Garry Challoner
Kitchener,Canada
Summary
Optimizing procurement, logistics, and materials management in manufacturing environments Results-driven Supply Chain and Purchasing Manager with 18+ years of experience in manufacturing; specializing in supplier management, strategic sourcing, and materials coordination. Proven record of leading cross-functional teams, negotiating cost-saving contracts, and driving operational improvements through Lean and continuous improvement initiatives. Adept at aligning supply chain strategies with production goals, leveraging ERP systems (SAP, JEEVES, PLEX), and maintaining optimal inventory flow across multi-site operations. Currently pursuing CPIM certification.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
Supply Chain Manager
Armatec Survivability Corp.
02.2024 - 09.2024
- Led 5-member team (Purchasing, Planning, Logistics) to support production planning and customer delivery KPIs.
- Developed sourcing strategies and negotiated material/service contracts supporting growth targets.
- Established supplier scorecards and led continuous improvement initiatives for performance tracking.
- Oversaw inventory, logistics, and materials flow to ensure alignment with production schedules.
Purchasing & Warehouse Manager
The Royal Group NNZ
01.2023 - 01.2024
- Managed $10M procurement budget, aligning vendor selection and sourcing with business priorities.
- Introduced process improvements for FIFO and materials tracking; monitored supplier performance through KPIs.
- Streamlined purchasing contracts, reducing lead times and improving cost predictability.
Materials Supervisor
KSR International
01.2022 - 01.2023
- Led a team of 11 in materials handling, warehouse operations, and WMS use.
- Improved inventory accuracy through cycle count programs; resolved supply chain disruptions in real time.
- Supported production with optimized material forecasting and timely procurement.
Production Supervisor/Master Scheduler
Sleever International
01.2014 - 01.2023
- Managed a team of two direct reports and 40 indirect staff focused on scheduling and purchasing.
- Developed supplier collaboration processes to address delivery delays and improve demand planning efficiency.
- Contributed to RFQs, contract assessments, invoice reconciliation, and materials forecasting projects.
- Supervised daily production operations to ensure efficient workflow and adherence to safety standards.
- Trained new staff on equipment usage and safety protocols to promote a safe working environment.
- Coordinated with cross-functional teams to resolve production issues and improve operational efficiency.
- Monitored production schedules and adjusted resources to meet changing demands and deadlines.
- Implemented quality control measures to maintain product integrity and reduce defects in manufacturing processes.
- Conducted regular inspections of production equipment to identify maintenance needs and minimize downtime.
- Assisted in developing training materials for team members, enhancing skill sets and operational knowledge.
- Resolved issues quickly to maintain productivity goals.
- Engaged in continuous improvement initiatives, contributing ideas that enhanced overall productivity levels.
- Oversaw employee training initiatives to ensure all team members were proficient in company procedures, safety regulations, and job-specific tasks.
- Established clear priorities and production quality standards.
- Mentored team members through regular feedback and performance evaluations, leading to professional growth and skill development.
- Managed team of 40 production associates, overseeing productive production processes and meeting all deadlines.
Purchasing / Procurement Specialist
Senett Control
01.2012 - 01.2014
- Managed $1.5M inventory; awarded long-term contracts that saved the company $100K.
- Directed $5M procurement budget and led supplier negotiations for improved pricing and delivery.
Education
CPIM - Certified in Production and Inventory Management
309A Pre-Apprentice Program - Certificate
North American Trade School
Brampton, ON2017
Forklift Certification - undefined
01.2016
Skills
- ERP/MRP: SAP, JEEVES, AS400, PLEX, M2M
- Software: MS Excel, Access, Word, PowerPoint
- Strong analytical and organizational skills
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
CORE COMPETENCIES
Supply Chain Strategy & Execution, Supplier Relationship Management, Lean Manufacturing & CI Practices, Contract Negotiation & Cost Reduction, Inventory Optimization & MRO Management, Freight & Logistics Coordination, ERP/MRP Systems (SAP, JEEVES, PLEX, AS400, M2M), Team Leadership & Cross-Functional Collaboration
ADDITIONAL EXPERIENCE
- 2011-2012 - Smiths Detection – Inventory Management: Oversaw stock levels, shipping coordination, and customer communication.
- 2006-2011 - MoldMasters – Final Assembly: Managed records, shipments, and quality inspection in precision component production.
- 2005-2010 - Owner/Industrial Maintenance: Sourced materials, negotiated contracts, and supervised trades on major infrastructure projects.
- 1999-2005 - Gilbert Steel – Shipping Supervisor: Coordinated rebar shipments for major metal projects (e.g., Pearson Airport, Bruce Power Plant).
Timeline
Supply Chain Manager
Armatec Survivability Corp.
02.2024 - 09.2024
Purchasing & Warehouse Manager
The Royal Group NNZ
01.2023 - 01.2024
Materials Supervisor
KSR International
01.2022 - 01.2023
Production Supervisor/Master Scheduler
Sleever International
01.2014 - 01.2023
Purchasing / Procurement Specialist
Senett Control
01.2012 - 01.2014
CPIM - Certified in Production and Inventory Management
Forklift Certification - undefined
309A Pre-Apprentice Program - Certificate
North American Trade School