1. Profile
Utilize strategic leadership skills along with procurement, sourcing, and operations
experience to lead consistent,value added benefits to a growth oriented company. Lead
teams across multiple locations to drive cost savings,increase margins and reduce
complexities throughout the supply chain and across an organization. Demonstrate high
energy and agility to consistently meet or exceed all objectives while developing staff and
co-workers to accomplish strategic goals. Train and mentor others on sound business
practices, with an emphasis on providing superior customer service to all levels of
customers and stakeholders. Solid understanding of purchasing principles and practices.
Experience
Purchasing Manager, Shorr Packaging Corp. Aurora, IL- 2010-Present
Oversee all procurement, sourcing,merchandising, inventory management and vendor
relations for entire multi-location company operations.
Managed a department of 14 Buyers and two Expeditors with sales of over $215 million.
Lead Purchasing Department in margin improvement, correct inventory levels,
expediting, new vendorapprovals,sourcing new products and multiple RFP’s across key
product lines. Review buyer product lines to help support Marketing, Sales and New
Business Development to meet procurement requirements. Work with Shorr Management
in maintaining vendorpricing accuracy with announced price increases/decreases.
Participated in Lean Processing Course.
Buyer, Shorr Packaging Corp. Aurora, IL — 2001-2010
Handled product lines of stretch film, shrink film, labels, ribbons and chipboard for
multiple distribution locations.Worked directly with vendors on pricing, quality, and
service levels. Help establish Shorr’s first private label stretch film program working
with Marketing, Sales and Supplier’s processing RFQ’s, product knowledge, and vendor
relationship. Managed monthly slow moving inventory reports to help maintain proper
inventory levels throughout Shorr’s distribution network.
Buyer, Nichols Paper, Muskegon,MI — 2000-2001
Procured packaging products for re-sale to Nichols customers, managed inventory levels
to maintain correct stocking levels to support customerneeds. Processed warehouse
transfers between multiple Nichols locations along with expediting purchase orders.
Worked with maintaining correct cost for each assigned product line and resolving
invoice issues with the Accounts Payable Department.
630-698-0646
jstrait63@gmail.com
1355 Verona Ridge Drive
Aurora, IL
60506
JOEL T. STRAIT

2. Buyer, Gray & Company, Hart, MI — 1997-2000
Negotiated vendorand trucking contracts. Maintained inventory levels for production of
maraschino cherries and Queen Anne chocolate covered cherry production lines using JIT
inventory controls. Responsible for 35 general ledger account budgets on a monthly basis
in conjunction with sales forecasts and production schedules with annual sales of
$60,000,000 and expenditures of $15,000,000.
Warehouse Manager,Target, Muskegon,MI 1995-1997
Supervised staff of 18, responsible for training new associates and maintaining accurate
inventory records. Initiated monthly newsletter to keep team aware of
seasonal/promotionalmerchandise to support and compliment staff and to encourage
personal growth and team spirt.
Buyer, Dawn Food Products, Kansas City, MO 1992-1995
Negotiated vendorpricing contracts,maintained inventory of bakery products for Dawn’s
largest customers, Walmart and Sam’s Club. Improved warehouse efficiency by initiating
inventory label and location systemin warehouse.Communicated pricing and sales trends
to sales teams.
Buyer, Kim Supply, Kansas City, MO - 1990-1992
Negotiated contracts with vendors,ordered and maintained inventory of over 15,000 sku’s
of car wash parts. Maintained database of purchase orders,inventory and customer
records.
Military Service - US Army 1981-1990
Supply Sergeant - Noncommissioned Officer Training and Leadership Courses
Honorable Discharge 1990
Education
University of Wisconsin-La Crosse - 3 credits 1985
Wentworth Military Academy & Junior College - 15 credits 1989
Muskegon Community College - 3 credits 1997
Skills: IBM AS/400, Microsoft Office, SX.e, Mits
References: Available upon request