Mark Pickett

Develops comprehensive strategies for each raw material under my responsibility which include, but not conclusive; all envelope, foil, recycled board, retail film, adhesives and uncoated greeting card for support of Hallmark N.A. Manufacturing. Manages those buys and related cost savings, quality, manufacturing support and sustainability efforts through effective/efficient inventory management, cost effective negotiating, TCO utilization, detailed and continual communication, consistent follow-up, while maintaining quality control through cross functional communication with key Business Partners including Production, Product Integrity, subsidiaries and suppliers. Collaborates with numerous business partners across a diverse cross divisional field, utilizes SAP/MRP to forecast material demand and optimize inventory levels, while reducing overall material costs by creating and maintaining Market and Year-Over-Year savings.

Held Manager positions in various production areas at the Topeka Production Facility for Hallmark Cards. Those areas include Counter Packaging, Folding, Reproduction, Foil Stamp, Quality and Maintenance. Responsibilities included: oversight, coaching, managing and support of numerous operators and various supporting personnel, assurance of production output with focus on safety, high quality, timely throughput and cost management. Made decisions regarding resources needed to meet schedules and production orders. Managed the Topeka Process Improvement Efforts (Lean) from 1989 through 1997, which drove major cost savings through make ready reduction and team building improvements. Developed supportive, collaborative and trusted report with responsible personnel and management during my assignment at Topeka.