Burbank, California, United States
Innovative and collaborative leader with a passion for developing people and driving results: I am a results- and service-oriented procurement leader with 15+ years of experience in developing and implementing innovative sourcing strategies across different categories. I believe in adding value by removing complexity, building strong relationships with internal stakeholders, robust project management and supplier accountability. I have a passion for delivering cost efficiency, empowering, and coaching team members. I am partnering and advising the business to get things done with outstanding results specifically when needed the most in difficult market conditions. Areas of Expertise include: • Industry leading Commodities Price Risk Management/Hedging Strategies • Strategic-/Global Sourcing • Advanced E-Procurement strategies and tactics • Managing expectations of Private Equity • Working in cross-functional business teams • Leading international project teams • Contract Negotiation (in 3 languages) • International Work Experience • Leading in Fast Paced Environments • Managing/mentoring/developing Purchasing Professionals
• Vytalogy Wellness is a portfolio company of New Mountain Capital (NMC) that combined Natrol and Jarrow Formulas – two leading vitamin-, mineral-, and supplement brands. • Hired to lead and build a high performing, lean sourcing organization with a focus on delivering great financial-, quality-, and service results, through talented and empowered leaders and teams. • Developing sourcing strategies and advising executive leadership team on how sourcing can enable growth & margin improvements to meet high-performing targets set by Private Equity owner (NMC)
• Built the Strategic Sourcing function at JFFD from ground up with a strong focus on cost control and risk management. Introduced the PPV concept to the business. Implemented procurement processes and discipline to enable improved auditable data and deliver better supplier performance. • Assessed internal talent and built small effective team (3 individuals) with focus on supplier- and category management as well as excellent project management to support innovation/production. • Identified significant cost reduction opportunities in various areas (proteins, nutrients and IQF products) that reduced cost by > 12% YoY. • Unveiled a new solution on dog treats which allowed JFFD to scale the business for future growth. Result: As of 07/2022 JFFD has been able to fulfill 100% of consumer demand for bark treats while early 2022 only 25% of the demand could be supported.
• Led the Direct Sourcing Team managing all raw- and pack materials used in “Nature Made”, a leading dietary supplement brand in North America. (Annual spend > $ 250M) • Leading and coaching a team of 5 Procurement Category Managers • Over delivered the high-performance targets set for YOY Cost Savings and Working Capital reduction. • Led the Direct Sourcing team through the disruptive supply situation caused by Covid-19. The risk mitigation plans developed were presented as the role model to the Board of Directors of Otsuka (Japanese company that owns Pharmavite). Strategies implemented helped Pharmavite gain share and outpace category growth by being able to ensure supply for categories on global allocation. Worked directly with all levels of Operations, Quality, Science, Marketing, and Finance.
- Responsible for all procurement activities related to Coffee, Tea and Orange Juice Futures for Nestle in North America (USA, Canada and Mexico). Manage key ingredients/commodities for global brands including Nescafe and Nestea - Develop and implement advanced price-risk management strategies using futures, options and unique Over-the-Counter structures to protect P&L / margins from extreme price volatility - Implemented innovative costless accumulator strategies for Coffee and OJ which allowed buying futures below the actual market and resulted in direct 15% cost reduction to the business - Set the global strategy for Orange Juice Futures - Over-delivered on high-performance savings targets on Coffee and Tea for 3 years in a row - Manage one direct report (Sourcing Specialist)
Responsible for category management, strategic global sourcing, ensuring supply and developing risk-management strategies for Juice Concentrates, Nuts and Raisins. Managed key ingredients for brands including Juicy Juice/Oceanspray, Butterfinger, Haagen Dazs and Raisinets - Juice Concentrates: Managed and developed relationship with key international suppliers in South America, China and Europe - Identified and implemented ingredient substitution opportunity that resulted in a transformational cost reduction of $10M+ for the Nestle USA Beverage division - Nuts: Led an international, cross-cultural team of 4 buyers to leverage the use of Nuts within Zone Americas. The 3-year target savings of $ 4.8 million USD was delivered in under 2 years
- Managed the physical sourcing strategy (Natural Gas, deregulated Electricity) and Risk Management strategies (futures/options) for the Energy spend of all Nestle Operating Companies in North America. Exceeded savings targets each year without exception - Managed the entire Energy portfolio independently in 2008 while cost for Crude Oil and Natural Gas reached historical highs - Implemented first “Demand Response” electricity savings initiative for Nestle Waters North America - Regularly communicated the business impact of market moves/risk management strategies to key internal customers and senior business executives