JAMES PICKENS

407 Reformation Road

Carthage, MS 39051
601-320-1212
jp6abb04@westpost.net

PURCHASING & LOGISTICS

Materials Management / Inventory Planning & Control / Purchasing Systems / Produ
ct Defects Management

Results driven professional with over 10 years progressive experience leading la

rge-scale purchasing and logistics functions for corporate and military operatio
ns. Consistently successful in driving continuous improvements in key areas incl
uding quality assurance, cost control and efficiency. Well versed in procurement
principles and practices with particular strengths in vendor performance review
, inventory control, supplier sourcing, IS implementation, distribution, materia
ls management, and reporting. Demonstrated ability to lead and motivate teams, a
nd work closely with all levels of management to achieve corporate goals. Detail
oriented with excellent interpersonal, communication, organizational and proble
m solving skills. Proficient with AS400, Passport, MS Excel, Word and PowerPoint
. Secret Security Clearance. Willing to travel on assignment.
HIGHLIGHTS
Oversaw budgets, logistics and distribution of office equipment military.
Effectively controlled acquisition costs while continuing to support critical o
perations.
Qualified and leveraged strategic supplier base to meet changing customer de
mands and technical requirements.
Monitored supplier performance to strengthen quality of final consumer products
.
Defined and executed materials management and inventory planning/control proces
ses.
Motivated and supervised cross-functional teams and implemented framework to ma
ximize value added performance.
Developed and implemented information systems to effectively control purchasing
and logistical functions.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
PROMAX AUTOMOTIVE, Madison, MS 2007 present
Shift Supervisor
Supervise production line operation in accordance with plant policies and proced
ures. Ensure smooth production
operation during shift. Train and coach production line employees. Conduct emplo
yee performance reviews.
Responsible for shift schedule to include: work station assignments/rotations, e
mployee training, employee
vacations, employee breaks, overtime assignment, back-up for absent employees, a
nd shift rotations.
Coordinate with Human Resources for appropriate staffing levels.
Responsible to meet shift production goals. Responsible for quality control.
Operate within standard operating procedures (SOPs) and Job Safety Analysis (JS
As).
Communicate with other Shift Supervisors and Plant Manager.
Coordinate production startups, shutdowns, and changeovers
Schedule and conduct shift meetings
Crossdocking
IMS Autrans, Canton, MS, 2004 2006
Material Handler
Direct materials purchasing and vendor management program to support manufacture
of manufacturing products. Identify and implement improvements to boost efficie
ncy, reduce costs and improve customer service levels. Maintain reliable supplie
r base and continually monitor performance to meet customer release projects. Ex
pedite purchase orders and track/analyze late shipments. Handle returned/damaged
goods upon arrival from vendor. Conduct internal audits to ensure ISO 9000 comp
liance. Work with logistics system, processes and workflows to improve capabilit
y.
Received all materials into inventory
Route purchase orders for daily receipts
Act as a liaison between company and vendors on incoming shipments
Train new employees on assigned responsibilities
Process outbound shipments for freight lines and other modes of transportation
Handle and ship hazardous materials
TUSCOLAMETA, INC., Walnut Grove, MS, 2001 to 2004
Unit Manager
Directed and coordinated unit programs and schedules for two-hundred plus inmate
s, including hygiene, hair care, and recreational needs. Also, managed individua
l units to provide a safe working environment for inmates and employees. Supervi
sed and made staffing recommendations for unit as well as assess departmental ne
eds.
Conduct monthly meetings to ensure that aims, goals, and objectives are accompl
ished in accordance with outlined priorities, time limitations, and security con
ditions
Evaluated employees on yearly basis for promotional consideration and monitored
employee performance and quality of service provided daily for interim performa
nce reviews
Modified time lines and worked schedules accordingly for employees
Planned, directed, and coordinated activities of designated tasks and simultane
ously developed projects for improved working efficiency
Trained new employees on protocol for anticipating, assessing, and dealing with
critical situations
Prepared monthly status reports for management
Assumed all responsibilities of subordinates as necessary
UNITED STATES ARMY NATIONAL GUARD, 2005 to present
Logistics Manager
Manage all weapons logistics, warehousing and distribution functions within the
organization. Scope of responsibility includes shipping/receiving, equipment tra
cking, financial reporting, staffing, safety, training, dispatching, and routing
. Maintain accountability for all government property. Maintain unit personnel e
quipment files. Handle annual inventories and recordkeeping. Teach freshman basi
c skill courses on military first aid, land navigation and components of physica
l fitness. Direct correction of location survey discrepancies. Assist unit inter
mediate maintenance personnel in planning maintenance program. Plan and coordina
te subsistence supply activity. Direct corrective action to minimize spoilage, f
lavor contamination, and improper warehouse practices.
Inventory management, warehousing, and controlling sensitive items.
Established turn-in process to eliminate excess equipment.
Maintained weapons and scheduled all maintenance services.
Develops and ensures compliance with military regulation.
EDUCATION
Associate of Applied Science (AA), Business Administration East Central Communi
ty College
Bachelors of Science (BSBA), Business Administration (General Management) Thoma
s Edison State College
Masters of Health Science (MSHS), Healthcare Management TUI University, current
ly pursuing
SALARY REQUIREMENT
Negotiable