** * ******* *****,

Round Lake,IL ***** Cell: 847-***-****

Email:ueisjb@r.postjobfree.com

Gaurav Thakkar

Objective To work as a Global Commodity Manager in a challenging environment where I can utilize my knowledge and enhance my skills.

Experience 12/2010 – 6/2011 GE Lighting & Appliances Cleveland, OH

Global Commodity Leader, Electronics and Chemicals

Responsible for 25M spend in NAFTA region.

Negotiated and managed all contracts and agreements for assigned commodities, generating $1M in savings.

Lead the Electronics & Chemicals purchase for North America, and coordinated the purchase activities for Europe and Asia.

Achieved year over year deflation target for Electronics & Chemicals and managed the price negotiations with all suppliers.

Responsible for identifying and developing new sources globally and monitor cross functional teams to execute the qualification process in line with the cost out target.

Strong understanding of Electronics & Chemicals market and industry; collect, research and analyze market data

Developed strategies for Electronics & Chemicals sourcing activities, being cognizant of market dynamics and proactively took actions to meet cost, quality and availability objectives

Managed suppliers to ensure high quality and service

Maintained worldwide network within Electronics & Chemicals industry.

Reviews Bill of Materials (BOM) for new projects to insure non-preferred parts/suppliers are not used in new designs.

Publishing RFI/RFP/RFQ’s.

Working with top suppliers and getting rid of small suppliers to be effective & lean and save administration fees.

07/2007 – 11/2010 Continental Automotive Deer Park, IL

Commodity Manager

Responsible for 50M spend in NAFTA region.

Negotiated and managed all contracts and agreements for assigned commodities, generating $3M in savings.

Always pushing suppliers and engineers with cost reduction activities with the ability to influence and drive design changes. Working upfront to reduce old part usage and bringing new technology with savings every year ~ 200K. This is in addition to annual negotiations.

Managed supplier relationships to ensure quality, delivery and costs meet the business objectives. Zero defects since 2 years. Being in Automotive field, Quality is No. 1

Interface with program team management, supplier quality assurance, and plant purchasing to develop supplier expectations and drive supplier performance. Working with cross-functional team to ensure cost reduction activities do take place which ultimately helps company with savings.

Reviews Bill of Materials (BOM) for new projects to insure non-preferred parts/suppliers are not used in new designs.

Publishing RFI/RFP/RFQ’s.

Implemented appropriate sourcing strategies to control the company's purchased material costs and to assure an adequate source of supply.

Working with top suppliers and getting rid of small suppliers to be effective and lean, saving $100K in administration fees.

Presenting strategic supplier list to engineering once a year to avoid suppliers who are not approved.

Created and maintained mutually beneficial long-term partnerships with suppliers to foster feedback and continuous improvement.

Expert in SAP.

03/2009 – 07/2009 Sylvan Learning Center Round Lake, IL

Instructor

Taught using Sylvan based programs and homework support for Elementary, Junior and High school Mathematics

Supervised, interacted with and motivated students during instruction hour while they work with equipment and materials

Evaluated and documented student progress.

Maintained a positive attitude and demonstrated enthusiasm for teaching and Sylvan.

01/2005 – 06/2007 Continental Automotive Deer Park, IL

Project Manager

Overall program responsibility to lead the design and development team thru the New Product Launch phase of programs and maintain the program during the initial manufacturing launch.

Identified part cost reductions when possible. Worked with suppliers and component engineering to resolve quality issues.

New Product Launch includes coordinating the activities of the system engineering, mechanical, electrical, software, manufacturing, sourcing, supplier quality and validation teams.

Served as the client’s overall day-to-day primary contact and responsible for keeping both the client and Management team up to date on project activity status. Developed client relationship as “trusted advisor” role through effective proactive project management.

01/2002 – 12/2004 Motorola Deer Park, IL

Project Engineer

Overall program responsibility to work on the design.

Identified part cost reductions when possible.

New Product Launch includes coordinating the activities of the system engineering, mechanical, electrical, software, manufacturing, sourcing, supplier quality and validation teams.

09/2001 – 12/2001 Motorola, Inc. Northbrook, IL

Coop

Performed testing on Engine Control Modules.

Wrote Electronic Change Notifications for the current module.

Participated in Design & Layout Reviews

Education 12/2001 University of Illinois at Chicago Chicago, IL

Bachelor’s in Electrical Engineering and Minor in Mathematics

06/2007 University of Phoenix Schaumburg, IL

MBA in Global Management with Honors

Achievements Associate’s Certificate in Project Management PMP, Received BRAVO awards for various activities. Pursuing Green Belt.

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