PAUL GURGOS
Bartlett
Summary
Proven expertise in purchasing and logistics across diverse industries, delivering measurable results and enhancing customer satisfaction. Strong relationship-building skills facilitate effective collaboration at all organizational levels. Adaptable to changing environments, with a track record of thriving in cross-functional teams.
Overview
2027
2027
years of professional experience
Work History
Substitute Teacher, K-12
School District U-46
Elgin
2025 - Current
- Encourage student participation and active learning in the classroom.
- Foster a positive learning environment that promoted mutual respect.
- Engage students in discussions to promote interest and drive learning.
- Requested as substitute teacher based on excellent referrals and trusted performance.
SENIOR MRO BUYER
LOVEJOY, LLC
Downers Grove
2023 - 2025
- Generated daily requests for quotations and placed MRO orders via SAP Ariba for two manufacturing plants.
- Expedited orders and resolved shipping errors with suppliers and receiving managers.
- Participated in daily Gemba walks to enhance operational visibility.
- Collaborated with internal accounting and suppliers to resolve invoice discrepancies within two business days.
- Engaged with maintenance supervisors to discuss priority parts for machines down and building maintenance projects.
- Negotiated terms for outside service contracts and capital equipment purchases.
- Developed work instructions to enhance purchasing department effectiveness.
- Monitored supplier performance using quarterly scorecards; recommended corrective actions based on results.
Buyer
ASKEW INDUSTRIAL CORPORATION
Bensenville
2019 - 2023
- Executed remote and on-site operations at customer manufacturing plant with security clearance for defense OEM aerospace vehicles and power sectors using lean manufacturing principles.
- Managed consignment and non-consignment inventory in autocribs and tool crib, overseeing assets exceeding $11.5 million.
- Collaborated daily with plant manager, engineering, quality, operations, accounting, maintenance planners, tool crib attendants, machine operators, and suppliers to ensure cost-effective sourcing of MRO and project-specific parts.
- Conducted total cost analysis and sourced new vendors, achieving a 23% reduction in material costs while adhering to sustainability practices.
- Developed tool crib parts database, establishing minimums and maximums based on usage analysis while tracking inventory turns through RFID technology.
- Processed drop ship orders for chemicals, creating bills of lading for less-than-truckload shipments.
- Supported an AFC Industries company, a global leader in supply chain logistics and distribution of industrial engineered components.
Inside Sales Representative
GROHE AMERICA, INC.
Roselle
2016 - 2018
- Provided sales and marketing support to over 400 kitchen and bathroom showrooms across 24 states.
- Increased showroom sales by 38% through tailored recommendations for Grohe displays based on market analysis.
- Supported ten representative agencies including 45 outside sales representatives and five factory representatives.
- Processed approximately 100 warranty orders monthly using SyteLine ERP software for Grohe parts.
- Resolved daily consumer inquiries and complaints promptly, ensuring thorough stakeholder follow-up.
- Tracked purchase orders and facilitated resolution of vendor-related issues efficiently.
- Negotiated with four to six individuals to resolve over 90% of issues within one week.
Buyer
VAL-TEST DISTRIBUTOR GROUP
Hoffman Estates
2012 - 2016
- Worked closely with over 200 National Account Managers and Vice-Presidents of building materials manufacturers in the design of promotions for two step distributors.
- The promotions utilized co-op advertising funds to launch new product lines at independent hardware and paint stores throughout the United States.
- Sourced and signed 150 new suppliers as a result of networking and cold calling at the National Hardware Show, International Home and Housewares Show, and National Lawn and Garden Show to join Val-Test Distributor Group that resulted in revenues of $4.9M.
- Secured $495,000 in supplier booth fees to participate in the annual Val-Test Distributor Group buying trade show as a result of persuading factory representatives to attend.
- Negotiated all the terms on behalf of distributors that belong to Val-Test Distributor Group for the 150 new supplier programs.
- The terms included: pricing, co-op advertising, freight, show specials, and annual sales volume year end rebates.
- Forecasted, allocated, and placed all purchase orders via SAP Ariba with hardware, electrical, plumbing, and concrete suppliers.
- National buying and marketing group for two step distributors in hardware, plumbing, sundries, electrical, and decorative concrete industries since 1962.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Business Administration, Emphasis in Marketing
University of Southern Indiana
Evansville, INSkills
- SAP Ariba expertise
- Total cost analysis
- Vendor negotiation
- Inventory management
- Supplier performance monitoring
- Customer relationship management
Other Courses And Activities
- General Electric Lighting – Cross Functional Sales Training
- SAP Ariba
- INxSQL
- SyteLine
- JobBOSS
- CRM
- SEO
- AS400
- ACT!
- Microsoft Office
- Dale Carnegie Course
- Head coach in the Bartlett Youth Soccer Association
Timeline
Substitute Teacher, K-12
School District U-46
2025 - Current
SENIOR MRO BUYER
LOVEJOY, LLC
2023 - 2025
Buyer
ASKEW INDUSTRIAL CORPORATION
2019 - 2023
Inside Sales Representative
GROHE AMERICA, INC.
2016 - 2018
Buyer
VAL-TEST DISTRIBUTOR GROUP
2012 - 2016
Bachelor of Arts - Business Administration, Emphasis in Marketing
University of Southern Indiana