Jennifer Pickard
Purchasing
Houston
Summary
Detail-oriented Purchasing and Operations Coordinator with over 1 year of experience in procurement, vendor management, and operational coordination. Despite being in the role for a short period, I’ve quickly adapted to managing a diverse range of responsibilities, from sourcing materials and negotiating with suppliers to coordinating employee travel and processing payroll. Skilled in maintaining vendor relations, optimizing costs, and streamlining operational processes to improve efficiency. Proven ability to handle multiple priorities, drive cost reductions, and ensure smooth business operations, all while learning and adapting rapidly to new challenges.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
Work History
Purchasing and Operations Coordinator
Grace Instrument
04.2024 - Current
- Procured custom machine parts, electronics, and hardware from a broad range of vendors and suppliers, ensuring competitive pricing and quality.
- Sourced and purchased airfare and hotel accommodations for employees traveling overseas, managing logistics for multiple trips.
- Built and maintained strong relationships with over 20 suppliers to ensure timely delivery of materials, negotiate contracts, and manage cost reductions.
- Issued vendor payments, and managed invoicing processes to ensure prompt and accurate payments.
- Coordinated with engineering and production teams to ensure inventory control and eliminate unnecessary purchases, streamlining supply chain operations.
- Managed office supplies and breakroom inventory to ensure a functional and efficient work environment.
- Processed payroll for 16 employees by calculating hours, and submitting data for management approval, ensuring timely and accurate payments.
- Maintained a filing system for engineered drawings, ensuring that documents were organized and easily accessible for production needs.
Dispatcher/Customer Service
Hepta Run
06.2018 - 12.2019
- Familiarized myself with proprietary software to trace containers, and responded to 100+ emails daily regarding discharge status, the setting of appointments, and new containers coming into Houston.
- Examined delivery progress to identify possible delays and provide real-time updates to customers.
- Dispatched, routed, and tracked 20 fleet vehicles to coordinate timely delivery of goods and materials in order to prevent detention and demurrage fees.
Floor Manager
Wild Ginger Japanese Steakhouse
09.2016 - 03.2018
- Identified individual development needs with appropriate training to better manage workflow to exceed quality service goals.
- Advocated a positive work environment by being a strong leader of server staff while maintaining high efficiency.
- Operated a cash register for cash, check and credit card transactions with 100% accuracy.
Receptionist/Office Administrator
Jack Daniel's Delivery Service
11.2011 - 03.2018
- Processed and input over 20 orders in the system daily to ensure timely pickup and delivery, as well as confirming appointments, communicating with customers, and updating client records.
- Audited DOT paperwork for 6 vehicles, reconciled mileages between Verizon reports and mileages reported by drivers, and collected necessary receipts for submission to IFTA.
- Guided incoming visitors and customers professionally and provided friendly, knowledgeable assistance as well as responding to inquiries from callers seeking information as well as forwarding calls to the correct offices.
- Organized and maintained reception area to be clean and neat giving visitors a positive first impression.
Server
Wild Ginger
11.2009 - 11.2010
- Managed approximately 20 guests simultaneously during busy periods, while delivering quality service and providing a warm, welcoming environment.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Media Arts & Animation
The Art Institute of Houston - North
Houston 05.2001 -
Skills
- Proficient in office machinery
- Professional communication
- Strong organizational abilities
- Procurement coordination
- Operational efficiency management
- Responsive to new challenges
- Payroll processing and record-keeping
- Cross-functional teamwork
- Service excellence
- Proficient in managing multiple tasks
Interests
Violinist - I play the violin for my worship team at church Violinists typically play off of sheet music, however I adapted to playing off of a guitar tabs sheet and thought out my own part to play that would contribute to the band as a whole I am consistently challenged and have developed a mindset of always having room for improvement My reliable attendance at rehearsal, as well as my preparedness prior to, helped me flourish as a musician
Musician
A classically trained violinist that adapted to playing off of guitar chord charts in order to seamlessly integrate myself into the band. Wrote my own sheet music to ensure continuity of the songs every time they were played. Collaborating with other musicians to create music has developed my teamwork and has inspired me to always strive higher.
Timeline
Purchasing and Operations Coordinator
Grace Instrument
04.2024 - Current
Dispatcher/Customer Service
Hepta Run
06.2018 - 12.2019
Floor Manager
Wild Ginger Japanese Steakhouse
09.2016 - 03.2018
Receptionist/Office Administrator
Jack Daniel's Delivery Service
11.2011 - 03.2018
Server
Wild Ginger
11.2009 - 11.2010
Bachelor of Arts - Media Arts & Animation
The Art Institute of Houston - North
05.2001 -
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