Chris Nicholson, LSSGB

• Lead end-to-end global Procurement and Logistics functions, overseeing supply chain operations supporting 15+ programs; direct team of 5 (Buyers, Procurement Support, and Logistics) while driving alignment to revenue targets, program milestones, and ISO/QMS compliance requirements. • Stabilizing and transforming procurement operations by clearing legacy requisition backlog, implementing structured prioritization, and building a formal expediting operating model. Establishing cadence, visibility, and accountability for purchase order status management across the enterprise. • Spearheading supply chain execution for all company programs, ensuring on-time material delivery for system builds and enabling continued production ramping • Enhancing global supplier and logistics performance by restoring Vendor Managed Inventory strategy, developing second-source supply channels to mitigate risk, resolving international inventory reconciliation issues, and securing cost efficiencies through currency optimization and negotiated logistics contracts

• Developed and implemented comprehensive procurement procedures and systems for the Vanadium Redox Flow and Lead Acid Battery Energy Storage System programs, enabling timely project completion and establishing a baseline for cost analyses. Trained three procurement Buyers to support these initiatives effectively. • Successfully managed the relocation of Lithium Battery Production to the Advanced Manufacturing Plant in Alpharetta, GA. This included transitioning production materials, and ensuring all international sourcing was completed for successful product development and production scaling. • Oversaw the Purchased Battery Category, coordinating sourcing and vendor management across nine international locations. Enhanced supplier relationships to secure production capacity, optimize inventory levels, and manage price variance, contributing significantly to Stryten’s overall portfolio. • Engaged in cross-functional collaboration with Sales, Marketing, Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, Business Development, and Finance to align procurement strategies with broader organizational goals.

• Addressed consistently low fill rates at distribution centers by building strong relationships with suppliers and collaborating with Sales and Marketing to optimize inventory levels, achieving a 98% fill rate while reducing excess inventory by $3M. • Developed innovative freight strategies during the COVID-19 pandemic, such as shifting to cross-docking shipments, resulting in savings of $761K and reducing transit times by two weeks. • Improved forecasting accuracy for internationally sourced batteries by partnering with the Technical Supply Chain Systems Manager to refine JDA (Blue Yonder) forecasting processes, establishing reliable safety stock and order projections based on demand and lead times.

• Created and maintained a detailed weekly supply plan for 46,500 batteries, adapting to changes in labor availability, customer demand, and production priorities to optimize output.

• Developed and managed a weekly inventory tracking system for critical items across three distribution centers, resulting in improved visibility, optimized inventory management, and timely reorder triggers to prevent stockouts. • Initiated weekly alignment meetings with branch General Managers to standardize product allocation and best practices, enhancing teamwork and efficiency across the branch network.

• Identified and addressed high out-of-stock rates affecting 62 stores by executing strategic product transfers and optimizing inventory mixes, leading to a 10% year-over-year reduction in out-of-stock incidents. • Spearheaded the implementation of JDA Supply Chain Management software, conducting user training and system testing, which resulted in improved accuracy in demand forecasting and inventory control. • Fostered alignment among six regional areas through regular communication and strategy sessions, enhancing inventory management processes and increasing stock availability rates.

• Managed inventory for over 480 stores across the US and Canada, overseeing key product categories including Landscape Lighting and seasonal items. Improved product turnover rates and overall sales through strategic inventory management and promotional implementation. • Collaborated with Category Managers on pricing strategies, inventory refreshes, and promotional durations to maximize sales opportunities during peak seasons.

• Led critical recovery efforts for the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle program, successfully negotiating supplier commitments and saving $2.5M in operational costs while preventing production shutdowns. • Managed a high volume of purchase orders weekly, ensuring on-time delivery for top internal customer production sites despite challenges such as late engineering releases and drawing changes. • Initiated a process improvement project to streamline product list processing, resulting in a time savings of 320 minutes per week across the team.

• Negotiated $25M in vendor contracts supporting 75 internal customer programs. • Saved over $650K through vendor contract negotiations. • Issued RFP/ RFQ for purchase orders over $1.5M. • Primary supplier rehabilitation – Identified risks and shortfalls in supplier’s production process, held process improvement activities in supplier’s shop – Achieved supplier savings of $18K per month, streamlined operating plans, created new statements of work. • ERP systems transition – Conducted User Acceptance Testing & Application Development for Procure to Pay (P2P) – On-boarded system smoothly, became a super user assisting other employees with system usage. • SME for Miscellaneous Mechanical & Fastener Negotiations project for Corporate Group Purchase Agreements.

• Top 10 internal customer production sites – Managed 800 purchase order line items weekly. • Lead Materials Analyst for Joint Strike Fighter program (JSF), Common Organizational Level Tester program (COLT), and the Global Training & Logistics program (GT&L). • Negotiated production lead time reductions against aggressive scheduling with short delivery windows. • Negotiated expedite fees with OEM & distribution chain suppliers to accelerate production and delivery dates. • Communicated PO schedule risk to internal customers daily. • Created 2009 Training Manual for the Materials Analyst Team (hard copy & digital source).