maturity through standardized governance, cross-functional alignment, and data-driven operational oversight. Adept at high-impact negotiations, vendor performance improvement, operational modernization, and building high-performing teams through mentorship, continuous improvement, and strategic leadership.

• Delivered $250K+ in cost savings within 10 months through strategic sourcing and contract restructuring.

• Improved lifecycle performance for 350+ fleet assets through TCO analysis and statewide maintenance planning.

• Unified procurement and operational functions across 14 statewide locations, increasing compliance and operational reliability.

• Directed enterprise IT/OT modernization initiatives supporting mission-critical operations at SRNS.

AREAS OF EXPERTISE

Strategic Sourcing Contract Negotiation Supplier Governance Fleet Lifecycle Optimization Cost Reduction Strategy Risk & Compliance Controls Cross-Functional Leadership Operational Excellence KPI Management Team Leadership & Development ERP & Procurement Systems PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

PROCUREMENT, FLEET & OPERATIONS MANAGER 01/2025 – PRESENT Blanchard Machinery W. Columbia, SC

Provide executive leadership over procurement strategy, fleet operations, supplier governance, and statewide asset optimization. Oversee sourcing strategy, contract compliance, lifecycle planning, maintenance programs, supplier performance, and team capability development across diverse operational locations.

• Delivered over $250,000 in cost savings within 10 months by renegotiating high-value contracts, consolidating suppliers, and standardizing SLAs.

• Improved reliability and performance of 350+ assets using TCO analysis, utilization metrics, and lifecycle-based asset planning.

• Aligned operations across 14 statewide locations by unifying procurement and fleet functions under standardized processes and preventive maintenance frameworks.

• Reduced long-term cost and operational risk through negotiated extended warranties, OEM service terms, tiered pricing, buy-back programs, and fuel rebate structures.

• Increased supplier accountability and service quality through scorecards, compliance standards, onboarding controls, and structured vendor performance oversight.

• Utilize enterprise procurement and asset systems—including PeopleSoft, SAP, Unit4, and Maximo—to improve data accuracy, contract visibility, and lifecycle decision-making. MANAGER, IT & OPERATIONAL TECHNOLOGY 07/2023 – 01/2025 Savannah River Nuclear Solutions Aiken, SC

Directed teams of IT and OT professionals supporting technology operations, system implementation, vendor management, and organizational alignment of technology solutions. Managed projects, budgets, resources, and cross-functional integration of IT/OT systems. MICHAEL L. BRIDGES, II 803-***-****

• Improved IT/OT service delivery by enhancing team collaboration, optimizing task delegation, and strengthening project execution.

• Increased technology project efficiency through improved budgeting, resource allocation, and on-time project delivery.

• Enhanced vendor performance via structured evaluation, contract negotiation, and SLA reinforcement.

• Strengthened cross-functional alignment by implementing technology solutions that supported broader operational objectives.

• Fostered innovation and continuous improvement by driving professional development and capability-building across IT/OT teams.

MANAGER, CORPORATE PURCHASING 03/2020 – 07/2023

Blue Cross Blue Shield of South Carolina Columbia, SC Led enterprise purchasing operations, overseeing sourcing strategy, regulatory compliance, vendor relationships, and procurement governance.

• Improved procurement governance by designing and implementing purchasing policies that strengthened consistency and compliance.

• Increased sourcing efficiency by streamlining engagement processes and reducing procurement cycle time.

• Expanded supplier diversity utilization through targeted small-business and disadvantaged- business initiatives.

• Enhanced accuracy and speed of high-dollar purchasing decisions by improving review protocols and oversight controls.

SUPERVISOR, CORPORATE PURCHASING 04/2006 – 03/2020 SCANA/Dominion Energy Columbia, SC

Oversaw category strategy, supplier relationships, contract negotiations, and spend governance for approximately $200M in annual contract volume.

• Reduced enterprise spend and strengthened service performance through category strategies optimizing cost and supplier reliability.

• Increased supplier accountability by enhancing spend tracking and implementing governance procedures.

• Improved operational alignment by deepening relationships between procurement and business units.

• Built a high-performing procurement team through coaching, development, and structured succession planning.

LEADERSHIP & COMMUNITY IMPACT

Professional & Civic Leadership

Leadership South Carolina – Class of 2026

Leadership Lexington County – Class of 2018

ISM–Carolina–Virginia Board of Directors (2022–2023) President, Lexington County Football Recreation Board (2014–2020) President, Southberry Park HOA (2015–2020)

Board Member, Pine Island (2016–2020)

Community Impact

Lexington County Youth Football Coach (2013–Present) American Heart Association Volunteer (2006–Present) EDUCATION & PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATION

Bachelor of Science –Organizational Management, Claflin University, Orangeburg, SC 2006 Certification

CPSM Certified Professional in Supply Management, 2025

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