Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Activities
Certification
Contact
Education
Timeline
Generic

James Ragan

Cleveland

Summary

Solid credentials and a proven track record of business growth, customer/vendor relations, and management. Determined and detail-oriented with a reputation for outstanding customer service and management skills. Technical skills include expertise in Excel and ERP systems. Brings comprehensive knowledge of distribution (one and two-step), production, planning, and tee with a comprehensive background in supply chain management. Adept at streamlining operations and enhancing efficiency. Proven success in implementing strategic initiatives that improve procurement and logistics processes. Demonstrated capability in fostering team collaboration and driving continuous improvement.

Overview

37
37
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Inventory and Supply Chain Director

Standard Industrial, INC
08.2023 - Current
  • - Support Production to help increase and improve productivity - Direct Purchasing Manager to optimize lead times, lower costs, contract negotiations, and improve efficiency by clearly defining role and expectations - Devise ways to optimize inventory control procedures - Inspect levels of business supplies and raw material to identify shortages - Ensure product stock is adequate for all distribution channels and can cover direct demand from customers - Record daily deliveries and shipments to reconcile inventory - Use software to monitor demand and document characteristics of inventory - Place orders to replenish stock avoiding insufficiency or excessive surplus - Analyze data to anticipate future needs - Evaluate suppliers to achieve cost-effective deals and maintain trust relationships - Collaborate with warehouse employees and other staff to ensure business goals are met - Report to upper management on stock levels, issues etc. - Proven experience as inventory manager or similar position - Excellent knowledge of data analysis and forecasting methods - Ability to accurately track inventory and create reports - Analytical mind with strong math skills - Excellent organizational and planning skills - Outstanding communication and interpersonal abilities
  • Optimized supply chain efficiency by implementing strategic vendor management.
  • Spearheaded initiatives to align supply chain strategies with business objectives.

Inventory Control Manager

Dollar General, INC
12.2022 - 08.2023
  • - Devise ways to optimize inventory control procedures - Inspect levels of business supplies and raw material to identify shortages - Ensure product stock is adequate for all distribution channels and can cover direct demand from customers - Record daily deliveries and shipments to reconcile inventory - Use software to monitor demand and document characteristics of inventory - Place orders to replenish stock avoiding insufficiency or excessive surplus - Analyze data to anticipate future needs - Evaluate suppliers to achieve cost-effective deals and maintain trust relationships - Collaborate with warehouse employees and other staff to ensure business goals are met - Report to upper management on stock levels, issues etc. - Proven experience as inventory manager or similar position - Excellent knowledge of data analysis and forecasting methods - Ability to accurately track inventory and create reports - Analytical mind with strong math skills - Excellent organizational and planning skills - Outstanding communication and interpersonal abilities
  • Improved inventory accuracy by implementing a robust cycle counting program and refining warehouse organization strategies.
  • Conducted regular audits of inventory levels to identify discrepancies, taking corrective action when necessary to maintain accurate records.
  • Reduced stock discrepancies through meticulous record-keeping and consistent communication with relevant departments.
  • Inventoried warehouse stock on monthly, quarterly and annual basis.

Inside Sales/Inventory Management

JMC Instruments, INC
08.2018 - 12.2022
  • - Utilized company ERP system (Enspire) for inventory management - Establish, grow, and maintain vendor and customer relations - Research key new products and market segments - Identify new business opportunities and companies - Cost and List maintenance - Order Entry - Quote creation and follow ups - Purchase Order creation and management - Inventory Management
  • Provided exceptional support for outside sales representatives during peak periods or absences, ensuring continued success in meeting quotas and targets.
  • Managed inventory effectively, maintaining optimal stock levels to meet customer demands without overstocking.
  • Handled escalated customer issues professionally, resolving problems efficiently while maintaining high levels of customer satisfaction.
  • Maintained detailed records of customer interactions for future reference, enhancing overall service quality provided by the company.

Inside Sales/Inventory Management

Relevant Solutions, INC
02.2015 - 05.2018
  • - Trained and utilized Salesforce for customer management in day to day sales responsibilities - Utilized company ERP system (Navision) for inventory management - Establish, grow, and maintain vendor and customer relations - KPI Identification - Research key new products and market segments - Identify new business opportunities and companies - SKU Data Maintenance - Cost and List maintenance - Sales Request Tracking - Sales Support and Training - Order Entry - Quote creation and follow ups - New employee training - Customer relations - Purchase Order creation and management - Inventory Management
  • Trained new staff members on company policies and procedures.
  • Provided exceptional support for outside sales representatives during peak periods or absences, ensuring continued success in meeting quotas and targets.
  • Participated in cross-departmental projects to provide insight from an inside worker perspective, resulting in more effective collaboration across teams.
  • Handled escalated customer issues professionally, resolving problems efficiently while maintaining high levels of customer satisfaction.
  • Managed inventory effectively, maintaining optimal stock levels to meet customer demands without overstocking.
  • Conducted regular audits of inventory and supply chain processes, identifying discrepancies and addressing them promptly to prevent losses or delays.
  • Maintained detailed records of customer interactions for future reference, enhancing overall service quality provided by the company.

Associate Product Manager/Purchaser/Strategic Account Manager

Kele, INC
01.2012 - 01.2015
  • - Trained and utilized Salesforce for customer management in day to day sales responsibilities - Performed basic functions in in Agility for product data web management - Utilized company ERP system (GP9) for inventory management - Worked with vendor EDI for purchasing - BETA tester for new web site development - Establish, grow, and maintain vendor relations - Vendor CO-OP funding - Data Integrity - KPI Identification - Research key new products and market segments - Identify new business opportunities and companies - SKU Data Maintenance - Product web support and maintenance through Agility - Cost and List maintenance - Online catalog support and date correction - Sales Request Tracking - Daily Task Tracking - Data Integrity and Maintenance for Sales Support - Great Plains Support and Maintenance - CO-OP Billing - Sales Support and Training - Communication Liaison between Sales, Marketing, Product Managers, and Technical Support - Inside Sales - Following up on quotes - Increase baseline sale of customer - Under promise and over deliver - Set customer expectations - Maintain vendor neutrality - Technical knowledge - Order Tracking - Technical Writing
  • Analyzed user behavior data to identify patterns that informed future feature developments or enhancements.
  • Monitored industry trends and competitor activities, making strategic recommendations based on findings.

Commercial Manager

TruGreen/Service Master
01.2002 - 01.2012
  • - Six Sigma Green Belt Trained - Initiated On-Line Tennessee State Certification Exam Simulator - Team Leader (12 member team) - Documented Number One ranking of Memphis Branch - Liaison to Service Master Board of Directors - Responsible for training new employees in sales, safety techniques, proper chemical use, customer service, proper customer contacts, and proper application techniques - Developing Sales Leads - Member of Safety Commission Committee - Initiating Safety Procedures to Reduce Company Liability - Responsible for setting up accounts - Responsible for marketing of company to potential clients as well as existing clients - Responsible for initiating both outside and inside sales - Utilized company ERP System (AS400)
  • Strengthened client relationships through regular communication and timely resolution of issues, leading to increased customer satisfaction.
  • Used key metrics and prepared reports for senior management to monitor performance of commercial activities.

Inside Sales/Marketing

Floats and Fuel Cells, Inc
01.2000 - 12.2001
  • - Responsible for web-page development, trade publication ads, direct marketing items (i.e
  • Caps, t-shirts, etc.), and trade show booths - E-Commerce Specialists - Outside sales and promotions (first in sales for 3 straight months) - Developed sales leads - Responsible for setting up accounts - Responsible for marketing of company to potential clients as well as existing clients - Developed quotes and negotiated prices - Compiled sales and distributor data for future reference - Kept track of competitors from compiled data - Created questionnaires for customer feedback
  • Maintained up-to-date knowledge of available products to best serve customers and maximize sales potential
  • Managed friendly and professional customer interactions
  • Answered customers' questions regarding products, prices, and availability
  • Determined needs, delivered solutions, and overcame objections through consultative selling skills
  • Collaborated with outside sales representatives, marketing and other departments to generate leads and close sales
  • Attended meeting and sales events to learn latest developments and brainstorm new sales strategies
  • Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
  • Worked effectively in fast-paced environments.

Senior Manager

Tom Eubanks Lumber Company, Inc
01.1988 - 01.2000
  • - Managed company in day to day business functions - Managed company equipment - Responsible for insurance claims and workman’s compensation - Account Manager - Outside sales manager/Outside sales - Responsible for initiating both outside and inside sales - Compiled and presented needs specific lumber package - Generated sales leads - Developed quotes and negotiated prices - Created for sourcing and ordering specialty lumber - Managed 10 employees in various facets of daily business - Maintain store stocks - End of day cash closing

Education

MBA - Masters of Business Administration

Delta State University
05.2010

Bachelor of Science - Applied Business Psychology

Christian Brothers University
05.2001

Skills

  • Supply chain management
  • Logistics planning
  • Inventory optimization
  • Vendor relations
  • Strategic sourcing
  • Procurement strategies
  • Cost reduction
  • Process improvement
  • Team leadership
  • Contract negotiation
  • Supplier evaluation
  • ERP systems
  • Distribution network
  • KPI development
  • Business strategy
  • Supply chain resilience
  • Material requirements planning
  • Supply chain analytics
  • Procurement expertise
  • Supplier negotiation
  • Relationship building
  • Staff management

Activities

  • Psi Chi National Honor Society
  • Phi Delta Theta
  • Cum Laude Graduate
  • Church of the Holy Communion Girls Soccer Coach
  • Brotherhood of the Knights of the Vine

Certification

  • Six Sigma Green Belt, Service Master, INC

Contact

Cleveland, MS 38732

Education

Cleveland, MS,Memphis

Timeline

Inventory and Supply Chain Director

Standard Industrial, INC
08.2023 - Current

Inventory Control Manager

Dollar General, INC
12.2022 - 08.2023

Inside Sales/Inventory Management

JMC Instruments, INC
08.2018 - 12.2022

Inside Sales/Inventory Management

Relevant Solutions, INC
02.2015 - 05.2018

Associate Product Manager/Purchaser/Strategic Account Manager

Kele, INC
01.2012 - 01.2015

Commercial Manager

TruGreen/Service Master
01.2002 - 01.2012

Inside Sales/Marketing

Floats and Fuel Cells, Inc
01.2000 - 12.2001

Senior Manager

Tom Eubanks Lumber Company, Inc
01.1988 - 01.2000

Bachelor of Science - Applied Business Psychology

Christian Brothers University

MBA - Masters of Business Administration

Delta State University
James Ragan