Aidu Gray

WORK HISTORY

EDUCATION

ABOUT AIDU GRAY

Value-driven category manager with 15+ years of experience in indirect procurement. Experienced in leading successful projects by incorporating RFQ strategies and spend analyses and executing global category visions for large organizations as a forward-thinking leader. Adept in contracting, compensation, and in-depth negotiation strategies, resulting in cost savings and strong partnerships with suppliers. Excel at change management and risk mitigation, focusing on supplier segmentation and performance management to achieve optimal business results from a procurement perspective. Skilled in driving rationalization and consolidation initiatives to make informed decisions that exceed organizational expectations. Committed to challenging the status quo and using technology to drive innovation while always prioritizing a win-win approach that brings out the best in high-performing teams.Key Highlights Include: BUDGET MANAGEMENT & LEADERSHIP STRATEGIES Managed $200M spend across 65 suppliers for North American operations, spanning 5 manufacturing plants in Texas, Florida, Decatur, and Alabama. Served as a Project Engineering Manager for Arkema and managed contractors for a $10M–$15M capital budget in Pasadena, TX. COST SAVINGS & CASH FLOW ENHANCEMENT Increased cash flow by $2M by negotiating high-spend contractors’ payment terms, extending from 60 to 90 days. Collaborated closely with stakeholders and suppliers to implement lean exercises into the bidding process, resulting in optimized scope of work and a notable 30% cost reduction. INFLUENTIAL PROJECT MANAGEMENT Strategically contracted labor and equipment to ensure on-time and on-budget delivery of a $50M turnaround project, successfully managing supplier relationships with major contractors and proactively developing a plan that complied with 2020 COVID restrictions. Completed 7 capital projects worth $3.5M in a 1-month turnaround by planning equipment delivery, reducing mechanical work costs by 35% and leveraging sole sourcing to negotiate final prices with contractors and vendors.