Kristen Hagen
G&W Electric
Darien
16
years of professional experience
Results-oriented procurement professional with over 15 years of experience in purchasing and merchandising. Known for strong negotiation skills and effective communication, consistently achieving favorable terms with vendors while optimizing inventory levels to support operational needs.
Work History
Buyer II
4 Years 5 Months- Managed supplier relationships to ensure timely delivery and quality of materials.
- Analyzed market trends to optimize purchasing strategies and reduce costs.
- Negotiated contracts with vendors, achieving favorable terms and pricing agreements.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to align procurement activities with operational needs.
- Maintained complete documentation and records of all purchasing activities.
- Maintained key item stock levels and wrote or expedited purchase orders.
- Provided training and guidance to junior team members on best practices in purchasing, fostering a culture of continuous improvement within the procurement department.
- Conducted regular performance reviews of suppliers, ensuring compliance with company standards and expectations.
- Coordinated with quality control teams to address and rectify any product issues, maintaining high standards of quality.
- Manage over 60 suppliers with materials supporting 5 production lines.
Senior Merchant
9 Years 7 Months- Developed and implemented strategic merchandising plans to enhance product visibility and sales performance.
- Analyzed market trends and consumer preferences to optimize inventory management and product assortment.
- Collaborated with vendors to negotiate pricing, ensuring competitive positioning within the marketplace.
- Led cross-functional teams in the execution of promotional campaigns, resulting in increased customer engagement.
- Utilized data analytics tools to assess sales performance and inform future merchandising initiatives.
- Conducted regular store visits to evaluate merchandising effectiveness and provide actionable feedback to staff.
- Coordinated successful product launches, ensuring timely delivery, accurate inventory management, and targeted marketing efforts.
- Participated in two Ace Hardware Conventions per year, successfully leading as booth captain for eight consecutive conventions.
- Launched new private branded line of kitchen essentials for Ace Hardware International in 2013.
Education
Associate of Arts - Merchandising And Management
Skills
Purchase order management
Relationship building
Multi-tasking strength
Materials sourcing
Inventory monitoring
Verbal and written communication
Negotiation
Resourcefulness
Manufacturing support
Proficient in JDE
SAP B1
Timeline
Buyer II
G&W Electric
01.2022 - CurrentRead More
Senior Merchant
Ace Hardware Corporation
06.2010 - 01.2020Read More
College of DuPage
Associate of Arts from Merchandising And Management
Read More