Sarah Rice

Maximizing purchasing power by transforming complex supply chain challenges into bottom-line savings. Resourceful leader enhancing operational efficiency by developing supplier relationships and optimizing procurement processes across manufacturing, chemical, and industrial environments. Manage multimillion-dollar spend, negotiate contracts, and improve supplier performance to cut expenses.

Strong communicator championing company objectives by upholding compliance and quality, fielding questions from cross-functional teams, and supporting team/individual advancements.

Senior Buyer at LyondellBasell (2017-04 – Present)

Manage $20M in annual global spend, overseeing procurement of MRO materials, technical services, and raw materials across 5 manufacturing sites. Lead contract negotiations, enforce alignment with preferred suppliers, and resolve complex engineering, delivery, and AP challenges through high-level supplier engagement. Conduct inventory oversight, monthly cycle counts, and data-driven spend management, ensuring operational continuity and financial discipline. Guide material qualification processes.

• Supported quality assurance by completing 100% Certificate of Analysis (COA) inspections prior to product delivery.
• Drove cost optimization and supplier performance for MRO materials, technical services, and raw materials by overseeing sourcing strategy across manufacturing sites.
• Saved $450K annually by leveraging spend to contract suppliers, locating alternate suppliers for OEM materials, and conducting quarterly supplier performance reviews.
• Reduced rail charges 61% with zero downtime by partnering with production to streamline railcar unloading and minimize railyard congestion.
• Cut air freight charges 71% by switching to receiving full cargo containers via ocean shipments.
• Increased raw material inventory turnover ratio 20% by optimizing company pricing strategies, accurately forecasting demand, and improving supplier lead times.
• Achieved 100% regulatory audit pass rate for all internal and external audits (ISO 9001, DNV, IQA) by systematically aligning daily workflows with ISO 9001 clauses and upholding consistency/quality with every process and procedure.
• Prevented plant downtime and lost customer orders by initiating research on suppliers still stocking obsolete item, located item, and expedited shipping.
• Onboarded 2 new buyers; mentored on company purchasing policies, procurement systems, and supplier strategies.

Senior Buyer at Elkay Manufacturing (2013-10 – 2017-04)

Oversaw $25M global spend for 3 facilities. Managed sourcing of steel, rubber, plastics, motors, and valves to support production flow. Conducted quarterly key supplier reviews to drive cost, delivery, and performance improvements. Mentored 1 employee new to supply chain role.

• Reduced special order lead time 60 days by collaborating with customer service and supplier to facilitate win-win for all parties, maintain product quality, and meet customer expectations with 100% on time delivery since implementation.
• Implemented and monitored Kanban systems to improve inventory replenishment and reduce stockouts.
• Achieved project timelines through proactive supplier and internal coordination.
• Addressed engineering, delivery, and quality concerns through supplier collaboration.

Senior Buyer at Nestlé Purina PetCare

Purchasing Agent at Danisco Sweeteners

Purchasing Agent at Sewer Equipment Company of America

Buyer Analyst at HON Geneva Company

Certificate in Purchasing & Supply Management – University of Wisconsin–Madison

Associate of Applied Science in Business Administration & Management – Purdue Global