1. Kimm Hughes
6135 Grail Circle NW, Canton, Ohio 44708
330-495-7291
hugheskf@outlook.com
PROCUREMENT & MERCHANDISING management executive with strong communication,
analytical and negotiating skills. I have had almost two decades of purchasing and merchandising
responsibilities (mostly international) sourcing and procuring finished products, materials and services
and I believe I have the experience you require. My philosophy is to apply strategic methods, meet
specific time requirements, within budget, and ensure corporate objectives.
FOCUSED SKILLS
Procurement & Merchandise Sourcing – Inventory Management – Logistics
Project Management – Commodity Management – Supplier Relationships - Negotiation
WORK EXPERIENCE
Suarez Corporation Industries, North Canton, OH – A multi-channel marketer and distributor of
innovative products for better living to the consumer market.
Director of Procurement & Merchandising 12/2014-7/2016
In addition to continuing with the responsibilities indicated below as a Senior Buyer:
Manage & evaluate combined staff from Purchasing & Marketing
Coordination of new US heater manufacturer
Revised procedure for new product presentation
Created in-house focus group for enhanced product selection
Suarez Corporation Industries, North Canton, OH 1/2004-12/2014
Senior Buyer
Responsible for over $50,000,000.00 in purchases per year. Manage procurement of various
general merchandise, topical and ingestible products including Small Appliances, Electronics,
Housewares, Home Health & Personal Healthcare products, Nutritional Supplements, Food Products,
Seasonal, Giftware and Decorative Accessories and more. Research, source and purchase new products
domestically and internationally (80%).
Research/source new vendors & products
Identify & develop new product categories
Manage quality assurance before purchasing of any products
Negotiate quantity and/or container pricing
Negotiate terms
Initiate PO’s
Follow delivery dates and vendor performance
Bi-weekly presentation of new products to the marketing team
Attend trade shows to source new vendors and products
Manage EdenPURE Infrared Heater line, over 4 million ordered and sold

2. Hartland Hardwood Products, Alliance, OH
Inventory Specialist 5/2002-4/2003
Fulfilled inventory control goals, cost reduction plan, physical inventory procedures and assigned
locations to raw materials and finished goods. Further, assigned positions of Safety Manager and
Shipping/Receiving Manager.
Safety Manager: Created emergency plans and a “Drug Free Workplace Policy” based
on BWC requirements; implemented training and lockout procedures.
Shipping/Receiving Manager: Organized the picking of orders by location of customer;
greatly improved pick-time and customer delivery time.
The Gradall Company, Orrville, OH
Tactical Buyer & Planner 2/2001-4/2002
Directed commodities from concept to completion, vendor selection and management with
specific requirements, obtained quotes for existing parts, design changes or new designs.
Managed an inventory of approximately 3,000-4,000 parts from over 150 vendors
All parts scheduled and purchased for just-in-time use based on MRP requirements
Positions prior to 2001:
Purchasing Agent/Inventory Manager
Purchasing Agent/Buyer
Project Management Department Manager
EDUCATION & SKILLS…………………………………………………………………………………
Mount Union College, B.A. Business Administration/Management; Minor in Accounting
Proficient in MicroSoft Word and Excel, Outlook, Apollo (in-house system) and TCM Navigator