Artem Karimov: Procurement and Commercial Manager in Vienna

The leadership position is in matrix structure with the purpose to support the European activities of ProPartners international trading and industrial group in projects in EU. My responsibilities include polymers (virgin and recycled polymers, variety of polymer films, geosynthetic grids, etc.) Activitities include sourcing projects and marketing projects and contain in many cases technical qualifications and logistics arrangements. Additionally, I run several sourcing projects for the Group (different groups of chemicals, equipment, raw materials, etc.) and consulting projects on behalf of the Group (for internal and external clients), mostly in the area of supply chain, technical qualifications and support, sourcing, and logistics/material management solutions. Additionally, I keep responsibility for Protechfab trademarks rights (in the EU and US) and allocate a portion of time for organization development and internal audit for the Group. During this period over 10 major sourcing projects and a number of smaller initiatives were successfully completed (both commercially and technically). All KPIs are consistently met. All sourcing strategies are regularly updated and reviewed with Management. All procurement decisions are transparent and clearly documented. Working knowledge of Polish achieved.

The job was to supervise the Supply Chain in a medium-sized construction Company reporting to the business owners. Main focus was to optimize (minimize) costs to business and meet challenging schedules. Accomplishments included the re-design the logistics activities in a systematic way in line with right practices and business needs. Lead the development of applicable strategies and the list of cost-saving initiatives. Concept of value buying introduced. Several technical qualifications completed. All business and organization development KPI met. Substantial saving achieved. Organization re-designed, head-count optimized. Command of German much improved by intensive trainings.

Position in the headquarters of major European Pulp and Paper Company (30+ mills and factories). Reporting to the director of Procurement in Vienna and Director of Operations in Umerfeld-Hausmening. Main task was to tackle complexity, understand the scope and to start centralization of Technical Services Buying thus leading to the development of relevant operational and procurement strategies. Significant part of the role was to support construction projects within Mondi: Mondi Steti and Mondi Keshkemet upgrades, installation of new Paper machines in Mondi South Africa. Part of the role was the development of operating procedures, professional structure and making progress in key projects and initiatives. Additional challenge was the development of clear cost-saving rules along with a clear multifunctional project list. Accomplishments included the cost effective completion/progress of Mondi construction projects, systematization of more than 80% of Technical Services expenditures, creation and implementation of Technical Services buying procedures supported by the Management and by other functions in the Company.. Majority of projects (except in S. Africa) completed in a timely manner. A working network of technical service experts created with development and training plan in place.

Position in the Russia's private beverage Company reporting to Managing Director/Owner. Main tasks were to support the launch of Coffee category in the market and to introduce a reasonable approach to the buying of services (mostly technical and construction). Among the accomplishments are the smooth and straightforward Coffee category launch. This included the development of packaging supply base, technical qualifications and intensive negotiations with RM suppliers (beans, sweeteners, aromas, etc.). Services were much greater challenge due to complexity and lack of corporate procedures and general corporate culture. My team focused at main expenditure areas and was able to lead a smooth tea factory re-built, equipment imports, customs clearance and comissioning.

The position was in a big modern brewery combining responsibilities for logistics, procurement, and customs clearance, reporting to the Managing Director of the brewery (solid line) and Sun Interbrew Procurement Director (dotted line). The brewery procurement organization functioned within central supply chain framework being responsible for the support of construction of the brewery, imports of equipment, obtaining the permits, customs clearance, material management and for few procurement of locally sourced items (e.g. glass bottle from the secondary market). My accomplishments are the creation of the organization almost from scratch leading to returning the project to the schedule. All equipment delivered in time. Warehousing/storage arrangements were taken care of. Many ideas and concepts was re-applied in all breweries of Sun Interbrew. Organization development allowed to reduce the organization from 31 to 17 members during the project. Proper co-ordination of involved functions and with existing business established.

Position in the Winton Hill Technical Center in Cincinnati OH, responisible for Vitamins, Juice Concentrates, Colorants, Thickeners, Perfumes, reporting to the Purchasing Director - P&G Food & Beverages. The business need was to make Beverages Procurement more effective by introducing flexible formula, SAP, e-commerce tools and speeding up all of cost-saving projects. The assignment was a success: SAP implemented smoothly, OWP E-auction completed with high savings, flexible formula concept developed and introduced. No supply issues in NA plants.

Position in P&G office in Moscow, Russia reporting to the Country Supply Chain Manager. Responsibility was the support of Novomoskovsk factory upgrade and ownership packing materials strategy. Under my leadership the Novomoskovsk factory upgrade project received proper and timely logistics support. Material management team on site created. Technical Packaging team created. Packaging team developed local competitive suppliers of Cartons, of corrugated boxes, of printed PE film, of polyethilene, of masterbatches, of labels, etc. Multiple technical qualifications completed: PE film, HDPE for bottle-blowing, various caps, plastic labels, masterbatches, printed cartons, corrugated boxes, etc. Packaging buying group developed to fully functional unit. SAP introduction supported. Cost saving targets consistently met.