ANDREA FORD
Scarborough,ON
Summary
Procurement and supply chain professional with over 20 years of driving cost reduction and optimizing processes in electronics, automotive, and industrial manufacturing—expertise in ERP management and supplier performance monitoring, leading initiatives that improved efficiency for high-profile global brands. Relocation: Open to positions and relocation across the GTA
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
SENIOR BUYER
MARA TECHNOLOGIES
Markham, Canada
06.2017 - 07.2026
- Generate and manage ERP (Oracle) purchase order releases for production and new product launches.
- Manage purchase order actions (reschedules / cancellations / expedites / confirmations / supplier exceptions)
- Management and maintenance of Suppliers (selection, qualification, forecasting, monitoring performance, supplier corrective actions)
- Established Lean procurement programs, enhancing purchasing automation and streamlining processes.
- Cost Reduction planning and execution
- Sourced microchips and semiconductors, ensuring compliance with ITAR certification through limited quoting.
- Manage and source difficult parts in the market.
- Create Material Purchase Authorizations for customers (Pricing, Non-Cancellable Non-Returnable – NCNR, and pipeline liability maintenance)
- Collect and report on component Product Price Variant (PPV) performance
- Manage and review Contract adherence
- Managed quarantine items and supplier returns, addressing quality issues, receiving discrepancies, and disposition of NCRs.
- Contract manufacturer of various electronic components and PCBs used in the medical, computer, and lighting sectors.
SENIOR DEVELOPMENT BUYER
O'HARA TECHNOLOGIES
Markham, Canada
04.2014 - 10.2015
- Oversaw outsourced vendors to ensure on-time shipments and maintain product quality.
- Sourced new vendors for cost savings and product improvement.
- Qualified and certified new suppliers to become partners.
- Supported the Engineering Department with prototypes and sourced new parts to meet very aggressive timelines.
- Managed multiple projects at the same time.
- Ensured early involvement by suppliers in the design of components.
- Monitored supplier costs, quality, and delivery to enhance inventory management.
- Acted as liaison between Purchasing and R&D, leading projects for R&D purchasing activities, including new product launches and transitions.
- Managed MRP information and placed orders, rescheduled, and expedited accordingly, ensuring maximum cost, quantity, and delivery were enhanced.
- Manufacturer of specialty coating machines, used primarily in the pharmaceutical field.
SR DEVELOPMENT BUYER (NPI)
MURATA POWER SOLUTIONS
Markham, Canada
04.2011 - 03.2014
- Coordinated procurement of all production materials for first build at Cost Manufacturer, ensuring budget adherence of $250,000 per kit.
- Purchased raw materials from local and international sources to meet very aggressive timelines.
- Negotiate price and delivery terms.
- Managed the correct technical drawings to vendors.
- Supported Engineering Departments by sourcing materials for prototypes, Lunch & Learn seminars, and various project requirements.
- Work closely with Procurement Engineers and Global Sourcing Commodity Managers on supplier identification and selection.
- Collaborated closely with Project Engineers and Project Managers as primary liaison between vendors and product development.
- Support the design transition to the manufacturing site in China through engineering changes, planning, and procurement functions.
- A manufacturer of power supplies used primarily in office machines and data equipment.
Education
Principles of Buying, Principles of Inventory Control, Principles of Transportation, Total Quality Management
Supply Chain Canada (SCC), formerly PMAC – Durham College
LEADERSHIP AND SUPERVISORY TRAINING: TRAINING IN ERP SYSTEM; BAAN
Skills
- Contract negotiation
- Cost reduction strategies
- Supplier performance monitoring
- Purchase order management
- Lean procurement methods
- Supply chain optimization
- ERP management
- CUSMA/ HS processes
Timeline
SENIOR BUYER
MARA TECHNOLOGIES
06.2017 - 07.2026
SENIOR DEVELOPMENT BUYER
O'HARA TECHNOLOGIES
04.2014 - 10.2015
SR DEVELOPMENT BUYER (NPI)
MURATA POWER SOLUTIONS
04.2011 - 03.2014
LEADERSHIP AND SUPERVISORY TRAINING: TRAINING IN ERP SYSTEM; BAAN
Principles of Buying, Principles of Inventory Control, Principles of Transportation, Total Quality Management
Supply Chain Canada (SCC), formerly PMAC – Durham College