Brian Backman

About Brian Backman

Builder of high performance strategic sourcing processes and teams. Demonstrated success in leading strategic sourcing organizations, organizational restructuring, and a history of implementing strategies and forming business alliances to achieve company objectives. Held breakthrough roles in non-traditional areas for sourcing in growing and receding industries, and extensive non-product category and spend management experience. History of driving significant cost reduction and financial improvements. Extensive global responsibilities and experience in U.S, European, Asia Pacific and South American operations.SPECIALTIES: Non-product Strategic Sourcing and Category Management, Transportation and Logistics, Corporate Travel Programs, Low Cost Country Sourcing, Organizational Transformation and Restructuring, Business Process Outsourcing and Technology Deployment.CRITICAL SKILLS:I have had first hand experience with the entire range of Indirect or non-production categories. I have the ability to quickly assess sourcing activities, determine where the gaps are, and manage a process to close the gaps so the right work gets done.STRENGTHS:Great listening skills. Understanding and appreciating what is important to the business partners. Promoting and fostering cross-functional collaboration and teamwork.

Experience

1. Director Indirect Procurement

   Walbridge

   Dec 2021 — Present · Detroit, MI, US

Education

• Walsh College

  BBA, Finance

  1983 — 1989

• The Wharton School

  Executive Education, Accounting and Finance

  2012 — 2012

• University of Detroit Mercy

  MBA, International Business

  1989 — 1993

• The University of Chicago Booth School of Business

  Executive Education, Executive Program in Corporate Strategy

  2013 — 2013

Skills

• Cross-Functional Team Leadership
• Supplier Quality
• Strategy
• Supply Chain Optimization
• Supplier Evaluation
• Lean Manufacturing
• Operations Management
• E-Procurement
• Supply Chain Management
• Strategic Sourcing
• Organizational Development
• Supply Management
• Global Sourcing
• Materials Management
• Outsourcing
• Six Sigma
• Supplier Negotiation
• Management
• Forecasting
• Continuous Improvement
• Supply Chain
• Supplier Development
• Purchasing
• Value Stream Mapping
• Process Improvement
• Operational Excellence
• Leadership
• Kaizen
• Vendor Management
• Demand Planning
• Procurement
• Mrp
• Contract Negotiation
• Sourcing
• Bpo
• Spend Analysis
• Business Process Improvement
• Corporate Travel Programs
• Logistics
• Low Cost Country Sourcing