Samera Kurian

Lead a group of experienced professionals responsible for the supply chain strategy of our data center and solutions business at CDW. Our team optimally sources product in a complex supply chain, negotiates agreements with both distribution partners and OEMs, and drives supply chain accountability to ensure optimization of our working capital.

Drive supply chain strategy for a portion of CDW's Data Center portfolio, including server, storage, networking, power, connectivity, and cybersecurity brands. Oversee daily inventory and backorders to set organizational goals, and responsible for driving margin and revenue for applicable product lines. Analysis of sales and seasonal trends to effectively manage inventory in multiple distribution centers. Proactively negotiate favorable pricing, partner funding, payment terms, price protection policies, and return policies. Critical thinking and resourcefulness to solve problems with supply chain and inventory management, with the ability to manage products through their life cycle and product positioning issues. Analyze industry information to identify opportunities and strategies to position unique offers to gain market share. Maximize partner programs to drive incremental funding through data analysis and advanced partner negotiation. Optimize working capital by successfully managing to achieve targeted financial goals.

Drive supply chain strategy for a portion of our client business, including mobility, collaboration, POS, software, and emerging technologies. Manage a team of procurement buyers, who negotiate and facilitate inventory for various product lines. Oversee daily inventory and backorders to set organizational goals, and responsible for driving margin and revenue for applicable product lines.

Lead a buying team responsible for managing supply chain operations for various product lines within our data center solutions portfolio. Driving supply chain optimization with our partners and focusing on working capital optimization are key success factors for this role. Collaborate with product management teams to understand revenue and rebate goals, product road maps, and product offers which contribute to financial goals for the category. Analyze industry information to identify inventory opportunities and strategies to drive or support revenue and profitability within CDW.

Lead a team of coworkers executing drop ship orders for our Software Licensing product category, and handled escalated internal and external issues. Establish and maintain vendor partner relationships, as and meet with partners to discuss business practices and process enhancements. Oversee a team of buyers through monitoring daily workflows and department service levels to ensure customer satisfaction. Coach, train, mentor, motivate and develop coworkers through one-on-one, scheduled shadow sessions with peers and cross-functional training.

Responsible for the function of purchasing for all hardware product categories at CDW. All product shipping from either manufacturer or distributor directly to the end user, bypassing CDW’s warehouses. Work to establish and maintain vendor partner relationships, review and analyze purchase orders for various product lines, as well as strategically develop cost effective solutions.