Cassie L Books
Peru,IN
Summary
Over 20 years of Supply Chain/Material Supply experience, including the previous position of at Haynes International as a Dynamic Senior Buyer. My career is, skilled in supply chain optimization and supplier negotiations, achieving significant material savings. My career track has also included accolades for cost savings and a 5 year experience of owning my own business as a licensed Product, Casualty, Home, Business. Life & Health Insurance Agent.
Overall, proven track record in fostering supplier relationships and conducting spend analysis to drive process improvements - whether for a large company or a self owned business. Adept to change at many levels. Have both lead and participated in ERP changeovers as well as process and SOPs changes across all areas maintaining continuity of supply and enhancing efficiency, regardless of topic or working context.
Looking to apply this multi-tiered skill set as well as exceptional communication and relationship ability in a Remote or Hybrid position.
Overview
27
27
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Buyer
Haynes International
Kokomo, IN
11.2023 - 04.2025
- Assisted in evaluating supplier proposals to determine best fit for organizational needs.
- Supported inventory management processes by tracking stock levels and reordering supplies as necessary.
- Coordinated communication between internal teams and external vendors to streamline procurement activities.
- Maintained accurate records of purchases, contracts, and supplier performance for reference and analysis.
- Collaborated with senior buyers to develop strategies for cost reduction and efficiency improvements.
- Adapted quickly to changes in product specifications and supplier capabilities, ensuring continuity of supply.
- Developed strong relationships with suppliers, fostering collaboration and mutual growth.
Senior Buyer
Syndicate Sales
Kokomo, IN
06.2016 - 09.2018
- Contributed to market research initiatives to identify new sourcing opportunities and trends.
- Participated in training sessions to enhance purchasing skills and knowledge of procurement systems.
- Participated in continuous improvement initiatives, contributing ideas for more effective procurement processes.
- Leveraged data-driven insights to make informed purchasing decisions that positively impacted the bottom line.
- Evaluated supplier proposals objectively, selecting partners based on total value rather than just price alone.
- Implemented risk mitigation strategies to minimize potential disruptions in the supply chain.
- Played an instrumental role in major project launches by managing all aspects of procurement from planning to execution, including creation of new machinery structure and suppliers/sub-contractors to conduct the work needed to the specifications requested.
- Managed a diverse portfolio of products, ensuring timely delivery and quality control.
Purchasing Manager
Orion Safety Products
Peru, Indiana
11.2014 - 07.2016
- Developed and maintained supplier relationships to enhance procurement efficiency.
- Analyzed market trends to inform purchasing decisions and optimize inventory management.
- Implemented cost-saving strategies resulting in reduced procurement expenses.
- Evaluated vendor performance, ensuring compliance with quality standards and delivery schedules.
- Streamlined purchase order processes, improving turnaround times for product availability.
- Coordinated cross-departmental collaboration to align purchasing strategies with organizational goals.
- Sourced vendors, built relationships, and negotiated prices.
- Coordinated paperwork, updated spreadsheets, and maintained permanent records.
- Implemented strategic sourcing initiatives, reducing overall purchasing costs.
- Trained junior staff members on best practices in purchasing management, contributing to their professional development and growth within the organization.
Materials Manager
Carter Fuel Systems
Logansport, IN
08.2011 - 10.2014
- Streamlined inventory management processes to enhance accuracy and reduce discrepancies.
- Coordinated material procurement, ensuring timely availability for production schedules.
- Led cross-functional teams to streamline material flow, improving production efficiency and reducing lead times.
- Monitored safety stock levels and established order policies to balance inventory availability with minimal investment.
- Developed and implemented efficient tracking systems for materials usage and stock levels.
- Oversaw team training initiatives to improve operational efficiency and knowledge retention.
- Managed raw/WIP/FG warehouse, Shipping & Receiving Docks, ordering and forecasting teams
Materials Manager
Ultra Electronics (USSI)
Columbia City, IN
04.2010 - 10.2011
- Led procurement strategies to optimize inventory management and reduce costs.
- Implemented process improvements, enhancing supply chain efficiency and responsiveness.
- Developed and maintained relationships with suppliers, ensuring quality standards and timely deliveries.
- Managed cross-functional teams to synchronize material flow with production schedules.
- Trained staff on best practices for inventory control and compliance procedures.
- Oversaw implementation of ERP systems to streamline material tracking processes.
- Ensured compliance with industry standards and regulations through diligent oversight of safety protocols in the warehouse environment.
- Collaborated with production teams to ensure timely availability of materials, minimizing production delays.
- Identified opportunities for process improvements through regular reviews of existing systems and workflows.
- Conducted root-cause analyses to identify recurring issues within the supply chain, recommending corrective actions to prevent future occurrences.
Business Process Owner, SAP Integration Leader SME
Delco/Delco Electronics/Delphi
Kokomo IN, Matamoros, Mexico
08.1998 - 04.2004
- Led cross-functional teams to optimize business processes and enhance operational efficiency.
- Developed and implemented process improvement initiatives to streamline workflows and reduce costs.
- Analyzed performance metrics to identify areas for enhancement and drive strategic decision-making.
- Facilitated workshops to gather stakeholder feedback and align process goals with organizational objectives.
- Served in all aspects of Supply Chain to become full SME and participate and lead in system integrations and process creation, management and control.
- Spent years working as an SME and SAP integration Leader in Matamoros & Reynosa, Mexico, including living in Brownsville, Texas directly.
- Spearheaded root cause analyses for recurring issues, devising long-term strategies to prevent recurrence effectively.
- Led cross-functional teams to optimize end-to-end process performance and reach company objectives.
- Managed Financial aspects and reporting of General Ledger and comparing budget to forecast to real spend. Published and analyzed monthly inventory and variances
Education
Indiana Wesleyan
Kokomo05-2004
Bachelor of Arts - Corporate Communication
Indiana University
Kokomo05-2000
Skills
- Deescalating both people-generated and supply chain related crisis Creating teams on the same side with common goals rather than friction - using conflict as a means to solve problems and create positive morale
- Supply chain optimization
- Supplier negotiations leading to significant material savings when possible
- Supplier relationship management
- Spend analysis as well as recommendation for various KPIs as well as process changes
Timeline
Senior Buyer
Haynes International
11.2023 - 04.2025
Senior Buyer
Syndicate Sales
06.2016 - 09.2018
Purchasing Manager
Orion Safety Products
11.2014 - 07.2016
Materials Manager
Carter Fuel Systems
08.2011 - 10.2014
Materials Manager
Ultra Electronics (USSI)
04.2010 - 10.2011
Business Process Owner, SAP Integration Leader SME
Delco/Delco Electronics/Delphi
08.1998 - 04.2004
Indiana Wesleyan
Bachelor of Arts - Corporate Communication
Indiana University