Jennifer Sharpe

About Jennifer Sharpe

Seasoned Supply Chain Professional | Expertise in Global Procurement, Risk Mitigation & Strategic Sourcing | MBA, C.P.S.M Certified | Committed to Delivering Cost Savings and Operational ExcellenceProcurement and Supply Chain Management professional with extensive experience in sourcing, category management, and inventory analysis. Currently a Procurement Category Manager of Indirect Services at Freshpet, I excel in leading cross-functional teams to optimize total cost of ownership and drive efficiency. With a strong background in strategic sourcing, vendor management, and risk mitigation, I have successfully supported global business objectives across diverse industries. My skills in market analysis, strategic planning, and stakeholder engagement have consistently delivered cost savings and value creation. Certified Professional in Supply Management (C.P.S.M) with an MBA, I am dedicated to achieving corporate goals through innovative solutions and continuous improvement.

Experience

1. Procurement Category Manager - Indirect Services

   Freshpet

   Jul 2024 — Present · Bethlehem, PA, US

   Work with internal stakeholders to develop the sourcing strategy for Indirect Services. Become a value-added sourcing partner to the business, ensuring complete alignment and deep understanding of the business goals in developing sourcing strategies. Interface with internal stakeholders to carry out all procurement activity from RFQ to supplier selection and implement robust contracts. Recommend cost savings proposals including alternative sourcing solutions and collaborate to determine appropriate action.• Develop & foster relationships with major suppliers in the marketplace. • Stay abreast of macroeconomic, regulatory, and capacity trends which could impact the business. • Leverage procurement best practices to develop and implement strategies in alignment with business and project objectives.• Work with stakeholders to conduct make/buy analysis for relevant categories• Demonstrate leadership, engagement, and partnerships with internal stakeholders to understand requirements and collaborate on solutions.• Develop detailed project plans, project scopes, and project objectives based on specifications and feedback from key stakeholders.• Run large scale Requests for Quote (RFQ) following through to full supplier selection and evaluation.• Lead the development, negotiation, and implementation of contract agreements with suppliers. • Evaluate risks, negotiate services, prices, and terms of contracts, and recommend purchases to obtain the best possible value while adhering to quality of work, specifications, and business requirements.• Understand changes to business forecasts, project objectives, and translate its impact to procurement activities.• Responsible for ensuring purchases or services meet and/or exceed contractual obligations, and any pertaining industry standards or customer requirements.• Support stakeholders on supplier relationship management initiatives to drive delivery of best-in-class performance and innovative products and services.

Education

• Penn State University

  B.A.

• University of Phoenix

  MBA

Skills

• Recruiting
• Sourcing
• Sales
• Supply Management
• Budgeting
• Business Process Improvement
• Project Planning
• Supply Chain
• Program Management
• Supply Chain Management
• Strategic Sourcing
• Engineering
• Procurement
• Purchasing
• Process Improvement
• Human Resources
• Materials Management
• Supplier Management
• Budgets
• Analysis
• Esourcing
• Logistics
• Training
• Contract Negotiation
• Forecasting
• Contract Management
• Management
• Negotiation
• Spend Analysis