Loreth Smith
Winchester,VA
Summary
Accomplished Procurement and Logistics Specialist with 15+ years of experience driving strategic procurement, logistics, and financial analysis to optimize decision-making and operational efficiency. Demonstrated success in progressive international roles, including 5+ years in global procurement functions within highly regulated industries such as pharmaceuticals. Expertise in contract negotiations, managing direct and indirect materials and services, and implementing effective risk mitigation strategies for business continuity. Skilled in building and maintaining strong client relationships, resolving complex concerns with diplomacy and professionalism. Known for superior organizational abilities, keen attention to detail, and managing multiple projects in high-pressure environments while consistently meeting deadlines. Proven track record in supervisory and team training roles, fostering a collaborative approach to drive high-quality, accurate, and efficient results.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Procurement Specialist
Westat
01.2024 - Current
- Managing procurement for both Direct and Indirect Materials and services in the pharmaceutical industry
- Assess risks in procurement processes and implement mitigation plans, minimizing potential disruptions to business continuity
- Issue RFQs and solicit proposals for goods and services, ensuring full compliance with company policies and procedures
- Experience working within cross-functional teams and managing stakeholder expectations across multiple regions and cultures
- Assist in vendor selection by conducting thorough analysis to support informed purchase requisitions and ensure alignment with business needs and objectives
- Monitor vendor performance and ensure invoice accuracy, streamlining the approval process to maintain operational efficiency and mitigate potential discrepancies
- Resolve discrepancies and issues with vendors and Accounts Payable promptly, ensuring smooth operations and avoiding delays in the Accounts Payable process
- Proactively address and resolve complex issues with customers and vendors, ensuring timely, effective solutions to maintain strong relationships and business continuity
- Generate, negotiate, and execute change orders and contract modifications to align with evolving project requirements and ensure seamless contract compliance
- Organize and maintain procurement files in accordance with company standards and compliance requirements
- Verify completion of purchase orders, ensuring accurate submission to Accounting for processing and timely closure of POs to maintain smooth financial operations
- Successfully manage and execute purchase orders (POs) over 1 million, ensuring cost control, compliance, and the alignment of purchases with organizational goals
- Developed and maintained detailed records of all procurement activities for accurate tracking and reporting purposes.
- Coordinated closely with finance teams to monitor budgets and cash flow implications related to procurement activities.
- Built relationships with vendors to negotiate ideal terms for purchases.
Procurement Specialist V
X-energy LLC
11.2021 - 11.2023
- Prepare and issue Requests for Proposals (RFPs), ensuring compliance with federal, customer, and company policies during the vendor selection process
- Assist in vendor selection by conducting thorough analysis and responding to purchase requisitions
- Negotiate contract terms and legal provisions with vendors to ensure alignment with business objectives, collaborating with the Legal Department as needed
- Communicate purchasing status, compliance updates, and vendor analysis to stakeholders across the company
- Monitor vendor performance and invoice accuracy, facilitating the approval process and resolving discrepancies with vendors and Accounts Payable
- Resolve complex issues with customers and vendors, ensuring prompt, effective solutions to maintain business continuity
- Generate and negotiate change orders and contract modifications to adapt to evolving requirements
- Provide guidance and training to purchasing staff, fostering a collaborative work environment
- Serve as backup support for the supervisor, handling responsibilities in their absence
- Maintain and verify the approved vendor list to ensure it includes qualified suppliers
- Assist in procurement-related aspects of company proposal efforts
- Uphold and ensure adherence to company procurement policies and procedures
- Organize and maintain procurement documentation, ensuring compliance with necessary reviews and awards
Lead Deployment Project Planner/Procurement Specialist - U.S. Department of State
Amentum (Formerly DynCorp)
11.2016 - 11.2021
- Serve as the liaison between customers and vendors for both international and domestic programs
- Monitor and analyze logistics reports (ILMS/DMS) to optimize scheduling efficiency
- Lead onboarding and support for new logistics team members
- Provide logistics support for IT and Drop Ship projects
- Manage IT asset tracking and logistics
- Act as a customer advocate, resolving carrier issues proactively
- Identify shipment consolidation opportunities to reduce costs
- Oversee international and domestic freight scheduling, tracking, and risk management
- Collaborate with shipping to enhance carrier communication
- Develop SOPs to meet key performance indicators in contracts
- Assist Procurement with issuing, tracking, and managing purchase orders
- Conduct price/cost analysis and sole-source justification for purchasing
- Ensure compliance with government regulations and requirements
- Work with Accounting to resolve invoice discrepancies
- Manage time effectively to meet targets and plan short-term activities
- Support development of supplier statements of work and RFPs
- Implement process improvements and cost-saving recommendations
- Manage purchase orders and explain complex issues to reach consensus
- Provide expertise in Business Development strategy
- Lead procurement activities, including sourcing, RFP review, and supplier management
Procurement Business Assistant/Logistics Coordinator - U.S. Department of State
Olgoonik
09.2011 - 11.2016
- Assisted with procurement for U.S Embassy construction projects
- Reported to the Senior Buyer, supported vendor selection, and analyzed bid evaluations
- Performed buying functions, including price/cost analysis and source justification
- Ensured compliance with government regulations and requirements
- Coordinated international and domestic travel for Engineering and Construction teams
- Supported purchase order issuance, tracking, and maintenance
- Arranged expedited shipments to prevent manufacturing downtime
- Collaborated with Senior Buyer to ensure timely delivery of materials for overseas shipments
- Worked with Accounting to close purchase orders and resolve invoice discrepancies
- Researched and sourced new suppliers for construction materials and equipment
- Prepared RFQs and RFPs for solicitations
- Assisted in refining material specifications before issuing price proposals
- Developed and maintained procurement processes and tools for the Construction department
- Provided operational negotiation support for the Construction team
- Supported local and international bidding, bid evaluations, award recommendations, and contract negotiations
- Cultivated positive relationships with vendors, customers, and colleagues
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Business Administration And Management
Nova Community College
Annandale, VA06-2028
Skills
V Project Management
V Logistics support
V Strategic Planning
V ILMS Experience
V FAR/DFAR
V Asset Management
V Deltek CostPoint
V OnBase
V Supply Chain Management
V Procurement Analyst
Certification
Procurement Certificate – 2016
Languages
Spanish
Native or Bilingual
Active Secret Clearance
DoD Clearance
Timeline
Procurement Specialist
Westat
01.2024 - Current
Procurement Specialist V
X-energy LLC
11.2021 - 11.2023
Lead Deployment Project Planner/Procurement Specialist - U.S. Department of State
Amentum (Formerly DynCorp)
11.2016 - 11.2021
Procurement Business Assistant/Logistics Coordinator - U.S. Department of State
Olgoonik
09.2011 - 11.2016
Bachelor of Arts - Business Administration And Management
Nova Community College
Similar Profiles
Sarita HicksSarita Hicks
Acquisitions Manager at WESTATAcquisitions Manager at WESTAT
Kevin KimKevin Kim
E-QIP Agent at WestatE-QIP Agent at Westat
Timothy SchleicherTimothy Schleicher
DAWN Medical Records Abstractor at WestatDAWN Medical Records Abstractor at Westat