Michael Casper: Raw Materials Manager in Memphis, TN

* Responsible for ensuring the continuity of supply of raw and packaging materials to production facilities for their respective Business Unit * Point person for materials issues within my categories * Engaging cross-functional meetings - driving mid/long-term projects for packaging transitionswork with R&D for continuous usage/substitution projects. * Support overall forecasting process and create flags/controls to ensure proper numbers are making their way to vendors. * Factor in risks to Long Range Production plans so the business can truly understand revenue risk due to supplier shortages * Develops and manages replenishment strategies for assigned materials. * Optimizes the balance between supply availabilityinventory investment and risk of obsolescence. * Works cross functionally with Marketing, Product Change Managers, and Finance on commercialization and productivity change management initiatives to ensure on-time materials availability and cost minimizing transitions.

* Develops, leads, and executes holistic enterprise-wide sourcing strategies within the Uniform, First Aid & Safety, and PPE categories. * Utilizes FedEx Quality Driven Management (QDM) and ABLE methodologies to lead RFx activities, sourcing initiatives, manage supplier relationships, promote supplier diversity, foster environmental sustainability, and mitigate supply chain risks * Responsible for managing stakeholder relationships with internal business teams, Finance, Legal, and suppliers. * Demonstrates strong initiative, curiosity, critical thinking, and emotional intelligence in managing all aspects of categories assigned * Plans, coordinates, and leads supplier negotiations, supporting senior staff and leadership.

* Owning/managing product development projects under a variety of categories (from tailored to tops and accessories) for custom large-scale national accounts and in-house catalog items. * Supporting and exceeding all duties within the color lab, which includes accurate calibration and operation of a spectrophotometer and experience with light box analysis. * Working directly with dye-houses and satellite labs to determine and certify dye formulation and necessary changes needed to maintain color tolerance and minimize variance * Engaged in fabric testing and ensuring color consistency across all suppliers, vendors, and mills as pertaining to each customer's tailored needs * Playing a key role in collaboration with cross-functional partners within the design team to initiate and control color palettes for new and updated projects and program development.