Gerald Richerson

Strategic Sourcing, Category Management, Indirect Spend, Contract Development, Contract Negotiations, Contract Management, Procure-to-pay, Supplier Total Quality Management, RFx Development and Management, Supplier Selection, and Project Management.

Progressive and performance driven Strategic Sourcing leader with expertise in developing and executing successful sourcing initiatives strengthening infrastructure by driving $250M under spend management, and expanding cost savings initiatives to minimize price fluctuation risk and total cost of ownership. Strong communication, evaluation, and risk mitigation skills, utilizing structured seven step strategic sourcing processes, vendor performance management, and spend analytics all of which have resulted in achieving cost reductions and or cost avoidance of 15% - 20% on average over the last 5 years. Demonstrated results aligning strategic business unit and corporate goals, and a history of pursuing and achieving contract value.

Providing leadership and direction for strategic procurement activities focused in supporting company goals and objectives. Demonstrates a strong business acumen which aligns with enterprise strategic operations. Acts as a relationship executive to senior management, applying leadership in the development of strategies and business plans. The SSD is viewed as a subject matter expert in procurement and is able to align procurement strategies to meet business objectives. Is considered an expert in the negotiation of complex sourcing opportunities and risk mitigation strategies. Directs and coaches on contract negotiations of complex high risk acquisitions, complex in scope and requiring the use of a variety of negotiation techniques and strategies to assure optimum contract terms and conditions. Directs the completion of research projects and initiatives, and ensures the attainment of procurement goals and objectives. Shares Procurement policies/practices and is involved in planning and budgeting as required. Participates in the overall Procurement resource planning and strategy.

Supporting multiple client initiatives within the corporate procurement department and other operating groups either in a sourcing strategist, category manager or as an Subject Matter Expert role. Services include providing best practice methodology and compliance, category management recommendations, performing industry analysis and benchmarking, profile internal client's sourcing programs, executing sourcing strategies and events, providing contract negotiating expertise and supplier performance management activities. Developed complex statements of work, technical performance requirements, and executed multi-million dollar contract negotiations in direct support of high risk corporate initiatives. Developed breakthrough business improvements (quality, cost, schedule, value, etc.) using leading edge procurement practices. Provide regular updates on progress and performance to Company's leadership.

A global management consulting, technology services and outsourcing company committed to delivering innovation.
Collaborated within cross functional client teams and Accenture's Global Marketing Category Leads to identify and execute sourced solutions to drive spend under management, and realized savings and cost avoidance for the client through the use of technology and strategic sourcing initiatives.
Developed sourcing strategies for creative agencies, events management, print, and promotional utilizing a seven step process including the development of tactical services from turnkey procurement management to vendor selection and RFx processes and deal negotiation. Presented strategy and recommendations to client based on overall category spend profile, sourcing plan, and knowledge of the market.
Developed Master Standard Agreements (MSA) for use with recurring agencies with significant spend.

A fully integrated financial services company with $121B in assets and 21,000 employees.
Produced procurement strategy while building and maintaining strong working relationships with senior leadership, stakeholders and suppliers. Continually developed and improved sourcing strategies and agreements using market intelligence, benchmarking data and input from stakeholders and suppliers.
Prepared for fact based negotiations, planned least and most desired outcomes. Led and drove supplier negotiations, and assessed success against desired outcomes. Challenged and negotiated to provide most competitive price/service offers.
Worked with cross functional teams to ensure contractual compliance as defined by established deliverables.

A start-up competitive local exchange telecom carrier serving the needs of small-to-medium sized business.
Managed full life-cycle of the EPC contract valued at $195M with Lucent Technologies to expand Ionex's multi-service network with next-generation data networking equipment and network management software.
Acted as single point of contact for Lucent Program Management and Ionex executive management.
Communicated with executive management and project leaders to ensure execution of all project deliverables.
Oversaw procurement cycle and the Capital Expenditure authorization process.

An early stage start-up wholesale provider of telecommunications service to underserved markets.
Negotiated and managed the full life-cycle of an agreement valued at over $365M with Cisco Systems for the acquisition and installation of soft switch/broad band solutions for central office applications.
Negotiated and managed performance based service contracts for telecom construction and implementation.
Managed equipment supply chain from OEM to installation site as well as warehousing spare parts.
Reviewed, negotiated and approved all terms and conditions for subcontract and material-men agreements.

Certified Purchasing Manager - Institute for Supplier Management
Certified Public Accountant - State Board of Public Accountancy for the State of Texas