Leslie Kelley

About Leslie Kelley

Strategic Procurement and Category Management Professional with 15+ years of experience leading sourcing strategies, supplier negotiations, and spend optimization across global and domestic markets. Skilled in developing category strategies that reduce costs, mitigate risk, and elevate supplier performance.Experienced in category management across MRO, motors, castings, bearings, powdered metals, and bar stock, with a proven track record of delivering savings, improving supplier performance, and ensuring supply chain reliability.I specialize in: • Category Strategy Development & Execution • Spend Analysis & Supplier Segmentation • RFx (RFI, RFQ, RFP) and Contract Management • Supplier Relationship Management • Cost Reduction & Value Creation • Cross-Functional Collaboration (Finance, Ops, R&D, Legal)Key results include: • $400K in purchase savings within 2 years through strategic supplier negotiations. • $200K in inventory cost reductions via bid projects. • Management of $10M+ in spend portfolios across direct and indirect categories. • 25% reduction in global freight costs through category-led logistics optimization.I am passionate about building resilient supply chains and leading procurement strategies that deliver measurable business value. Currently seeking opportunities in Category Management and Procurement Leadership where I can continue to drive innovation, efficiency, and growth.

Experience

1. Director of Market Strategy

   Kbm Realty

   Feb 2026 — Present · Chicago, IL, US

   Lead strategic planning and execution across real estate, development, construction, and property management operationsPartner with executive leadership to align business priorities, improve decision-making, and drive organizational performanceDevelop and implement operational frameworks, KPIs, and accountability structures across teamsIdentify gaps in systems, staffing, and workflows, and design solutions to improve efficiency and scalabilitySupport financial and operational planning, including budgeting alignment, reporting visibility, and performance trackingOversee cross-functional coordination to ensure execution of key initiatives and company prioritiesDrive process improvement initiatives to stabilize and scale back-office and operational infrastructureAssist in evaluating team performance, restructuring roles, and implementing performance management tools (KPIs, PIPs, scorecards)

Education

• Triton College

  A.A., Business

  2011 — 2013

• Elmhurst University

  Bachelor's degree, Business Administration

  2015 — 2017

Skills

• Marketing
• Administrative Assistance
• Project Planning
• Time Management
• Administration
• Public Speaking
• Crm
• Administrative Assistants
• Sales
• Management
• Event Planning
• Teamwork
• Event Management
• Budgets
• Training
• Accounts Payable
• Social Media
• Corporate Events
• Customer Service
• Advertising
• Account Management
• Trade Shows
• Office Management
• Microsoft Excel