Purchasing Manager
Posted on: 2010-07-16
DAVID C. VIELE
717 Penny Lane, Lakeland, Florida 33813 § (863) 644-9382
Executive Officer § Purchasing Director § Contracts Administrator
Specializing in Corporate Purchasing and Merchandising Operations for the Retail Distribution Segment
Senior Purchasing Executive with a proven track record of success delivering substantial cost savings through expertise in planning, budgeting, and expertly managing purchasing operations. Spearheaded development of purchasing programs, fixed price contracts, and vendor sourcing plans to expand supplier base and reduce procurement costs across the board. Decisive leader able to effectively direct and manage staff in a team concept environment, drawing upon all available resources to execute logical decisions across all operations and administrative functions. Areas of expertise encompass:
Strategic Planning § P & L Management § Purchasing & Procurement § Category Management § Inventory Control
Merchandising & Promotion § Replenishment & Distribution § Sales & Marketing § Vendor Sourcing & Selection
Bid Review & Analysis § Supply Chain Management § Contract Administration § Just-in-Time (JIT)
CAREER SYNOPSIS
MIDDLETON LAWN AND PEST CONTROL, INC., Orlando, FL. (2009-2010)
PURCHASING MANAGER
Hired as the Purchasing Manager for Middleton Lawn and Pest Control on July 17, 2009. Responsibilities included product procurement and replenishment, inventory management, vendor management and negotiations, and managing/mentoring a staff of two. Middleton Lawn and Pest Control was acquired by Massey Services Inc. within 6 months of my initial hire date and my position was eliminated January 07, 2010.
During my tenure with Middleton Lawn and Pest Control, I was able to secure approximately $400,000 in annual cost savings in the chemical and fertilizer cost of goods categories. I was also instrumental in securing cost reductions and concessions to fleet vehicle purchases, service vendor contracts and capital equipment.
POLK COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD, Lakeland, FL. (2008-2009)
SUBSTITUTE TEACHER
While pursuing my career objectives in Purchasing and Inventory Management, I taught 7th Grade Math and Science at Lakeland Highlands Middle School.
ABC COMPANIES, INC., Winter Garden, Florida (2006-2007)
PURCHASING MANAGER/DIRECTOR of MATERIALS-PURCHASING
Initially hired as Purchasing Manager for ABC Companies, (a supplier of OEM and aftermarket parts to the motor coach and transit bus markets), and was promoted to Director of Materials-Purchasing within 6 months. Responsibilities included alternative vendor sourcing, reducing inventory acquisition costs, improved in-stocks and product availability and increased inventory turnover, and return on inventory investment.
Built, trained and managed a team of 5 buyers and collectively secured in excess of $500,000 in cost savings (in less than a 10 month time frame) and improved potential service rates to 96%.
With a recent acquisition of Muncie Transit Parts by ABC Companies, the purchasing department was to be restructured, moving in a different direction, and my position, as well as several buyer positions in Winter Garden were eliminated.
DISCOUNT AUTO PARTS, INC., Lakeland, Florida (1980-2002; 1975-1976)
Vice President - Purchasing / Category Manager
Directed purchasing operations, inventory mix, product assortments, gross margins, inventory turnover, and P&L management for a leading aftermarket auto parts and accessories retailer with 660+ locations throughout the Southeast. Key contributor to $661 million in annual net sales revenues, driving profitability by establishing high‑yield product mix and innovating effective retail pricing strategies. Directed a team of 9 senior‑level managers overseeing a broad disciplinary mix, including sales and marketing, merchandising, purchasing, inventory control, replenishment, and distribution. Accountable for more than 49,000 sku’s.
Improved gross profit from 38% to 41% in 2 years by intensifying vendor negotiations, repositioning product mix, and initiating a more aggressive approach to pricing strategies
and overall sales and operations efforts.
Reduced overall inventory $12 million in FY2001 by partnering with applicable vendors to replace slow-moving product with a more current product mix essential to raising sales and inventory turns.
Streamlined vendor selection processes, reduced costs of goods, decreased inventory handling costs, and improved lead time, fill rates, and inventory turns by developing strategic sourcing/supply chain initiatives in conjunction with dedicated teams from Cap Gemini, Ernst and Young.
Four‑time winner of the prestigious Devotion to Excellence Award.
Strategic Planning and Execution:
- Served as critical member of the Executive Committee in shaping company focus, mission, and objectives; devising vital growth and operations strategy; and providing expert advice and guidance related to revenue enhancement, cost containment, and general operations issues.
- Designed and executed a competitive retail price market strategy where none previously existed, allowing company to maintain edge over competitors and meet corporate objectives related to sales and gross margins.
- Realigned purchasing department operations to increase department efficiencies in moving toward category management responsibilities and formatting.
- Played key role in coordination of design and construction of initial distribution center and subsequent expansions: facilitated building planning, construction management, permitting and other various facets of material handling and distribution.
Purchasing and Vendor Relations:
- Orchestrated development and launch of a private label oil program that grew profit margins from 10% (after markdowns) to 18%.
- Structured and negotiated contract agreements with a core supplier base of 200+ vendors, improving contract terms and conditions of sale year over year. Achieved lowest prices while preserving product quality and integrity by employing strategic sourcing/best practices.
- Cultivated long‑term partnerships with vendors, collaborating to devise and execute revenue enhancement strategies and sales/marketing promotions. Monitored re-buying functions and vendor scorecard activities.
- Delivered continuous reductions in cost by implementing promotional/marketing programs, volume rebates, distribution center and/or commercial sales support, gathering allowances and new store allowances with majority of vendors.
Operations Enhancement and Product Promotion:
- Conducted routine visits to DAP and competitor stores to analyze existing operations and initiate improvements successful in enhancing store operations, solving resource needs, minimizing sales expenses, expanding inventory mix, and optimizing sales results through improved product placement and display merchandising.
- Brought together disparate internal groups in assessing operational deficiencies, brainstorming solutions, and creating tactical plans for modification.
- Captured 20% cost savings (for applicable product group), fueled growth of proprietary label, built brand equity and enhanced overall quality by developing and implementing a direct import program for tools and accessories, the first of its kind that incorporated complete package design, quality specifications, pack size, etc.
- Boosted comp store sales and inventory turns/performance by refining product stocking/merchandising strategies and customized (“Hard Parts”) inventory mix for specific store formats. Also developed a larger assortment on front room products for the “depot” store format through continuous testing and development of new products and (sales floor) categories.
- Ensured achievement of store and corporate goals governing sales, EBITDA, inventory levels, gross margins, turns, and order fill by forging critical relationships with cross-functional teams and providing right mix of leadership, support, and product pricing, availability, and knowledge.
Earlier positions held:
Vice President - Purchasing § Vice President - Purchasing and Distribution
Purchasing Manager § Buyer/Product Manager § Distribution Center Manager
EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Bachelors of Science Degree
Business Administration, Management
Cum Laude
University of South Florida
May 08, 2006
Cornell University, Ithaca, New York
Certificate of Completion - Food Industry Management Program
Dale Carnegie, Management § Karrass, Effective Negotiating
Cap Gemini Ernst & Young, Strategic Sourcing and Supply Chain Management
Additional training in:
Powerful Presentations § Finance & Accounting § Personal Productivity Enhancement
Proficient “hands-on” working knowledge of “computer concepts” to include Microsoft Word, Outlook, Excel, Access Database and PowerPoint presentations.
MILITARY SERVICE
United States Navy
Honorable Discharge
1976-1980