Kim Patterson

Special logistics and purchasing projects involving 13 U.S. production facilities and 3 in Mexico.

Managed through the automotive downturn of 2008 which resulted in the closure of 2 plants and movement of product lines to our Tennessee plant. Assisted with the movement of products from the Tennessee plant to Mexico for reduction in costs to avoid plant closure. Served on the due diligence team for the purchase of an additional Mexico facility. Managed the purchasing, materials and logistics functions of both the Tennessee and newly acquired Mexico plant for two years. During that time we implemented a new ERP system, closed our existing plant in Mexico, and moved its production lines to Tennessee and the newly acquired Mexico plant. Served on the SAP system implementation team. Managed through the Covid crisis which resulted in the movement of assembly lines from Tennessee to our plant in Mexico. Managed through numerous critical material shortages and discontinuances without major impacts at the customer. Negotiated a supplier change that resulted in a $1 million cost avoidance and ensured continuity of supply.

Served on the launch team for a new program to allow salon owners to develop and host a website for their business with e-commerce fulfilled by Four Seasons. Served on the launch team of a new product line penetrating the spa market. Implemented program management and continuous improvement functions. Developed a career path system tied to training and education to allow employees to grow in the company. Left the company to prepare for the birth of my daughter and spend time with my father who had been diagnosed with terminal cancer.

As account manager, managed Japanese transplant customers. Lead a cross functional project team aimed at improving communication and quality performance at a key customer that resulted in business growth at a higher profit level. Awarded the General Manager’s Award for Sales Excellence at the conclusion of the project. Was promoted to sales manager. Managed Sales, sales engineering, customer service, cost estimating, and program management. Managed teams in Tennessee, Michigan and the U.K. Penetrated new customers and grew sales with current customer base. Managed through three plant closures resulting in the transfer of business to our facility in Tennessee. Served on the board of BAMA (Bluegrass Automotive Mfg. Assoc.) a group of top suppliers to Toyota. Was named member of the year in 2005.

Managed numerous Japanese automotive and off road vehicle accounts. Handled cost estimating for quotation. Managed all new launch programs for my customer base. Developed new business at current and new customers.