Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Languages
Timeline
Hi, I’m

RICARDO MÉNDEZ

Queretaro
RICARDO MÉNDEZ

Summary

Procurement professional with 13 years of strategic sourcing experience in leading FMCG companies, specializing in beverages, beauty, and personal care. Demonstrated expertise in coaching and mentoring teams while managing complex projects in logistics, international trade, and professional services. Proven track record in designing and implementing procurement strategies that enhance operational efficiency and achieve significant cost savings. Strong commitment to customer needs and process optimization drives successful outcomes.

Overview

11
years of professional experience
1
Certification

Work History

Grupo Elí, Consultoría
Queretaro

Commercial Excellence Manager (FOUNDING PARTNER)
03.2023 - Current

Job overview

  • Searched for clients and followed up throughout sales processes to enhance engagement.
  • Coordinated with clients to gather requirements and ensure project satisfaction.
  • Prepared comprehensive financial reports summarizing project progress and insights for clients.
  • Conducted performance evaluations of suppliers, providing feedback for development initiatives.
  • Monitored staff performance, addressing issues to maintain high operational standards.
  • Coached and trained a team of five members to improve job performance.
  • Executed thorough opening, closing, and shift change functions daily to uphold operational standards.

Grupo KUO
Queretaro

Central Negotiation Leader - Logistics
09.2022 - 02.2023

Job overview

  • Oversaw logistics procurement for four business units and one headquarters across three divisions: Consumer Goods, Chemicals, Automotive.
  • Managed contracts for 130 vendors across five logistics subcategories, including Customs Brokers and Freight Forwarding.
  • Developed and implemented seven steps of strategic sourcing and contract management methodologies.
  • Utilized design thinking principles to enhance procurement processes and negotiations.
  • Executed positive negotiation strategies to secure favorable contract terms with suppliers.
  • Streamlined logistics operations by coordinating various transportation methods: ground, maritime, local.
  • Facilitated collaboration among divisions to optimize logistics procurement strategies.

Pizza Hut
Queretaro

LATAM Indirect Procurement Coordinatorr
12.2021 - 06.2022

Job overview

  • Led indirect procurement across four countries, 300 stores, and one factory in LATAM.
  • Developed new procurement policies and team structure for Mexico and LATAM hub.
  • Executed negotiations and finalized contracts for 80/20 spending strategy.
  • Drove packaging development improvements to enhance cost savings across LATAM.

JAFRA Cosmetics
Queretaro

Indirect Procurement Sr. Coordinator
08.2019 - 12.2021

Job overview

  • Coached and mentored team of four buyers, enhancing procurement capabilities.
  • Implemented sourcing strategies across multiple categories, including Manufacturing and Logistics.
  • Developed and renewed sourcing policies, ensuring compliance with organizational standards.
  • Designed and executed three-year total cost of ownership strategy for procurement operations.

MARS Incorporated
Monterrey

Strategic Sourcing Sr. Buyer
06.2016 - 05.2019

Job overview

  • Managed sourcing for factory services and CAPEX projects to enhance operational efficiency. (cost savings + cash flow)
  • Developed competitive vendor portfolio, achieving cost reductions and process improvements. (avg. 9% per year)
  • Led sourcing activities, including vendor selection, negotiation, contracting, and supplier management.
  • Ensured all transactions were supported by robust contracts with effective monitoring.
  • Supported regional and local projects to drive business value effectively.

Grupo CIE
Mexico City

Procurement Project Leader - Formula 1
07.2015 - 07.2016

Job overview

  • Developed project plans outlining objectives, timelines, and resources needed for Company's main event
  • Coordinated cross-functional collaboration among various departments and stakeholders.
  • Facilitated regular meetings to track progress and address challenges promptly.
  • Mentored junior team members, providing guidance on best practices and methodologies.

The Coca-Cola Export Corporation
Mexico City

Direct Marketing Expenses Buyer
07.2014 - 07.2015

Job overview

  • Executed procurement tasks for Commercial Finance and Productivity division, enhancing operational efficiency.
  • Evaluated supplier bids to ensure competitive pricing while adhering to quality standard
  • Created purchase orders and confirmed receipt with suppliers to maintain supply chain integrity.
  • Monitored purchase orders to ensure timely delivery of goods and services from suppliers.
  • Facilitated communication among suppliers, users, and accounts payable to resolve issues promptly.
  • Registered new suppliers to expand sourcing options and diversify supply base.

Education

Universidad De Las Américas
Mexico City, Mexico

Bachelor of Arts from International Affairs
12.2013

Skills

  • Negotiation and conflict resolution
  • Project management
  • Financial analysis and reporting
  • Procurement strategy and sourcing
  • Total cost of ownership (TCO)
  • SAP and Ariba expertise
  • Category management
  • Responsible sourcing

Certification

  • Certified in Production and Inventory Management (CPIM) – APICS
  • Effective Negotiating - KARRASS
  • The Effective Negotiator, The Gap Partnership
  • Positive Negotiation Program, Strategic Soft Skills Institute
  • ISO 9001:2015 Certified Lead Auditor, Intertek
  • TPM Foundations, Tetra Pak Consulting
  • Responsible sourcing specialist, MARS University
  • FSSC 22000, Lloyd's Register

Languages

Spanish, English, French, German

Timeline

Commercial Excellence Manager (FOUNDING PARTNER)

Grupo Elí, Consultoría
03.2023 - Current

Central Negotiation Leader - Logistics

Grupo KUO
09.2022 - 02.2023

LATAM Indirect Procurement Coordinatorr

Pizza Hut
12.2021 - 06.2022

Indirect Procurement Sr. Coordinator

JAFRA Cosmetics
08.2019 - 12.2021

Strategic Sourcing Sr. Buyer

MARS Incorporated
06.2016 - 05.2019

Procurement Project Leader - Formula 1

Grupo CIE
07.2015 - 07.2016

Direct Marketing Expenses Buyer

The Coca-Cola Export Corporation
07.2014 - 07.2015

Universidad De Las Américas

Bachelor of Arts from International Affairs
RICARDO MÉNDEZ