Erin Tice

Category Management for the Apple, Pear, Stone Fruit and Cherry categories

Execution of the Smart and final business transition into the Riverside Distribution Center, adding SFI concepts, programs and supply. •Managed a team of three buyers procuring over 650 active items on a daily basis. •Assisted in the execution of banner specific product and supply programs, for two totally different marketing concepts. •Established the procedures of compliance for certifications and fumigation for Arizona citrus. •Created and executed the inventory protocols for buying, QC and IC. •Developed the UPC tracking protocol for the QC team •Assisted in the development of the new receiving protocols. •Improved the quality and cost of goods on all commodities directly under my control. •Key player in the reduction of warehouse shrink by over 75% in fiscal year 2010

Executed the management of all produce supply inventory levels to ensure all production plans were established and monitored with “No Product Outages”. •Established and maintained the “Cost of Sales” plan and “Positive Financial Impact” objectives for managed produce supply. •Planned and executed a National roll out of new shredded lettuce product utilized by three major QSR brands, resulting in annualized cost savings of $600K. •Implemented an alternate supply source and obtained cost savings of the Guacamole category for one of the major QSR’s in the foodservice industry. Execution of sourcing an incremental 10 million pounds per year and annualized cost containment of $80K. •Negotiated a three year forward purchasing strategy on commodity driven oil and pinto beans that resulted in an annualized cost savings of $1.2 million.

Negotiated strategic partnerships with growers and suppliers contributing to more than $17 million in annual revenues. •Brainstormed with product marketing managers to develop innovative marketing strategies for all new products. Created partnerships with growers, suppliers and customers to enhance communication and maximize business opportunities. •Planned and implemented targeted sales activities to build and maintain business, emphasizing value-added services in a market dominated by well-capitalized competitors. •Developed reputation for prompt, efficient service with high level of accuracy.

In addition to previous listed accomplishments: •Built company sales from zero in 1988 to $63 million in annual revenue by 2002. •Hired, trained and supervised a staff of 150 associates encompassing sales, purchasing, warehousing, drivers (class A & B), production, customer service and financial. •Developed procurement programs, which encompassed both Retail and Foodservice products, from fresh-cut, packaged to whole fruits and vegetables for a national chain. •As Executive Committee member, evaluated all corporate division, products, services, and related markets to establish consensus with the Board of Directors regarding the company’s strengths and weaknesses. •Restructured operations, discontinuing declining areas and bolstering areas with the greatest potential. Engineered new processes to support restructured organization. •Creation, cost analysis, planning and implementation of many new products based on developing procurement programs with suppliers in order to meet the diverse customer base. •As Executive Committee member, participated in forecasting, pricing and cost-based analysis of supply management for both foodservice and retail.

Recognized and grew niche fresh food market into $62 million annual business. •Developed reputation for prompt, efficient service with high level of accuracy. •Negotiated strategic partnerships with growers and suppliers contributing to more than $17 million in annual revenues. •Introduced a successful program, focusing on customer service, support and satisfaction.

Negotiated multi-million dollar contracts with Senior Management of national supermarket companies for product and merchandising services.

Produce Manager