1. Benjamin C. Ward
Phone: 309.275.7860  E-Mail: c.benjamin.ward@gmail.com
Professional summary
Purchasingagentwith nearly three years of experience looking to translatewidespread knowledge of largescalepurchasing
strategy and tactics to a new opportunity. Highly driven and goal oriented individual with strongpersonal communication and
analytic abilities.
Experience
Caterpillar Inc. - Populus Group April 2014 – Dec 2016
GSND Rims and Valves Segment - Buyer
• Responsiblefor $45M+ in annual spend for rims and valves purchased finished category
• Facilitated 20 costreduction projects to obtain 4.24% cost down in 2015 and projected 3% in 2016
• Obtained $2M in cost reduction in 2015 and projected $3.5M in 2016
• Created and controlled onlinebiddingsystemand associated projects to ensure best in class pricingfor
enterprise
• Accurately forecasted year end results within .05% accuracy
• Effective negotiator; Obtained $1M in cost reductions via directnegotiations with supplier
• Successfully communicated globally with suppliers and regional counterparts to improve performance across
category
• Drastically improved supply baseperformance; ~30% to 90% SQEP Certification
• Managed and developed contracts with strategic members of supply base
• Co-authored 150 page 7 step category strategy to align with business process partners
• Subject matter expert and area leader on quarterly business plan forecastprocess
• Subject matter expert on internal analytic tools and lead monthly reporting of data
Citizens Equity FirstCreditUnion Aug 2012 - April 2014
Member Assistant/Member Service Representative
• Maintained 99% accuracy in accountmanagement
• Consistently exceeded monthly productreferral and upsell goals
• Processed loan applicationsand depositaccountmaintenance
• Promoted confidentiality and member security
SprintPreferred Retailers Dec 2009 – Aug 2012
Store Manager
• Simultaneously managed three store locations whileexceeding monthly sales goalsand metrics
• Interpreted and analyzed business data to increasephone sales by 80%
• Regional trainer candidate:Created revenue drivingexercises for associates across entiredistrict
• Specialized in small businessrelations;increased business sales by 100%
Education
IllinoisStateUniversity August 2010
Bachelors of Science in Mass Communications
Minor in Sociology
Skills
BObj Data Analytics Project Mgmt. MicrosoftExcel
Powerpoint e-Bidding/Auctions SourcingStrategy Contract Mgmt.