Aaron Smith
Whangamata,Waikato
Summary
As a seasoned business leader with over 15 years of China-based manufacturing experience and a decade of proven expertise in sales operations, promotions, campaign management, and marketing, I bring a wealth of knowledge to the table. My ability to build winning teams and environments has enabled me to achieve exceptional results. Highly motivated and meticulous, I possess a strong work ethic and exceptional communication skills. My areas of expertise include supply chain management, global sourcing operations, quality control, product development, product and project management, product cost and negotiation, product and factory compliance, Asian manufacturing, and personnel management. I specialize in the development, design, and production of premiums, point of sale, and limited-edition packaging for trade and consumer brands, offering innovative solutions for promotional marketing and brand merchandise needs. Through meticulous research and design, I conceive unique products exclusively tailored to client requirements. I have an in-depth understanding of the nuances of conducting business in China and am adept at fostering productive teams and processes. Companies seeking to establish, expand, or enhance their operations in China will find my skill set and experience an invaluable asset.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Sourcing Specialist
Americhip
Los Angelas, USA
01.2023 - Current
- Developed requests for proposal and issued requests for quotes to support sourcing efforts.
- Calculated and reported actual and projected sourcing savings by spend categories.
- Led contract negotiations with vendors, achieving favorable terms that supported both cost reduction initiatives and quality requirements.
- Managed a comprehensive supplier database, ensuring accurate information for efficient vendor selection and relationship management.
- Maintained documentation for all purchases.
- Maintained effective and lasting vendor relationships through dynamic communication, collaboration, and intelligent questioning skills.
- Accepted and processed supply requests from staff, and placed orders per procedures.
- Sourced and qualified bidders, obtained favorable pricing and finalized contracts.
- Searched for hard-to-find items and found high-quality, reliable vendors.
- Worked with departments to find new and better items to fulfill diverse needs.
- Managed database of vendor details and pricing information to maintain organization.
- Negotiate contracts with vendors, securing best prices and terms for materials, equipment and services.
- Researched new vendors and partners to obtain most cost-effective pricing for goods.
VP of Operations
4 Sizzle
Hangzhou, China
10.2008 - 12.2022
- As the pivotal force behind the establishment and operation of the China office in 2008, I undertook a comprehensive range of responsibilities. I meticulously hired and managed staff, while simultaneously sourcing suitable vendors for our extensive product portfolio of over 5000 items. Our esteemed clientele included industry giants such as Anheuser-Busch, Beam Suntory, Staples, and Molson Coors. Furthermore, I played a crucial role in sourcing and selecting vendors for countless projects, including over 1000 initiatives for Budweiser and Bud Light in the USA and more than 50 Win In Store activations in Australia and New Zealand. My responsibilities extended to fostering collaborations with vendors, enhancing working relationships, and ensuring seamless communication with suppliers, head office, clients, staff, and shipping agents. I skillfully estimated, negotiated, and agreed upon budgets and timescales, ensuring alignment with both client and managerial expectations. My ingenuity extended to conceptualizing and developing innovative new products, seamlessly managing a buying operation of significant scope and complexity. I oversaw a network of 140+ active vendors, generating net purchases of USD$20.5m from 2011 to 2018. Through a customer-centric approach, I drove additional annual sales revenues by USD$7.5m (a 35% increase) over three years. I effectively transitioned from a supply chain focus to a customer-driven operating model, meticulously understanding client visions and creating bespoke promotional merchandise tailored to their specific needs. As a leader, I ensured adherence to health and safety regulations while managing Chinese staff and factory managers. I fostered a culture of mutual respect among team members, resulting in increased employee morale, transparency, and work satisfaction. My expertise extended to logistics, enabling me to effectively manage relationships with overseas and local shipping agents and couriers. I provided accurate quotes to customers for our entire product range and implemented new merchandise management programs. I dedicated significant time to quality control, working closely with factories to ensure the smooth production of mass goods. I played a pivotal role in design, planning, and implementing solutions, achieving an impressive annual staff retention rate of 92%. My strategic initiatives included expanding the manufacturing base by 30% and managing four Sizzle vendors on an as-needed basis. I consistently maintained profitability through the continuation of short- and long-term goals.
- Managed large-scale projects, ensuring timely completion within budget constraints.
- Evaluated existing workflows to identify inefficiencies and propose innovative solutions that enhance productivity across the organization.
- Delivered exceptional results in market expansion efforts by identifying new territories, analyzing potential opportunities, and establishing a strong local presence.
- Led organizational restructuring initiatives to improve overall efficiency, streamline reporting lines, and eliminate redundancies while maintaining high employee morale and engagement levels.
- Cultivated strong vendor relationships, enabling effective negotiation on pricing and terms for better cost control.
Sales Director, Business Development
Mineza Intl
Xiamen, China
06.2004 - 09.2008
- For years, I was immersed in the world of high-end sunglasses, working in the heart of Xiamen, China, a hub renowned for its exceptional sunglass manufacturing. My role spanned the entire spectrum of the industry, from initial design concepts to meticulous production and ultimately, sales to discerning European brands. I had the privilege of collaborating with some of the most talented designers and skilled craftspeople, working in factories that were considered to be among the best in the world. Witnessing the intricate artistry involved in crafting each pair of sunglasses, from the selection of premium materials to the precision of each hand-polished lens, ignited a deep appreciation for the craftsmanship and innovation that goes into these coveted accessories. My journey involved understanding the nuances of European fashion trends, collaborating with designers to translate their vision into tangible products, and navigating the complex logistics of sourcing the finest materials and ensuring impeccable quality control. It was a truly enriching experience, fostering a deep understanding of the global sunglass market and the intricacies of delivering luxury goods to discerning clientele.
- Optimized pricing strategies through competitive analysis, resulting in increased profitability without sacrificing market share.
- Mentored junior sales staff members, enhancing their skills and performance for increased success in meeting targets.
- Established a strong network of industry connections that facilitated mutually beneficial partnership opportunities for sustained growth.
- Cultivated a culture of continuous improvement by regularly assessing team performance metrics, identifying areas for growth, and implementing targeted coaching/training initiatives.
- Managed a high-performing sales team responsible for exceeding regional quotas consistently while maintaining excellent client satisfaction scores throughout tenure as Sales Director.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to ensure successful product launches and seamless market integration.
- Identified areas of improvement in existing products and services, working closely with development teams to implement enhancements.
Production Manager
Asiakon Ltd
Dongguan, China
05.2003 - 06.2004
- During my tenure in the manufacturing industry, I played a pivotal role in the production and management of cooler bags and lunch boxes for Target Australia. My responsibilities encompassed daily factory operations, where I closely monitored production processes to ensure adherence to quality standards and efficiency targets. Additionally, I served as the primary liaison for our Australian and UK clients, providing support and guidance during their visits to our office. This role not only required a thorough understanding of manufacturing processes, but also exceptional communication and interpersonal skills to effectively manage client relationships. Through my dedication and hard work, I played a significant role in the successful delivery of high-quality products to Target Australia, while fostering strong and lasting relationships with our valued clients. This experience laid the foundation for my subsequent career growth in the industry.
- Reviewed work for quality and compliance with company standards and design specifications.
- Sourced materials to keep up with production goals and meet customer demands.
- Delivered direct feedback to senior management regarding project visibility and status.
- Resolved issues quickly to maintain productivity goals.
- Managed multiple projects concurrently, ensuring timely completion and meeting budget constraints.
- Increased overall productivity by identifying bottlenecks in the production process and proposing effective solutions.
- Oversaw quality control efforts, maintaining strict adherence to industry standards and regulatory requirements while achieving high levels of customer satisfaction.
English Teacher
Taipei Oxford
Taipei, Taiwan
06.2001 - 03.2003
- Upon graduating, I embarked on an extraordinary adventure in the vibrant metropolis of Taipei, Taiwan. I immersed myself in the captivating Asian culture and had the privilege of teaching English and Physical Education to young students between the ages of 6 and 12. My daily routine involved engaging with eager and inquisitive minds, fostering their linguistic and physical abilities. The experience was not only professionally enriching but also deeply personal, as I embraced the opportunity to delve into a foreign land, learn about its rich history, and forge meaningful connections with the local community. The vibrant tapestry of Taipei, with its bustling street markets, towering skyscrapers, and ancient temples, provided an unforgettable backdrop to my time abroad. I am eternally grateful for this transformative experience that broadened my horizons, deepened my understanding of different cultures, and kindled a lifelong passion for exploration
- Developed innovative lesson plans to engage students in English language learning.
- Prepared and implemented lesson plans covering required course topics.
- Assessed student progress and provided feedback to improve performance and establish academic success.
- Improved classroom management by implementing consistent routines and clear expectations for behavior.
- Prepared comprehensive English curriculum for multiple classes.
- Promoted a positive learning environment by modeling respect, empathy, and active listening skills during all interactions with students.
- Designed and implemented assessments to measure student progress in English language learning.
- Kept classroom organized, clean and safe for students and visitors.
- Assisted in creating a safe and nurturing classroom environment that promoted emotional well-being and academic growth for all students.
- Supported students in developing social skills through structured activities and positive reinforcement techniques.
- Enhanced student comprehension by incorporating visual aids and hands-on activities in lessons.
- Collaborated with colleagues to develop interdisciplinary curriculum, resulting in enriched learning experiences for students.
- Mentored new teachers within the department, sharing best practices and offering guidance on effective teaching methods.
- Produced engaging lesson plans and activities to help students master learning objectives.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Early Childhood And Primary Teaching
Murdoch University
WA09.2000
High School Diploma -
Rossmoyne Senior High School
WA12.1995
Skills
- Supplier Relationship Management
- Supply Chain Optimization
- Strategic Sourcing
- Procurement strategy
- Documentation skills
- Project Management
- Purchasing
- Vendor Relations
- Vendor Relationship Management
- Contract Negotiation
- Supply Chain Management
- Materials purchasing
- Purchase order creation
Languages
Chinese (Mandarin)
Professional Working
Hobbies
My life is a tapestry woven with threads of passion and purpose, each strand representing a cherished hobby or pursuit. From the adrenaline-pumping thrill of competing in both rugby and football to the meticulous process of product development, my interests are diverse and engaging. The camaraderie of team sports has always been a driving force, leading me to achieve multiple accolades and captain winning sides in both disciplines. The thrill of victory and the sting of defeat have shaped me into a resilient and dedicated individual. Beyond the field, I find solace in the quiet moments spent with my family, the invigorating energy of exercise, and the boundless opportunities of travel. My fascination with the Chinese language has opened doors to a rich culture and a new way of thinking. These hobbies, while seemingly disparate, are all interconnected, enriching my life and fueling my personal growth. They provide a balance between physical and intellectual pursuits, offering opportunities for both individual accomplishment and collective success. This tapestry of hobbies is a testament to my multifaceted nature, showcasing my commitment to excellence, my love for learning, and my unwavering pursuit of a fulfilling life.
Timeline
Senior Sourcing Specialist
Americhip
01.2023 - Current
VP of Operations
4 Sizzle
10.2008 - 12.2022
Sales Director, Business Development
Mineza Intl
06.2004 - 09.2008
Production Manager
Asiakon Ltd
05.2003 - 06.2004
English Teacher
Taipei Oxford
06.2001 - 03.2003
Bachelor of Arts - Early Childhood And Primary Teaching
Murdoch University
High School Diploma -
Rossmoyne Senior High School