Chris Collins

About Chris Collins

I\'ve built a career in logistics and sourcing, marked by a series of progressive roles across various industries. My journey began at Lansing Trade Group, LLC, where I served as a Logistics Support Manager. Here, I honed my skills in export logistics, managing relationships with shipping lines, truck vendors, and forwarders, and ensuring compliance with international standards.In 2010, I transitioned to Smithfield Foods International Group as a CSR Export Specialist. I quickly advanced to CSR Lead Export Specialist, where I coordinated plant operations using the SAP platform and managed both plant operations and remote employees.In 2012, I rejoined Lansing Trade Group, LLC, this time as a Logistics Coordinator. I worked closely with shipping lines and forwarders, reviewed export documentation, and managed relationships with banks to oversee letter of credit and DP transactions.My expertise in export logistics led me to The Laufer Group International in 2016, where I initially served as a Pricing and Traffic Supervisor for Forestry and Agricultural Goods. I later became the Export Manager for the Kansas City Branch, managing export documentation, traffic, and pricing teams, and negotiating contract terms with ocean carriers.In 2021, I took on the role of Contracts Manager at Kansas City Southern Railroad, which was later acquired by Canadian Pacific and merged to form CPKC. Here, I created, prepared, reviewed, and negotiated contract terms, ensuring compliance with company standards and identifying opportunities to improve business processes.Currently, I am the Manager of Sourcing for Engineering Materials at CPKC. I lead a team of sourcing specialists, manage vendor relationships, and develop strategies to improve pricing and sourcing opportunities.I hold a Bachelor of Arts in Russian Area Studies with a Minor in History from the University of Missouri, a Master’s Degree in Journalism and Russian and East European Studies from Indiana University, and an MBA with a Data Analytics Certification from the University of Missouri in (completed in December 2024).In addition to my professional and academic achievements, I am fluent in Russian and have an intermediate proficiency in Spanish.Throughout my career, I have demonstrated a strong ability to manage complex logistics and sourcing operations, negotiate contracts, and lead teams to achieve strategic goals. My diverse experience and educational background make me a valuable asset in any organization.

Experience

1. Manager Sourcing - Engineering Materials

   CPKC

   Sep 2023 — Present · Kansas City, MO, US

Education

• Indiana University Bloomington

  Master's, Journalism / Russian and East European Studies

  2003 — 2006

• Maple Woods Community College

  Associate's, General Education

  1998 — 2000

• University of Missouri-Columbia

  Bachelor's, Russian Area Studies

  2000 — 2002

• University of Missouri-Kansas City

  Master of Business Administration - MBA, Business Analytics

Skills

• Supply Chain Management
• Accounting
• Research
• Microsoft Excel
• Translation
• International Business
• Multilingual
• Cultural Sensitivity
• Microsoft Office
• International Trade
• Export
• Leadership
• International Shipping
• Russian
• Public Speaking
• Customer Service