Gary Zent
19511 Creekview Dr
Noblesville, Indiana 46062
317 374-5186
glzen2@gmail.com
www.linkedin.com/in/GaryZent
SUMMARY
Imaginative, persuasive purchasing professional looking for an opportunity to help an organization
save money. Qualified by over 15 years experience in supply chain management with a depth of
experience in negotiations, planning and cost management. Experience in global purchasing,
working with international suppliers. Track record of using creative methods to save money and
solve problems. Areas of expertise:
• Vendor and supplier negotiations • Scrap and waste recycling programs
• International sourcing • Scheduling
• Crisis solution • Cost analysis and management
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Delphi, Kokomo, Indiana 1999-Present
Senior Buyer, Metallic Components
Controlled buying office responsible for approximately $50 million of annual metallic purchases.
Selected strategic suppliers to request quotes from. Sourced metal parts, including stampings,
castings, machined parts, extruded parts, fasteners, solder, springs, wire and mechanical
assemblies. Collaborated with corporate team to implement sourcing and supplier development
strategies. Analyzed cost models to set target prices and weighed against suppliers’ cost
breakdowns. Determined total costs, including freight, tariffs, duties and packaging before
awarding business. Arranged and led technical reviews of part designs with suppliers and design
Engineers for cost improvements. Motivated suppliers to develop cost reduction initiatives. Dealt
with several overseas suppliers.
• Arranged solder recycling program with key supplier, resulting in annual savings of $1.5
mil.
• Won awards for best sourcing plans and cost savings ideas.
• Won Delphi Certificate of Excellence for Material Optimization (for process substitution)
• Won Excellence in Metallic Sourcing award (for Corp. leveraging to reduce price and
assist sister div. in reducing debt.)
• Won Quick Thinking Award (for averting large obsolescence)
• Member of Delphi’s Supplier Diversity Team
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Stellite Coatings, Goshen, Indiana 1984-1999
Materials Manager
Launched and directed Production Control, Purchasing, Shipping/Warehousing systems.
Procured high dollar metallic raw materials used in high temperature alloys. Initiated inventory
consignment programs. Expanded company presence by attending industry conferences and
seminars. Organized a team to locate sources of recyclable metals and initiated incentive
program to reward savings. Managed the installation of Materials Management software system.
• Initiated a recycling program that saved $3.5 mil.
• Set up Scheduling, Warehousing, and Shipping/Receiving systems in new plant.
• Directed, as Program Manager, the installation of company systems package.
EDUCATION
B.S. Accounting, Ball State University
PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATIONS
Indiana Life, Health and Accident Insurance License
Have passed the Securities and Exchange Commission Series 6, Series 63 and Series 65 exams.
Have completed the H&R Block Individual Tax Course
MILITARY EXPERIENCE
Honorable Discharge from U.S. Navy
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