Carl (Callie) David Human
Windhoek
Summary
Clear and confident communicator / negotiator, engages valuably and professionally with stakeholders at all levels. Team-player and natural leader; skilled in setting goals, motivating and facilitating team success. Diligent, accountable and trusted employee; works with consistency to meet all requirements / goals, in-line with business needs and applying strong business ethics. Highly change tolerant; responsively manages developments within complex Focused and highly organized operative; able to priorities and multi-task to meet all time, cost and quality requirements, working productively under pressure. Analytical and strategic decision maker, and proactive problem solver; performs all due diligence / research required to make the best business choices. Detail oriented and knowledge driven; with an expansive understanding of market drivers and marketing best practices.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
Work History
Chief / Senior Buyer
Choppies Namibia
Windhoek
07.2019 - Current
- Evaluated supplier proposals against predetermined criteria such as price competitiveness and quality assurance protocols.
- Ensured compliance with relevant laws, regulations, policies and procedures related to procurement activities.
- Developed purchasing strategies to meet organizational objectives while minimizing costs.
- Analyzed current inventory levels and forecast future needs to minimize stock outs.
- Attended trade shows and conferences to stay up-to-date on industry trends and identify potential new suppliers.
- Identified opportunities for cost savings through bulk purchases or alternative products and suppliers.
- Monitored vendor performance metrics and addressed any issues in a timely manner.
- Negotiated contracts with suppliers to secure the best prices for materials and services.
- Created reports on spending trends and identified areas where improvements could be made in the procurement process.
- Implemented strategies for reducing supply chain costs without compromising quality standards or service levels.
- Developed and maintained supplier relationships to ensure on-time delivery of goods.
- Collaborated with internal stakeholders to understand product requirements, specifications, and budget constraints.
- Worked closely with finance department personnel to reconcile payments and resolve billing disputes in a timely manner.
- Coordinated with logistics team members regarding transportation arrangements for purchased items.
- Drafted purchase orders, reviewed invoices, and negotiated terms and conditions of agreements with vendors.
- Reviewed existing contracts periodically and recommended changes as needed based on changing market conditions.
- Researched potential new vendors, evaluated their capabilities, and established relationships with approved vendors.
- Provided guidance to junior buyers on complex purchasing processes and procedures.
- Managed inventory levels by monitoring stock movements across multiple warehouses and locations.
- Maintained accurate records of all purchased items including pricing, quantity ordered, lead times.
- Monitored inventory levels to ensure adequate stock is available at all times.
- Conducted regular meetings with key suppliers to discuss upcoming projects and review performance metrics.
- Led sourcing projects to maintain on-time delivery of purchased materials.
- Audited supplier facilities for processes and quality.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to meet customer requirements and market demands.
- Accurately outlined terms, conditions, delivery deadlines and pricing in purchase orders.
- Oversaw purchasing department by supervising staff and training new employees.
- Saved around annually by shrewdly negotiating supplier pricing.
- Assessed trends and inventory usage to provide maximum product coverage for different time frames.
- Negotiated with selected suppliers to obtain lowest unit cost.
- Conducted risk assessments on potential contracts and suppliers to mitigate potential issues.
- Organized inventory for multiple locations and diversified product selections.
- Developed and maintained strong relationships with key suppliers to ensure reliable supply chains.
- Tracked and approved procurement plans and inventory levels.
- Assessed supplier performance based on quality, cost, and delivery metrics, and addressed any issues.
- Prepared and presented reports on purchasing activities, savings achieved, and challenges faced to management.
- Implemented cost-saving initiatives that reduced procurement expenses by a significant percentage.
- Attended trade shows and industry events to stay informed about new products and market trends.
- Developed and implemented strategies for minimizing the impact of price increases on key commodities.
- Coordinated with legal department to ensure contracts met all regulatory and compliance requirements.
- Managed the procurement process from requisition to receipt, ensuring compliance with company policies.
- Collaborated with quality assurance teams to ensure products met company and industry standards.
- Coordinated with cross-functional teams to understand material requirements and ensure timely delivery.
- Liaised with accounting and vendors to minimize and clear up invoice discrepancies.
- Synchronized supply chain inventory with customer demand to mitigate excess and obsolete inventory.
- Participated in continuous improvement initiatives to streamline purchasing processes and reduce costs.
- Analyzed sales data and market trends to forecast purchasing needs and optimize inventory.
- Worked with suppliers to expedite open purchase orders and shipments in-transit.
- Researched sources of supply and services to maintain flexibility, high quality and competitive pricing.
- Requested pricing quotes from suppliers to determine best source of supply.
- Ensured ethical sourcing practices and adherence to corporate social responsibility standards in procurement activities.
- Analyzed and completed supplier performance reviews, addressing corrective actions.
- Implemented contractual documentation into purchase order, encompassing corporate and government requirements.
- Reviewed work order demand from MRP to support company requirements.
- Resolved discrepancies in invoices and deliveries, ensuring accuracy in billing and inventory.
- Participated in supplier calls to define component deliveries, meeting scheduled production dates.
- Conducted market research to identify potential suppliers and evaluate product quality and pricing.
- Maintained supplier relationships to improve lead time, cost and quality.
- Monitored inventory levels and placed orders to replenish stock while minimizing excess.
- Reviewed and updated purchasing policies and procedures to improve efficiency and compliance.
- Evaluated quotations received from prospective suppliers to award purchase orders.
- Researched competitors and sourced new vendors.
- Utilized ERP systems for purchase order processing, tracking, and inventory management.
- Stayed abreast of market trends and anticipated consumer needs and purchasing habits.
- Assessed condition of shipped products upon arrival to meet quality standards.
- Networked with potential distributors and customers to reach new markets and expand brand awareness.
- Sourced new vendors and suppliers to boost product offerings and increase profit margins at each store location.
- Tracked product and supply inventories and reported findings to supervisors.
- Kept records of vendor and supplier expenditures and organized financial documents into company databases.
- Negotiated pricing for apparel and accessories from vendors to secure optimal pricing and keep costs low.
- Reviewed customer feedback to brainstorm new merchandise ideas and improve existing products.
- Explained product features and benefits to company staff members and customers.
- Examined, selected and purchased merchandise consistent with specification requirements.
- Developed product purchasing and sales strategies according to company budgets.
- Presented new merchandise ideas and campaigns to company executives and sales managers.
- Collaborated with company managers regarding product pricing, promotions and markdowns.
- Traveled to various locations to procure materials and products from vendors.
- Monitored product margins and managed product resales.
- Analyzed buying trends at each store location to identify appropriate mix of inventory items for top-tier sales.
- Obtained information about customer needs and preferences by conferring with sales or purchasing personnel.
Chief / Senior Buyer
Shoprite, Nigeria
07.2016 - 06.2019
- Managed, motivated and supervised a core team of 3 buyers, as well as numerous assistants
- Oversaw the sourcing, selection and negotiation of procurement regarding the full spectrum of FMCG products
- Generated and led execution of strategic buying / purchasing plans for numerous National locations
- Collected and evaluated relevant information regarding potential suppliers, and identified the best suppliers for various product lines [quality products]
- Negotiated win-win short- and long-term agreements with diverse suppliers, securing the best pricing in accordance with defined budgets
- Selected appropriate merchandise and administrated relating bills of sale
- Liaised with numerous stakeholders to coordinate shipping times and manage the requirements of freight travel
- Planned and supervised the delivery process, tracking orders to ensure delivery on time and at cost
- Evaluated stock quality on receipt, escalating any discrepancies to suppliers and management
- Oversaw the receipt and processing of purchase orders / requisitions from various locations, keeping location management up to date on the status of orders
- Worked hand-in-hand with inventory teams to compile and maintain a comprehensive inventory listing, ensuring that all stock remained at appropriate levels
- Engaged with staff across departments to forecast the needs of the business, enabling purchase decisions based on consumer demand
- Continuously researched and analyses market trends, applying findings towards making insightful and informed buying decisions
- Built and maintained strong relationships with suppliers and relevant industry stakeholders
- Additionally, responsible for overseeing marketing and advertising requirements for all Nigerian Shoprite locations
National Food Import & Private Label Buyer
Shoprite / Checkers, Gauteng – South Africa
02.2012 - 06.2016
- Facilitated the sourcing, negotiation and procurement of local and international exclusive and private label brands, for over 100 store locations
- Led profit-driven product development, including; development of attractive product artwork, planning and implementation of product launches, and brand awareness enhancement
- Defined and executed activities targeted towards the growth of product profitability in the short and long term
- Sourced specialized product ranges for Easter and Christmas, identifying and meeting timelines for all divisions | Defined and led related seasonal advertising campaigns
- Traveled extensively to national and international trade shows and factories [Dubai, Switzerland, Germany], to source the most competitive products
Regional Buyer
Shoprite / Checkers, Gauteng – South Africa
03.2008 - 01.2012
- Categories: Snack-Foods | Carbonates | Canned Goods
- Responsible for controlling category profit and loss across the assigned region, for over 200 store locations
- Determined / selected store product ranges for the assigned categories, based on consumer trends and needs | Sourced, negotiated and procured large quantities of merchandise from various suppliers
- Evaluated and oversaw the market competitiveness of categories as measured against direct competitors
- Planned and negotiated relevant and value adding advertising placements
- Compiled and administrated ad-hoc billing relating to product placement and extra space needs
Trainee Line-Manager & Branch Manager
Shoprite / Checkers, Gauteng – South Africa
04.2005 - 02.2008
- Assisted team in opening of 5 store locations, supporting; shelf positioning / layout, stock category positioning / layout, till set-up, stock ordering, store opening, and training / supervision of staff during first week of operation
- Served as Trainee Manager in multiple store locations around Gauteng, building valuable retail management knowledge / experience
- Assumed responsibility for store profit and loss, identifying key areas of concern and responding accordingly
- Assigned, scheduled and supervised 120+ members of staff across diverse areas of operation, resolving any employee issues [disciplinary or grievance]
- Managed stock; overseeing regular stock-take, ordering / replenishment and advising shelf layout and product positioning
- Oversaw all store related financial administration and reporting
Branch Manager
Spar, Ireland
01.2000 - 01.2004
- Performed all daily opening and closing duties, including financial processing
- Supported daily operational management of the store
- Managed stock holdings, via stock control, regular stock-take and ordering / replenishment
- Assigned, scheduled and supervised staff, resolving any employee issues
Education
Mantric / Senior Certificate -
Kempton High School
01.1994
Skills
- FMCG Specialization
- Strategy Development &
- Implementation
- Procurement / Buying
- Supplier / Product Sourcing
- Selection
- Private Label Buying
- Business Needs Forecasting
- Consumer Demand
- Market & Competitor
- Analysis
- Sales & Marketing
- Principles
- Product Development
- Brand Development
- Category Management
- Cost & Budget
- Management
- Inventory Level
- Retail Branch
- Relationship Management
- Supplier Negotiation &
- Team Leadership &
- Development
- Cross-Location
- Communications
- Purchase Order / Requisition
- Handling
- Bill of Sale Administration
- Shipping Co-ordination & Order
- Curriculum Vitae of Carl (Callie) David Human Page 1/4
- FMCG/RetailProcurementSpecialist
- Product Quality Assurance Management Reporting Tracking
- KEY CAREER HIGHLIGHTS
- Have facilitated the launch of numerous profitable and successful Private Label Brands across
- Both the South African and Nigerian markets
- Achieved substantial increase in assigned categories [regarding profit and ad-hoc billings]
- Supporting valuable space negotiations with leading suppliers
- Upheld a long-term, highly progressive career trajectory within a key FMCG organization; from
- Operational Side Branch Manager Trainee, to Regional Buyer, National Buyer for Imported Brands /
- Private Label, and finally being promoted into the broader African sphere as Chief Buyer for Nigeria
- Operations
- Driver’s License Code 08
- Computer Literacy:
- MS Office / SAP
- Curriculum Vitae of Carl (Callie) David Human Page 4/4
- Organizations and ever-changing sales
- Environments
- Curriculum
- Strategic Sourcing
- Procurement planning
- Business understanding
- Trend assessment
- Competitive sourcing
- Industry Expertise
- Analyzing data
- Influencing skills
Affiliations
A dynamic, knowledgeable and well-experienced Senior Buyer, specializing in the FMCG Industry; Carl (Callie) David Human leverages capabilities gained over the course of a 19+ year career. Working loyally on behalf of a leading industry player for 15 of those years, Callie has achieved progressive career growth, and made a valuable contribution to this large-scale international operation. Deploying retail-based knowledge spanning the basic levels of business to the overall goals of top management, Callie has built exposure to both the front of house and back office aspects of FMCG operation. He is well-informed in specialist decision making in the role of Buyer and Product / Category Developer. Proficient in the local and international sourcing of Private Labels and Broad-Spectrum General Products, Callie is well-traveled (globally) to source the best in products, further developing the same within the national / regional market. As a dedicated team player and skilled negotiator, he engages with stakeholders at multiple-levels to achieve the best deals in brand quality and pricing; developing win-win relationships with key suppliers. Applying innovative and strategic intellect, Callie accurately identifies marketplace gaps, defining and launching applicable solutions to win market share expansion. This includes sustaining a long-term profitability focus and developing / implementing action plans to achieve long term organizational goals. Career Objective: Currently seeking to bring his years of expertise and specialized industry knowledge to the international arena, Callie is a productive and capable leader in; Buying / Procurement | Private Label Development | Category Management | Product Development | and broader FMCG Business Consulting.
References
References & Certificates Presented Upon Request
Languages
Timeline
Chief / Senior Buyer
Choppies Namibia
07.2019 - Current
Chief / Senior Buyer
Shoprite, Nigeria
07.2016 - 06.2019
National Food Import & Private Label Buyer
Shoprite / Checkers, Gauteng – South Africa
02.2012 - 06.2016
Regional Buyer
Shoprite / Checkers, Gauteng – South Africa
03.2008 - 01.2012
Trainee Line-Manager & Branch Manager
Shoprite / Checkers, Gauteng – South Africa
04.2005 - 02.2008
Branch Manager
Spar, Ireland
01.2000 - 01.2004
Mantric / Senior Certificate -
Kempton High School
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