Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

KAREN ANDREWS

Rockbank,VIC

Summary

Results-driven Purchasing Specialist with over 15 years of procurement experience, dedicated to evaluating material quality and securing optimal services from suppliers and manufacturers. Proven track record in maintaining accurate sales and purchasing reports that enhance forecasting and cost management, contributing to overall organizational efficiency. Recognized for a strong work ethic, adaptability, and exceptional interpersonal skills, complemented by keen attention to detail and expertise in drafting purchasing budgets. Committed to embracing new challenges while excelling in both independent and collaborative environments, consistently driving results that align with business objectives.

Overview

39
39
years of professional experience

Work History

Purchasing Specialist

Regent RV Pty
06.2023 - Current
  • Maintained complete documentation and records of all purchasing activities.
  • Tracked inventory shipments and prepared spreadsheets detailing item information.
  • Communicated with vendors regarding inventory needs and negotiated prices to maintain profit margins.
  • Determined lowest possible cost, factoring in quality, and reliability and negotiated favourable contracts.
  • Computed and created purchase orders to monitor stock levels, verify purchase requisitions and expedite customer orders.
  • Computed and created purchase orders in SAP to monitor stock levels, verify purchase requisitions, and expedite customer orders.
  • Negotiated policies and contracts with vendors to achieve optimal pricing and consistent availability.
  • Reviewed proposals, qualified vendors, and recommended optimal suppliers.
  • Maintained effective and lasting vendor relationships through dynamic communication, collaboration, and intelligent questioning skills.

Receptionist Administrator

Ministry Of Cook Islands
04.2023 - 05.2023
  • Answered incoming calls, directing clients to individuals addressing specific needs.
  • Developed and maintained filing systems for confidential documents, enhancing information retrieval efficiency.
  • Used critical thinking to break down problems, evaluate solutions and make decisions.
  • Offered friendly and efficient service to customers, handled challenging situations with ease.
  • Developed and maintained courteous and effective working relationships.
  • Maintained excellent attendance record, consistently arriving to work on time.
  • Resolved problems, improved operations and provided exceptional service.

Purchasing/Master Production Scheduler

Steel & Tube
09.2022 - 04.2023
  • Met production goals and formed action plan to constantly raise bar to higher standards.
  • Supported development of automated system for distribution of sales orders and associated data.
  • Updated management and clients on progress of production.
  • Developed scheduling for certain tasks so that goods will be available when needed.
  • Tracked progress of goods during manufacturing.
  • Flagged potential issues by monitoring timelines.
  • Maintained accurate records and handled purchase orders.
  • Planned production schedules weekly, taking employee production rates, company needs and seasonal changes into account.
  • Processed manufacturing orders from sales system.
  • Reviewed building plans for material purchase.

Office Manager

Accredited Roofing
05.2019 - 09.2022
  • Maximized cash flow through optimal billing and collection processes.
  • Oversaw office inventory activities by ordering and requisitions and stocking and shipment receiving.
  • Established workflow processes, monitored daily productivity and implemented modifications to improve overall performance of personnel.
  • Maintained CRM database with customer updates and report generation.
  • Optimized organizational systems for payment collections, AP/AR, deposits and recordkeeping.
  • Hired, managed, developed and trained staff, established and monitored goals, conducted performance reviews and administered salaries for staff.
  • Managed costs and billing and resolved financial discrepancies effectively through organizational management of account information using Xero software.
  • Monitored and evaluated personnel performance to complete annual reviews, recommend advancement or address productivity concerns.
  • Oversaw appointment scheduling and itinerary coordination for both clients and personnel.
  • Provided backup to front desk to step in to assist with various tasks whenever employee was absent or at lunch.
  • Delegated tasks to administrative support staff to organize and improve office efficiency.

General Manager

Atlantic
02.2014 - 04.2019
  • Developed and implemented strategies to increase sales and profitability.
  • Managed budget implementations, employee reviews, training, schedules, and contract negotiations.
  • Monitored financial performance, set budgets and controlled expenses to provide financial stability and long-term organizational growth.
  • Maximized efficiency by coaching and mentoring personnel on management principles, industry practices, company procedures, and technology systems.
  • Provided thoughtful guidance to personnel in navigating and resolving snags in productivity.
  • Trained new employees on proper protocols and customer service standards.
  • Scheduled employees for shifts, taking into account customer traffic and employee strengths.
  • Streamlined operational workflows, enhancing efficiency across multiple departments.
  • Led cross-functional teams to implement process improvements and optimize resource allocation.
  • Developed training programs to enhance staff performance and ensure compliance with safety standards.

Property Manager

Krever Properties
02.2003 - 03.2014
  • Managed property operations, ensuring compliance with local regulations and enhancing tenant satisfaction.
  • Oversaw maintenance schedules, coordinating repairs and improvements to optimize property conditions.
  • Developed and implemented marketing strategies to increase occupancy rates across multiple properties.
  • Led financial management, including budgeting and expense tracking to ensure cost-effective operations.
  • Oversaw daily operations for multiple residential properties, ensuring optimal tenant satisfaction and property upkeep.
  • Led maintenance teams in timely resolution of tenant issues, enhancing overall community living experience.
  • Established strong relationships with vendors and contractors to ensure high-quality service delivery.
  • Conducted regular property inspections, identifying areas for improvement and implementing corrective actions promptly.
  • Oversaw move-in/move-out processes, ensuring smooth transitions for both incoming and outgoing tenants.

Airline Reservation Agent

Air New Zealand
08.2000 - 01.2003
  • Facilitated customer inquiries regarding flight availability, pricing, and reservations using airline reservation systems.
  • Processed ticket changes and cancellations efficiently, ensuring compliance with airline policies and procedures.
  • Collaborated with team members to resolve complex customer issues and enhance service delivery consistency.
  • Streamlined booking procedures, reducing processing time while maintaining high accuracy in reservations management.
  • Demonstrated strong communication skills when assisting passengers with special needs or requests, ensuring a comfortable travel experience for all.
  • Enhanced customer satisfaction by efficiently processing airline reservations and ticket purchases.
  • Supported the customer service team by promptly addressing inquiries and resolving issues related to reservations.

Accounts Receivable Administrator

Regent Duty Free
07.1995 - 07.2000
  • Managed end-to-end accounts receivable processes to ensure timely collections and minimize overdue invoices.
  • Streamlined invoicing procedures, enhancing accuracy and reducing processing time through automated systems.
  • Coordinated with cross-functional teams to resolve discrepancies and improve customer account management efficiency.
  • Developed comprehensive reports on receivables aging and cash flow projections to support financial forecasting.
  • Provided exceptional customer service by responding promptly to inquiries from both internal stakeholders and external clients concerning account status or payment-related matters.
  • Maintained accurate financial records through regular account reconciliation and adjustments when necessary.
  • Contributed to the development of departmental goals and performance metrics, aligning individual objectives with broader organizational initiatives.

Electrical Sales Representative

Dominion Electrical
11.1990 - 06.1995
  • Developed strong relationships with clients to understand their electrical needs and provide tailored solutions.
  • Conducted product demonstrations to showcase features and benefits of electrical equipment, enhancing customer engagement.
  • Collaborated with engineering team to ensure accurate product specifications and compliance with industry standards.
  • Analyzed market trends to identify new sales opportunities and recommend strategic initiatives for growth.
  • Managed key accounts, maintaining regular communication to foster loyalty and drive repeat business.
  • Streamlined order processing procedures, improving response times and enhancing overall customer satisfaction.
  • Led quarterly sales meetings, presenting performance metrics and strategizing for future business development initiatives.
  • Assisted clients in making informed decisions about their purchases by providing detailed product information and addressing any concerns they had.
  • Strengthened relationships with existing accounts by offering additional services or products based on their needs, increasing overall profitability.
  • Analyzed competitors'' offerings to identify gaps in the market and capitalize on untapped opportunities for growth.

Checkout Supervisor

Pak N Save - Henderson
04.1987 - 11.1990
  • Supervised daily checkout operations to ensure efficient customer service and smooth transactions.
  • Trained and mentored staff on checkout procedures and customer engagement strategies.
  • Implemented process improvements that enhanced workflow efficiency at checkout stations.
  • Managed inventory levels at the register, reducing discrepancies through accurate tracking and reporting.
  • Resolved customer inquiries and complaints, promoting positive shopping experiences and retention.
  • Collaborated with management to develop promotional strategies that increased sales during peak periods.

Education

Medical Terminology

Career Academy
Auckland, New Zealand
06.2021

Skills

  • SAP proficiency
  • NEVDIS certified submitter
  • Procurement management
  • Supplier contract management
  • Travel coordination
  • Client support
  • Administrative operations
  • Workforce development
  • Ensuring data integrity
  • Professional development
  • Project coordination
  • Contract negotiation expertise
  • Data entry accuracy
  • Business management expertise
  • Supply inventory management
  • Database management
  • Appointment coordination
  • Effective time management
  • Client relationship management

Timeline

Purchasing Specialist

Regent RV Pty
06.2023 - Current

Receptionist Administrator

Ministry Of Cook Islands
04.2023 - 05.2023

Purchasing/Master Production Scheduler

Steel & Tube
09.2022 - 04.2023

Office Manager

Accredited Roofing
05.2019 - 09.2022

General Manager

Atlantic
02.2014 - 04.2019

Property Manager

Krever Properties
02.2003 - 03.2014

Airline Reservation Agent

Air New Zealand
08.2000 - 01.2003

Accounts Receivable Administrator

Regent Duty Free
07.1995 - 07.2000

Electrical Sales Representative

Dominion Electrical
11.1990 - 06.1995

Checkout Supervisor

Pak N Save - Henderson
04.1987 - 11.1990

Medical Terminology

Career Academy
KAREN ANDREWS