Joe Raker

About Joe Raker

Supply Chain & Sourcing Executive with 20+ years of experience leading global supply chain transformations for public, private equity, and venture-backed companies. Recognized for expertise in end-to-end sourcing, demand planning, and strategic contract negotiations, consistently delivering substantial cost savings and operational efficiencies. Proven track record of enhancing supply chain performance through data-driven strategies and lean methodologies, achieving financial impact and supporting long-term growth. Known as an influential leader who drives process improvements and sets strategic direction to align operations with business objectives. Operational Leadership: Led supply chain and sourcing functions with an oversight of $750M in annual spend, consistently achieving cost efficiency and operational effectiveness across global markets including the US, Europe, China, and Latin America. Strategic Sourcing Savings: Delivered over $1M in annual savings by implementing a strategic procurement model that focused on supplier performance and cost efficiencies across key materials, including resins and films. Global Network Optimization: Reduced global logistics costs by 10% annually through the implementation of region-specific logistics models and strategic 3PL partnerships, enhancing service levels and reducing landed costs. Cost Reduction Initiative: Achieved a 20% reduction in logistics expenses by transitioning to a full-service 3PL model and implementing advanced TMS capabilities, allowing for better demand management and improved cost control. Procurement Efficiency: Successfully decreased raw material costs by over 10% through a tiered vendor strategy that secured supply stability and competitive pricing across major categories. Inventory Control & Demand Planning: Leveraged AI-powered tools to develop a demand planning system that optimized inventory levels, reduced lead times, and improved order fulfillment accuracy. Cross-Functional Transformation: Played a key role in implementing lean principles that tripled manufacturing capacity and reduced production times, aligning operations to support aggressive growth targets.

Experience

1. VP Sourcing & Sustainability

   PPC Flex

   Jun 2025 — Present · Knoxville, TN, US

   Strategic and results-driven executive with extensive global experience in sourcing, procurement, and sustainability. Proven track record of developing and leading end-to-end sourcing strategies that optimize cost, quality, and supply chain resilience while aligning with corporate sustainability and ESG goals. Adept at building high-performing teams, negotiating complex supplier agreements, and driving cross-functional collaboration to embed sustainable practices across the value chain. Skilled in supplier risk management, responsible sourcing, and sustainability reporting, with a strong focus on innovation, compliance, and long-term value creation

Education

• Bowling Green State University

  Bachelor of Science (BS), Finance and Financial Management Services

  1995 — 1999

• The Ohio State University Fisher College of Business

  Six Sigma Certification

Skills

• Materials Management
• Lean Manufacturing
• Supply Chain Operations
• Warehousing
• Logistics Management
• Supply Management
• Supply Chain
• Business Process Improvement
• Containers
• Apics
• Sourcing
• Kanban
• Supply Chain Management
• Strategic Sourcing
• Sap
• Purchasing
• Value Stream Mapping
• Global Sourcing
• Supply Chain Optimization
• Container
• Material Flow
• Continuous Improvement
• Logistics
• Mrp