Erik Leszka

Supply chain and sourcing leader responsible for procurement strategy, supplier performance, inventory optimization, and cross‑functional support across manufacturing and service operations. Drive cost reductions, improve supplier metrics, and support key product and facility initiatives while maintaining compliance, quality, and efficient material flow. Key Responsibilities: Develop commodity strategies that strengthen supply continuity, reduce risk, and support operational goals. Lead sourcing for indirect materials, tooling, and select production components. Negotiate pricing, terms, and long‑term agreements to ensure competitive cost and reliable delivery. Evaluate and monitor supplier performance using defined KPIs. Collaborate with engineering, QA, operations, production planning, and finance to resolve supply issues and align purchasing activities with business needs. Oversee inventory planning aligned with MRP requirements and support ISO audits, MRB meetings, and readiness activities for new product launches. Key Accomplishments: Delivered $1.5M Net Positive PPV in FY’25 and achieved 94% supplier OTD across all managed commodities. Reduced open PO value by 10% through structured review, closure, and renegotiation. Led the Simeox 200 ASL supplier transition, completing ERP setup, validations, supplier onboarding, and all milestones to maintain a February 2026 FMR launch timeline. Reduced gross inventory from $20M to $19M and achieved 7.6 annual turns while improving accuracy through cycle counts and process alignment. Enhanced the RFQ process to align with updated purchasing SOPs. Strengthened ASL documentation, ensuring supplier files and contracts remain current and audit‑ready. Implemented quarterly tracking across all facility‑related indirect spend categories, delivering 5%+ annual cost reduction or cost avoidance while maintaining service quality.

Lead a team of four in overseeing purchasing, shipping, and receiving functions with a strong focus on strategic sourcing, vendor management, and cross-functional collaboration. Responsible for aligning procurement operations with project timelines and company objectives, while improving efficiency and reducing costs. Key Responsibilities & Achievements: Managed all procurement activities including sourcing, contract negotiation, and supplier performance, supporting operations and project delivery. Delivered $350,000 in cost savings (2023–2024) by renegotiating supplier contracts and optimizing purchasing strategies. Achieved an average cost reduction of 38% in the first six months through strategic vendor consolidation and data-driven purchasing decisions. Implemented standardized purchasing and logistics procedures, increasing compliance and operational efficiency. Developed and coached a four-person team, improving departmental productivity and aligning efforts with broader business goals. Designed and rolled out a supplier rating system to guide vendor evaluation and ensure high performance across key categories. Acted as the primary point of contact for critical product lines, including gearbox serviceability, ensuring timely resolution of supply chain issues. Collaborated across departments—operations, engineering, and finance—to align procurement activities with company objectives and streamline workflows.

Directed end-to-end procurement operations for a globally recognized leader in industrial automation, specializing in fully integrated plant-floor systems and turnkey solutions for the aerospace industry. Managed high-value purchasing activities, including execution of purchase orders under the Defense Priorities and Allocations System (DPAS) and procurement of raw materials in accordance with Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) compliance standards. Partnered with senior leadership to develop and implement strategic sourcing initiatives focused on reducing costs, improving supplier performance, and strengthening long-term vendor partnerships. Oversaw the complete buying cycle—from supplier sourcing and qualification to inventory control, demand forecasting, price negotiations, logistics coordination, and contract execution. Applied strong analytical capabilities to monitor market conditions, track supplier performance metrics, and identify opportunities to enhance procurement strategies. Provided leadership to a team of buyers by setting clear goals, delivering ongoing training, and cultivating a high-performance environment that emphasized collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement. Key Responsibilities and Achievements: Credited for saving the firm $1.5M in 2020 by renegotiating supplier pricing/contracts that maintain project budgets. Increased on-time supplier delivery rating to 95% by creating/executing scorecards to monitor supplier performance. Hand-chosen to serve a purchasing lead on over 20 specialized design projects, including high priority DoD projects. Played a key role in the firm completing and earning ISO 9001 certification. Facilitated implementation of VMI Program at Michigan plant, increasing productivity by streamlining PO process.

Managed commodity procurement strategy and led a two-person team supporting supply chain operations for a global manufacturer of fluid-handling systems used in hazardous chemical applications. Partnered with R&D and Product Engineering to ensure seamless alignment between procurement strategies and new product development goals. Oversaw supplier qualification, contract negotiation, and inventory planning to ensure timely and cost-effective sourcing. Key Responsibilities & Achievements: Directed sourcing and procurement of components for Alpha/Beta product development phases, ensuring timely delivery of prototypes to meet project milestones. Maintained and enforced supplier pricing agreements and contract compliance to ensure quality standards and cost control. Established and managed supplier relationships, securing long-term agreements to support ongoing production requirements. Monitored commodity market trends and proactively adjusted sourcing strategies and contract terms to mitigate risk and manage cost fluctuations. Supervised and developed a two-person purchasing team, ensuring accurate execution of procurement activities and adherence to internal controls.

Directed company-wide purchasing operations while leading a team of three purchasing professionals. Oversaw the full procurement lifecycle, ensuring adherence to contractual terms and regulatory compliance. Worked collaboratively across all departments to standardize procurement practices, streamline proposal development, and reinforce purchasing policies and procedures. Built and managed supplier relationships, negotiated contracts, and implemented supply chain initiatives to enhance operational performance. Key Responsibilities & Achievements: Provided hands-on leadership and training to staff company-wide on purchase order accuracy, proposal preparation, and contract compliance. Spearheaded the implementation of an ERP system to enhance procurement visibility, reduce errors, and drive greater purchasing efficiency. Introduced and managed a vendor-managed inventory (VMI) program for high-usage items such as 3M adhesives, packaging materials, and thread, improving supply reliability and reducing stock outs. Developed and executed a safety stock process for critical raw materials supporting medical turn-key product lines, strengthening production readiness and minimizing downtime. Maintained contract pricing agreements and ensured that all procured materials met quality and delivery expectations. Partnered with senior leadership to define procurement policy, leading improvements in process governance and supplier accountability.

Led the development and execution of strategic buying initiatives in support of company-wide supply chain and operations. Managed projects from concept to completion, aligning procurement efforts with production goals, cost targets, and timelines. Oversaw supplier sourcing, contract negotiations, and inventory control, while streamlining internal processes to improve overall purchasing performance. Key Responsibilities & Achievements: Directed end-to-end project management activities, including defining scope, conducting cost analysis, sourcing materials, and coordinating with vendors to ensure timely execution. Spearheaded the deployment of a vendor-managed inventory (VMI) system, resulting in a 10% profit increase and a $53,000 reduction in obsolete inventory. Negotiated and renegotiated supplier agreements to secure $90,000 in cost savings while improving contract terms and delivery performance. Played a pivotal role in enhancing profit margins within the enclosure product line by aligning procurement strategies with project goals and maintaining delivery deadlines. Improved purchasing efficiency through streamlined PO processing and enhanced inventory control procedures, reducing lead times and increasing responsiveness to production needs. Monitored industry and buying trends to guide procurement strategies and maintain competitive advantage.

Responsible for managing daily schedules to ensure customer’s orders were shipped in a timely manner, managing floor stock and evaluating finished goods inventory levels. Functioned as the lead coordinator in all manufacturing products for Frito Lay.

Coordinated and managed daily shipping of all customer orders and inventory control processes; served as point of contact and lead coordinator regarding manufacturing of products for Frito Lay; improved on-time delivery of manufactured products to 90%.

Oversaw and managed the coordination of all international and domestic shipments; negotiated freight agreements with brokers and shippers that led to increasing profits by $2.5M and increased on-time delivery of products by 85%; trained and mentored staff to adhere to documented processes and procedures; led team in implementing and improving Oracle Enterprise ERP system.

Managed the processing of international and domestic orders and ensured processes and procedures were documented and were followed by the staff. Identified areas of improvement and implemented improved processes. Responsible for training team on sales orders administration functionality. Key Responsibilities and Achievements: Demonstrated a strong understanding of the product lines, including the line's manufacturing site) and service departments to help achieve strong customer satisfaction. Set up and trained a staff on using Oracle Enterprise ERP system.

Oversaw the processing and tracking of all travel expenses for Officers and active-duty personnel and processed paperwork for all duty station transfers and leave of absences; led team of 12 in completing all assigned duties. Key Responsibilities and Achievements: Completion of 13-week United States Marine Corps Recruit Training. Assigned as a Squad Leader for Military Combat Training of 12 Marines Honorable Discharge from Armed Forces of the United States