Cree Harris

Senior operations and supply chain leader with experience leading procurement, supplier partnerships, transportation operations, and cross-functional initiatives. Track record of managing multimillion-dollar spend, improving supplier performance, reducing costs, and delivering complex projects from planning through execution. Known for building strong business relationships, solving operational challenges, and driving measurable results in manufacturing and supply chain environments.

Operations Manager - Lanter Delivery Systems (LAS) - Saint Louis, MO

(2026-01)

Supply Chain & New Business Launches

• Identify opportunities to improve profitability, control transportation-related costs, and strengthen carrier performance across multiple carrier accounts.
• Maintain operational trackers and communicate clear recap notes, action items, and next steps to improve visibility and follow-through.
• Partner with carriers and internal teams to resolve issues related to fuel, tolls, fraud alerts, fleet updates, service disruptions, and other operational exceptions.
• Lead recurring carrier calls and follow-up actions, tracking open initiatives, service risks, and operational commitments to drive accountability.
• Oversee the fuel network by coordinating carrier participation, monitoring program needs, and supporting cost-effective fueling strategies across the operation.
• Manage day-to-day transportation and carrier operations to support service continuity, issue resolution, and network execution.

Sr. Packaging Procurement Manager - 8th Avenue Food & Provisions - Saint Louis, MO

(2022-07 - 2025-11)

• Manages $36M+ spend in carton packaging and $1M+ in labels.
• Achieved cost savings of $630,000+ in FY2023 and 2.6MM in FY2024.
• Supported EOQ ordering and price reduction efforts and led a cost-saving project focused on calipers and SUS paperboard by re-engineering carton specifications, resulting in savings.
• Led forecast communication management weekly to ensure supplier readiness to meet demand.
• Built strong relationships with existing and potential new suppliers to ensure the most beneficial and highest performing supply base.
• Manage RFPs for current and new business and negotiated contracts to ensure favorable terms and the best quality cartons and labels are obtained at the best price.
• Track, monitor, and control spending ensuring alignment with previously negotiated contract pricing and department budgets.
• Prepare and execute continuous cost savings initiatives, performance improvement strategies, order optimization, and sourcing strategies with optimal suppliers while forming partnerships.
• Monitor and track commodity reports monthly to be informed of the relevant commodity market.
• Prioritize regular virtual and in person connection with plants to ensure a strong relationship and understand how my suppliers can better service each plant.
• Monitors and helped improve supplier performance, including quality, on-time delivery, fill rates and billing accuracy.
• Place and manage blanket orders (OBs) with suppliers, ensuring pricing is confirmed and accurately reflects negotiated contract terms.
• Perform weekly OB audits to reconcile produced quantities in the JDE Oracle system with supplier inventory levels, ensuring data accuracy and alignment across systems.
• Assist and mitigate supply issues as first point of contact for escalations.

Buyer - Terra Source Global - Saint Louis, MO

(2021-07 - 2022-07)

• Managed 200+ suppliers daily utilizing JD Edwards and Oracle and Processed all MRP supplier messages.
• Procured all necessary internal operational equipment and supplies (expense orders).
• Orchestrated equipment catalog to ensure correct pricing and lead times are maintained in JDE.
• Created, reviewed and analyzed RFQs; ensured accurate quotations that consider technical requirements, overall quality, lead time and balancing cost.
• Confirmed pricing and lead times on all purchase orders in JDE within 24 hours of an order being entered.
• Monitored and track on time payment process and vendor escalations.

Management Trainee - Enterprise Holdings (Enterprise-Rent-a-Car) - Saint Louis, MO

(2019-01 - 2020-04)

• Built and maintained strong relationships with key corporate accounts, including SIU, Flightline, Fenton's, Vic Koenig, Vogler Ford, and Napleton Hyundai through marketing and face-to-face meetings.
• Managed daily fleet planning within the first three months, ensuring efficient operations while delivering excellent customer service and quickly resolving complaints.
• Contributed to a top 10 sales team, driving regional profit growth by 101%.
• Utilized reports to track sales, growth, and profits, driving strategic decision-making for the branch.
• Trained and mentored new employees, supporting their development and growth within the company.

Office Assistant - Southern Illinois University- Carbondale

(2018-01 - 2018-12)

• Planned and executed five monthly events aimed at equipping minority students with tools for personal, professional, and academic success.
• Implemented effective marketing strategies to increase awareness of programs, events, and services, ensuring maximum student engagement.
• Documented and filed post-event reports to track productivity rates and evaluate goal achievement.

Bachelors - Business Management - Southern Illinois University Carbondale