Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Training
Timeline
Generic

COLIN L. HOWLETT

Goulds,Canada

Summary

Results-driven Supply Chain and Purchasing Professional with extensive experience in inventory control, buying, vendor management, and logistics coordination. Proven ability to optimize purchasing processes, manage multi-million-dollar inventories, and lead cross-functional teams to meet organizational goals. Strong analytical, negotiation, and leadership skills, with a commitment to delivering cost-effective solutions and improving supply chain performance.

Overview

24
24
years of professional experience

Work History

Category Planner (Buyer)

SYSCO FOOD SERVICE
05.2019 - Current
  • Manage purchasing activities across authorized product lines, ensuring optimal inventory levels to prevent stockouts and overstock situations.
  • Collaborate with Logistics Managers to analyze and implement cost-effective freight and shipping strategies.
  • Conduct ongoing market analysis for price-sensitive items to achieve best buy scenarios.
  • Review and manage vendor contracts to maximize profitability and purchasing advantages.
  • Coordinate with Operations to ensure efficient inventory slotting and timely receiving of goods.
  • Resolve purchase order discrepancies, price variances, and inventory discrepancies in collaboration with Quality Assurance and Inventory Control.
  • Serve as a key liaison with Sales to address customer inquiries and provide inventory status on specialty and seasonal items.

Merchandising Manager

SYSCO FOOD SERVICE
10.2016 - 05.2019
  • Led a team of 5 associates (buyers and coordinator), driving performance to exceed metrics in service level, inventory turnover, and profitability.
  • Oversaw purchasing for over 100 vendors, ensuring seamless inventory flow and vendor relations.
  • Coordinated cross-departmental efforts to ensure smooth daily operations across procurement, sales, and warehouse teams.
  • Managed vendor relationships and collaborated on product listing and delisting decisions to maximize profitability.

Senior Buyer – Hebron Project

KIEWIT KVAERNER CONTRACTORS (KKC)
03.2012 - 10.2016
  • Executed complex procurement activities for large-scale construction and engineering projects, ensuring materials and services were delivered on-time and within budget.
  • Managed end-to-end procurement cycle: requisitions, sourcing, bidding, contract negotiation, and administration.
  • Collaborated with Engineering, Quality, and Logistics teams to ensure product quality and compliance.
  • Maintained procurement documentation and tracked project costs, schedules, and vendor performance.
  • Negotiated commercial terms, resolved vendor issues, and maintained clear communication throughout the procurement process.

Senior Supply Chain Supervisor

CENTRAL DAIRIES
01.2003 - 03.2012
  • Managed $20 million in annual inventory procurement, overseeing purchasing of raw materials and finished goods.
  • Conducted quarterly pricing and cost analysis to optimize purchasing strategies.
  • Supervised Inventory Control Coordinator, Planner, and Buyer, providing leadership in procurement and inventory management.
  • Managed and reconciled a $3.4 million freight budget, optimizing logistics and freight efficiency.
  • Established strong vendor partnerships to ensure timely delivery and quality standards.
  • Utilized JD Edwards ERP system for purchasing, inventory control, and reporting.

Inventory Control Coordinator

CENTRAL DAIRIES
09.2001 - 01.2003
  • Conducted daily inventory reconciliations, addressing discrepancies and improving inventory accuracy.
  • Verified incoming goods and managed electronic receiving processes.
  • Served as acting supervisor during temporary vacancies.
  • Partnered with shipping/receiving teams to implement improved inventory control policies.

Education

Supply Chain Management Professional (SCMP) Designation -

Purchasing Management Association of Canada
01.2008

Bachelor of Commerce (Co-op) -

Memorial University of Newfoundland
St. John's, NL
01.2001

Training

  • Hebron Leadership Program – Selected for leadership development training.
  • Proficient in MS Office, JD Edwards ERP, and procurement systems.

Timeline

Category Planner (Buyer)

SYSCO FOOD SERVICE
05.2019 - Current

Merchandising Manager

SYSCO FOOD SERVICE
10.2016 - 05.2019

Senior Buyer – Hebron Project

KIEWIT KVAERNER CONTRACTORS (KKC)
03.2012 - 10.2016

Senior Supply Chain Supervisor

CENTRAL DAIRIES
01.2003 - 03.2012

Inventory Control Coordinator

CENTRAL DAIRIES
09.2001 - 01.2003

Supply Chain Management Professional (SCMP) Designation -

Purchasing Management Association of Canada

Bachelor of Commerce (Co-op) -

Memorial University of Newfoundland

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COLIN L. HOWLETT