Supply Chain Contract Management

MICHELLE DICKSON Email:*******@*****.***

563-***-**** LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-dickson-593a184/

Profile Over twenty-five years’ experience in IT integration, operations, supply and materials management, risk management and compliance, facilities management, and transportation, logistics and warehousing. Skilled in risk mitigation and contracts. Learns new information and concepts quickly and embraces new challenges.

Experience CATERPILLAR INC. Peoria, IL

Senior Contract Management Professional May 2023-Present • Program governance: Monitor & resolve GEP Product Performance Defects, Service (SLA) metrics.

• Contract Management: Load all contracts to new Tool, Upgrade training videos, UI/UX Contract upgrade, Development & Functional Testing, Historical Meta Data Improvement (Gen AI), Launch Supplier Warranty in Tool.

• Marketing & Change Management: Knowledge/Skill Development training, Maintain Certification Rate for Contract Tool above 95%.

• Adoption & Engagement: Measure effectiveness of change/training, Continuous Improvement, Share findings through governance structure (steering team & stakeholders).

• Digital Adoption Platform development for Contract Management walkthroughs.

• Procurement Governance and Compliance: Ensure compliance with relevant laws, regulations, and internal governance to protect Company resources from misuse and efficiently manage contract requirements.

COGNIZANT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, College Station, TX

Senior Consultant, Supply Chain, Caterpillar Inc. Peoria, IL Jan 2021-May 2023

• Provide support for deployment of Bill of Material, Bill of Distribution Project to centralize data and processing using AWS, including project leadership for solution development, implementation, documentation, IT controls, and continuous improvements. Project management utilizing Azure DevOps.

Quick learner. Swiftly adapted to high velocity changes. With no advance application training and no formal IT experience, learned Amazon Web Services (AWS) S3, Glue, Athena and SQL, Snowflake and Snow SQL, and Azure DevOps. Developed understanding to support the supply network of over 25 ERP systems.

Recognized SME for Project providing supply chain expertise to mentor and train co-workers, new team members, and business/client users on product application and process flows.

Managed and coached offshore India based team of developers and support staff.

Provided business analysis, data management and modeling, and production support for incidents and weekly production processes. Working with the business and support/development teams, continuously improved data quality and automation.

Drove collaboration, coordination, training, communication, and alignment among related areas, projects, and strategies within the team. Interacted with and assisted other six related project teams.

RIVER BEND FOODBANK, Davenport, IA

Chief Operating Officer Aug 2017–May 2020

• Provide strategic leadership and overall management for Operations of the River Bend Foodbank and its branches. Develop and raise standards of safety, food safety, cleanliness, customer service and operational excellence.

• Create and execute the long and short-term Operations strategic plan, policies and processes necessary to support current activities, projected growth, enhanced distribution, and increased efficiency.

• Develop and manage the Capital and Operations budget annually. Assist Grant requests, execution, and replies.

• Deployed continuous improvement and lean operating techniques including preparation for the Malcom Baldridge Excellence framework. Established and implemented operating procedures, processes, and work instructions.

• Clearly define roles and responsibilities of Operations staff. Develop, maintain, and administer onboarding, training, development, coaching and performance management for twenty-two staff and three Managers.

• Ensure full compliance with applicable Operational standards including Feeding America, AIB, FDA, USDA, DOT, FMCSA and OSHA. Serve as the point of contact for all regulatory inspections.

• Responsible for OSHA reporting and regulation standards including workplace safety compliance, inspections, trainings, meetings, and root cause investigations for all injuries and incidents to identify reason, implement consistent corrective action procedures and prevent recurrence. Established and led a Safety Team, achieving an OSHA recordable free environment for over 2 years, and a Food Safety Team to drive improvement initiatives.

• Know and execute FMSCA and DOT regulations and requirements, including FMSCA rulemaking, equipment repair/maintenance, and inspections and driver qualification files.

• Developed first ever Operations metrics to track and improve performance and forecast Operational needs.

• Facility Manager. Coordinate major capital improvement projects. Developed and maintained the long-term asset replacement and preventive maintenance schedules for building and grounds, equipment, and vehicles. Ensure compliance with all safety and security protocols. Develop and execute contractor safety policy and enforce adherence to certificate of insurance requirements.

• Research, select, and implement purchase order software (Precoro and Tradeogram). Administrator and superuser. • Established purchasing policy. Prepare RFQs for capital equipment and major facility projects. Negotiate and manage facility and equipment service agreements and supplier relationships.

• Onboard Primarius barcoding software and equipment, inventory control, and cycle counting program.

• Install industry leading transportation management software to optimize deliveries and increase truck utilization (Trimble/Appian Fleet routing and scheduling optimization software: Direct Route and DR Track).

HIRSCHBACH MOTOR LINES, Dubuque, IA

Purchasing Manager Mar 2017-Jul 2017

Create a sustainable purchasing organization prepared to handle 100% company growth in 5 years.

Established purchasing policies and procedures, created the sourcing process, and implemented a supplier evaluation process. Met with ownership for approval and implemented with department heads and managers.

Directed the materials management and purchasing function to achieve service and inventory goals. Develop best in class processes to drive service level improvement and mitigate risk.

Research and establish preferred suppliers, develop commodity strategies, and establish authorization limits for purchased product.

Determine staffing needs. Recruited, hired, and trained personnel. Set goals and conduct performance evaluations.

GUARDIAN INDUSTRIES, DeWitt, IA

Supply Chain Manager May 2016-Nov 2016

Led 24/7 operational staff of 4 crews (40 people) for material control and logistics. Responsible for productivity, information quality, and the reliability of the fulfillment process from order to end customer.

Implemented standard work to optimize inventory, reduce lead time, and improve the effectiveness of warehouse and logistics operations.

Managed performance through clear objective setting; Conducted timely and meaningful performance appraisals and discussions.

Prepared facility for closure and complete furnace rebuild. Managed the startup of an off-site warehouse.

Led team to a 4% increase in delivery “On Time and Complete” in 6 months. Delivered the highest month of commercial sales in the plant’s 20-year history.

Implemented continuous improvement techniques that improved responsiveness and quality results. Used lean tools and techniques and MBM principles to accomplish strategic objectives.

Advocated safety as an integral part of everyone’s job. Implemented a near miss program and 5S program to hold employees accountable to the highest standard of safe conduct.

DEERE & COMPANY, Moline, IL

Logistics & Supply Chain Compliance Manager Global Trade Management Nov 2014-Jan 2016

Manage and monitor effective compliance processes, implement process improvement initiatives globally. Develop and facilitate initiatives to ensure business integrity, promote a global culture of ethical behavior (legal and regulatory requirements, business conduct guidelines, non-compliance reporting, privacy and record management).

Overhaul the entire container drayage operation, including; Negotiating the lease of 650 chassis rather than using the carrier chassis ($6M annual savings); Writing and negotiating the Maintenance and Repair contract with third party provider, reducing M&R on each chassis from $.14 per mile to $.05 per mile; Designing all of the transportation lanes to be day turns, making Deere a premier shipper of choice because each of the 50 drivers go home every night; Conducting an RFP and selecting carriers. The annual estimated saving for the project is $57.3M. Achievements include financial controls, alignment to current internal fuel management and permit programs, risk and liability mitigation, equipment control, security and safety, and performance metrics.

Assessed organizational risk and mitigated through implementing effective risk management programs including the global deployment of the Supplier Relationship Owner Tool (SRO), facilitating the completion of the online Supplier Code of Conduct Certification, enabling quick visibility to the internal owner of the supplier relationship, and correct cost categorization of suppliers, assigning major and minor MGC, and assigning Deere relationship owner. Directed the on-boarding of WWL suppliers into the SRO tool, resulting in the identification of 1700 active suppliers, reclassification of 600 suppliers and a $2.2M (70%) reduction in unidentified spend data.

Design and implementation team to onboard the SAP international logistics module.

Global Audit Compliance (Procurement/SOX/Financial/JDQPS for WWL); Interfaced with audit groups to ensure alignment. Under my guidance, all audits have scored 100% from 2009 through the end of 2015 because of the sustainable processes I have built.

Managed writing, localization, and implementation of the Customs Broker Master Agreement with regional teams of business partners, attorneys, and risk management for twelve countries. Directed the development and deployment of Achieving Excellence for Customs Brokers worldwide.

Led the WWL Strategy Deployment and Project Management kaizen event to evaluate and select one common tool to track projects and cost reductions, allowing consolidation of efforts and establishing credibility in Cost and Metrics reporting. Created the training plan and developed the training script, presentation guideline, cost savings template, FAQ document, project naming convention, process map, and unit allocation guide.

Co-developed the criteria of the electronic supplier code of conduct certification. Coordinated the activities required to electronically certify all global transportation and logistics suppliers for sanctioned screening, financial assessment and supplier code of conduct certification.

DEERE & COMPANY, Moline, IL

Logistics & Supply Chain Compliance Manager North American Logistics Nov 2011-Oct 2014

Served as the point of contact for all departmental audits including internal and external financial, supply management, Sarbanes Oxley, and IT audits.

Developed standard process to prepare for IT audit, including review of prior comments, on-site pre-audit by IT Security, and communication drips.

Co-chaired the Dangerous Goods Strategy Development team to create an enterprise-wide long-term dangerous goods/hazardous materials strategic plan by assessing current risk to close gaps in resources and training.

Lead on the IT Supply Chain Risk Compliance Pillar project team assembled to design and implement supplier compliance tools and reporting solutions. Identified tracking and risk rating tool requirements, created draft application mockups incorporating tool requirements, and reviewed final mock-ups and application design.

Created a Job Shadow Program for WWL to be leveraged across the enterprise to attract talent. Established the baseline program with appropriate structure across all departments within WWL. Piloted, reevaluated, and launched the program. Worked with leaders of other departments to plan a reciprocal program in order to enhance the knowledge sharing across multiple departments.

Conducted an award winning Ocean Transportation RFP with the global transportation team, including; Writing the Deere Ocean Carrier Boilerplate Contract, participating in the Ocean Container RFP Strategy Meeting to explain the contract internally and answer questions to support of the process, managing and conducting the negotiations and final contracting with Global Counsel with thirteen Ocean Container companies, working with Deere Risk Management to provide feedback and close exceptions to insurance issues, and conferring with Deere Counsel to find mutually acceptable language on contract separations.

The result was a ground-breaking achievement in the industry, contracting Ocean Carriers under a Merchant (Deere) contract that did not include the Carrier Bill of Lading or Tariff. The project resulted in $23.5M annual direct savings and won the Deere “Senior Vice Presidents Award.”

DEERE & COMPANY, Moline, IL

Project Manager Supply Management and Logistics Nov 2008-Oct 2011

Execute the WWL strategic plan to review enterprise roles and responsibilities to assess and identify alternatives and provide recommendations for most the effective organizational structure.

Mapped WWL positions and developed learning paths within the Deere learning library to revise mandatory, core, recommended, and optional course work. Identified needed course work and developed the enterprise Logistics 101 course in conjunction with global learning.

Provide knowledge of business processes and practices to facilitate definition, clarification and documentation supporting tactical and strategic business plans in alignment with continuous improvement efforts enabling implementation of Manugistics Manufacturing, Scheduling and Supply Chain software. On implementation team.

Implemented freight payment re-engineering, developed accountability standards and measured to achieve 98% compliance to goal and 99% first pass yield. Defined and established baseline for carrier compliance and invoicing accuracy in Deere regions outside of North America.

Identify the John Deere Supply Network (JDSN) tools applicable to WWL and lead implementation globally for horizontal and vertical functions. These tools included Strategic Sourcing; Global Contract Management, John Deere Supplier Network (JDSN) Material Group Code Maintenance (MGC), and Global Strategic Supplier (GSS).

Developed and encouraged a “Lean Six Sigma Culture” through employee development and engagement and supplier development and engagement to increase cost reduction (JD CROP) initiatives by 10%. Became a SME for the A3 and led A3 deployment and training for logistics personnel worldwide. Developed the Lean community of practice and SharePoint site. Led formal CI/Kaizen events.

Deploy best-in-class Employee Development practices by co-leading the pilot of Strength’s Finders to create project teams leveraging the strengths needed to accomplish the team objective. Leveraged John Deere Learning to roll out Strengthsfinders to the enterprise.

DEERE & COMPANY, Moline, IL

Supply Base Manager Contracting; North American Transportation & Logistics Nov 2005-Oct 2008

Integrated PDC transportation functions with WWL to improve efficiency and eliminate redundant activities; supply chain consolidation, supplier selection, and contract negotiation while maintaining world-class service.

Developed and authored the WWL Achieving Excellence program for North American Transportation and Logistics activities. On-boarded all key supply chain partners. Created the "Critical Supplier Rating Template" financial supplier analysis in conjunction with corporate finance.

Project Manager to design and implement a transportation network to support the Daily Stock Order (DSO) program for service parts covering 2,900 dealer locations representing (85%) of all US and Canadian dealers and achieving on-time delivery performance of 95% or better.

Project Manager for the Airfreight team to reduce premium airfreight by $15m, deploy specific measurable actions and develop the premium freight application used by the enterprise worldwide.

Managed the transition of freight pay from Deere to a third-party provider for EDI invoices and paper invoices. Trained provider on Deere rates and accessorial charges and developed an exception handling process.

Led the optimization/simulation project to determine the appropriate location and quantity of cross docks and warehouses the U.S and Canada.

Led the “Fuel Management Project” to redesign the ground transportation fuel surcharge reimbursement process that resulted in a minimum savings of $3M annually.

DEERE & COMPANY, Moline, IL

Supply Base Manager Transportation; North American Transportation Nov 2003-Oct 2005

Contract, project, cost, and relationship management; Gatekeeper for the Request for Proposal process. Organized and analyzed RFP responses. Provided tools and guidance to team throughout supplier selection process. Worked with Cost Management to collect and analyze supplier financial information and provided continuous support to factory traffic managers through project implementation.

Train, coach and work with suppliers, co-workers and project managers on the Strategic Sourcing Process. Streamlined the contracting process by developing a single, fair, and balanced contract template for each logistics type (van, open deck, drayage, LTL, expedited transportation, and 3rd party warehousing providers).

Led the third party (Cognizant Technologies) development of an in-house contract management tool utilized during RFPs to qualify suppliers and manage contract documents (NDA, contract, attachments). Created a tool to house over 750,000 transportation rates. Reduced the time to conduct RFPs by 75%.

Functional School Representative for Supply Management at Iowa State University. Participated in on-campus career fairs, diversity functions, and interviews. Started and managed a relationship between Deere and ISU Transportation and Logistics students to provide independent study projects and opportunities for real-world experience.

Previous DEERE & COMPANY, Moline, IL Dec 1999–Oct 2003

Supervisor, Logistics Operations Analysis, Worldwide Logistics (WWL) Jun 2000-Oct 2003

Coordinator, Logistics Workforce Planning, Supply Management Dec 1999-May 2000

CASE CORPORATION, East Moline, IL Aug 1994–Dec 1999

Latin America Region Project Coordinator, Agricultural and Construction Materials and Logistics 1999

Buyer, Direct Material; Implementation Manager ISO 900*-****-****

Buyer, Indirect Material 1994-1998

PRESTON TRUCKING COMPANY, INC., Terminal Manager (East Moline, IL) 1993-1994

YELLOW FREIGHT SYSTEM, INC., Dock Operations Supervisor/Dispatcher (Chicago Ridge, IL) 1989-1993

Implement groundbreaking transportation yard, dock, shipping, and barcoding management software (AS400)

McDonald’s, Crew, Crew Trainer, Shift Manager (Bettendorf, IA) 1982-1988

Safety Business Impact Analysis, Recovery and Resumption Plan team.

Business Continuation and Incident Response Team (IRT) team. Developed “Checklist for Catastrophic Factory Event.”

Emergency Response Team (ERT Team); first responder to ensure safety of workers in the building.

CPR, AED, Blood born Pathogen, Haz Mat, and First aid training.

Education Master of Business Administration (MBA)

University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52240; Aug 1995-May 2000 Finance; Summa Cum Laude, G.P.A. 3.82/4.00

Bachelor of Business Administration (B.B.A.)

Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50010; Aug 1985-May 1989 Transportation and Logistics, G.P.A. 3.27/4.00

Awards John Deere Vice Presidents Award; North American Drayage Strategy (2015)

John Deere Vice Presidents Award; WWL Employee Development Strategy (2015)

John Deere Senior Vice Presidents Award; Ocean Transportation and Hub Strategy (2014)

John Deere and The Home Depot Exceptional Performance; Launch of the 100 Series John Deere Tractors (2003)

Certifications State of Iowa – Substitute Teacher Certification (09/2020)

HACCP – Seafood HACCP Alliance in cooperation with The Association of Food and Drug Officials (2018)

ServSafe - Food Safety Manager (2018) Number: 16034125

APICS – Certification in Production and Inventory Management (CPIM) (2003) Number: 1089105

ISM – Certified Purchasing Manager (C.P.M.) (2000); Lifetime Achievement Designation (2015) Number: 33720

Women Unlimited, Inc. Leadership Education and Development (LEAD)(2010); For high-potential women managers.

Dale Carnegie; Your Path to Effective Communications and Human Relations Skills for Success (2009)

John Deere Six Sigma Black Belt (2008), Six Sigma Green Belt (2006)

Honors/ John Deere WWL Job Shadow Program Development (2012)

Achievement John Deere WWL Lean Program Development (2011)

Dale Carnegie Breakthrough Achievement Award (2008)

Beta Gamma Sigma Honor Society (2000) (Membership by invitation only, based on Academic Achievement)

Volunteer Junior Achievement of the Heartland (Classroom - 7 semesters; BizTown - 4 years; Finance Park - 2 years)

United Way “Day of Caring”, 15 years, River Bend Foodbank, 7 years

YMCA fitness instructor, advisor, and trainer, 20 years

Bettendorf High School Boosters and Athletics, 4 years

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