Commodity Manager

JUSTIN SOWA, C.P.M.

COMMODITY MANAGER

Global Sourcing | Chinese Business Culture | Purchasing & Negotiation | Lean Supply Chain Management

Justin was recruited for his international, specifically Asian, business experience and contacts. In his tenure at Seats, he got our international sourcing effort into gear in a big way and brought several projects from the table to the plant floor. In addition, Justin balanced these responsibilities with other sourcing tasks and was successful in these assignments as well. Justin is a type "A" who prefers to lead and needs minimal oversight"

Supervisor, Seats, Inc.

PROFILE SUMMARY

Highly articulate and seasoned professional, with more than seven years of leadership experience in all facets of supply management activities. Excellent track record of managing and optimizing supplier performance, including continuous improvement, innovations, and cost-reduction. spanning all aspects of management in the purchasing arena. Skilled negotiator, communicator, and relationship builder who maintains and promotes sound relationships with suppliers and the business community. Focused business acumen and technology savvy, well-versed in Oracle ERP Software, MS Office Suite, Internet Applications, Adobe Acrobat, SalesLogic, and QAD ERP Software

CAREER HISTORY

Director of Purchasing - Wisconsin Pharmacal Co., Jackson, WI 2008-2009

Provided leadership to the purchasing group through coaching and coordinating efforts of associates. Conducted research and analyzed commodity and economic trends. Identified new suppliers and defined strategic plans. Assume buyer responsibilities, and a diversity of routine and complex functions to ensure all timelines and requests were met. Worked collaboratively with sales and production teams on new product development. Handled the negotiation of stocking agreements with major suppliers.

- Dramatically reduced purchased parts overheads by 2%

- Created an inventory reduction plan that lessened inventory exposure by 25%, resulting to $375K in company savings

- Designed and developed the supplier manual, which was used by the entire division

Senior Buyer - Global Sourcing, Raw Materials, Seats, Inc. Reedsburg, WI 2006-2008

Managed and developed plan for over $10M spend. Rendered assistance to planner in reviewing and analyzing MRP reports. Established reorder points/quantities and communicated safety stock for assigned SKUs. Managed contract negotiations, supply agreements, new product development and offshore projects. Audited both domestic and international-based companies (China and India) to ensure quality control procedures and production plan and capacity compliance. Led and managed the Global Sourcing Team.

- Reduced operational cost by 6% that resulted to $600K savings for the company

- Delivered a 4-part purchasing series that focused on industry best practices in global sourcing

- Wrote and negotiated contracts on steel that generated 10% cost reduction

- Attained on-time delivery rate of 98.8% that contributed to bottom-line results

- Devised risk analysis modeling plans and mitigation strategies

International Procurement Agent - Asian Business Consultants, Elm Grove, WI 2002-2006

Rigorously processed client purchase orders. Worked closely with freight forwarders to track and ensure safe and on time arrival of products. Allocated HTS codes for US Customs Duty. Communicated engineering drawings and schematics to determine suitable manufacturer. Identified and negotiated with Chinese suppliers.

- Developed a tracking system that increased on-time delivery of products from 85% to 92%

- Achieved cost reductions ranging from 15%-40% for clients depending upon product

EDUCATION & PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Bachelor of Arts in Political Science - 2000

Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA

5S | Global Sourcing Conference | Purchasing Manager Seminars

Conducted Global Sourcing Seminars | Lean Supply Management Techniques

PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATION

Member, ISM-Milwaukee

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