Irene Gaerlan
Procurement Manager - Commodities
Quezon City
Summary
Dynamic Procurement Manager with extensive experience at Oleo-fats, Incorporated, specializing in strategic sourcing and supplier management. Proven track record in contract negotiation and cost reduction initiatives, achieving significant savings while ensuring compliance with quality standards. Strong leadership and communication skills foster collaboration across teams to drive operational efficiency and mitigate supply chain risks.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
Procurement Manager- Commodities
Oleo-fats, Incorporated
01.2025 - Current
- Develop and implement sourcing strategies for commodity ingredients to ensure consistent quality, supply, and cost-effectiveness.
- Identify, evaluate, and manage a global or regional supplier base to meet company standards for quality, food safety, and sustainability.
- Monitor market trends, commodity pricing, and global supply chain developments to mitigate risk and leverage purchasing opportunities.
- Lead contract negotiations, including pricing, terms, and service level agreements, to secure optimal value.
- Collaborate with R&D, Quality Assurance, and Operations teams to align ingredient sourcing with product development and production needs.
- Maintain strong supplier relationships and performance metrics, ensuring compliance with regulatory and food safety requirements.
- Analyze spend data and drive continuous improvement initiatives in cost reduction, supplier performance, and supply chain efficiency.
- Ensure timely availability of key ingredients to support production schedules and minimize disruptions.
Procurement Manager
Oleo-fats, Incorporated
01.2015 - 12.2024
- Lead and manage the end-to-end procurement process, including sourcing, purchasing, and vendor management for both local and imported materials.
- Develop and implement procurement strategies that ensure cost efficiency, quality compliance, and timely availability of goods.
- Oversee all importation activities, ensuring adherence to customs regulations, documentation requirements, and coordination with brokers and freight forwarders.
- Negotiate contracts, pricing, and payment terms with suppliers and logistics providers to optimize cost savings and supply chain reliability.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams (e.g., Production, QA, Finance, and Logistics) to align procurement and import activities with operational needs.
- Monitor international market trends, tariffs, and foreign exchange rates to anticipate potential risks and opportunities.
- Maintain accurate records of purchase orders, shipment tracking, and supplier performance metrics.
- Ensure compliance with legal, regulatory, and company policies related to procurement and importation.
Material Planner/Buyer
Oleo-fats, Incorporated
01.2009 - 12.2014
- Plan and procure raw materials and food ingredients based on production forecasts, inventory levels, and lead times to ensure uninterrupted manufacturing operations.
- Analyze demand trends and consumption rates to create accurate material requirement plans (MRP).
- Place purchase orders and monitor supplier deliveries to maintain optimal stock levels and avoid shortages or overstock.
- Coordinate closely with Production, Quality Assurance, and Warehousing teams to align raw material availability with operational needs and product specifications.
- Develop and maintain relationships with suppliers to ensure timely delivery, consistent quality, and competitive pricing.
- Monitor supplier performance, resolve delivery or quality issues, and identify opportunities for improvement.
- Maintain accurate records of inventory, purchase orders, and material usage to support audits and cost control initiatives.
- Generate cost-saving initiatives through efficient procurement planning and by identifying alternative sources or materials when appropriate.
Buyer Specialist
D&L Industries Inc.
03.2007 - 08.2009
- Source and procure both direct materials (used in production) and indirect materials (used in operations and maintenance) in accordance with company requirements.
- Develop and maintain a reliable supplier base to ensure consistent quality, cost-efficiency, and timely delivery of goods and services.
- Negotiate pricing, payment terms, and delivery schedules to optimize procurement costs and supplier performance.
- Collaborate with internal departments—such as Production, Engineering, Maintenance, and Finance—to ensure procurement aligns with operational needs.
- Monitor market trends and pricing fluctuations to identify cost-saving opportunities and alternative sources.
- Handle purchase order processing, order tracking, and resolution of delivery or quality issues.
- Ensure compliance with procurement policies, quality standards, and regulatory requirements.
Education
Bachelor - Industrial Engineering
New Era University
Quezon City03.2000
Skills
Core Procurement Skills:
Strategic sourcing and supplier management
Contract negotiation and vendor evaluation
Cost reduction and value analysis
Inventory and supply chain management
Purchasing and procurement planning
Budgeting and cost control
Analytical & Technical Skills:
Data analysis and market research
ERP and procurement systems (SAP, D365)
Risk assessment and mitigation
KPI development and performance tracking
Compliance & Documentation:
Knowledge of procurement laws and regulations
Import/export and customs compliance
Documentation and reporting accuracy
ISO, FSSC standards
Soft Skills:
Strong communication and interpersonal skills
Leadership and team management
Problem-solving and decision-making
Negotiation and persuasion
Time management and multitasking
Accomplishments
- Achieved annual cost savings of ₱80 million through strategic sourcing, supplier renegotiations, and value engineering initiatives.
- Developed and implemented a supplier performance evaluation system, resulting in improved on-time delivery rates and material quality.
- Negotiated long-term contracts with key vendors, securing favorable terms and stabilizing raw material costs despite market volatility.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to align procurement activities with production schedules, minimizing stockouts and excess inventory.
- Ensured full compliance with regulatory and audit requirements, achieving zero non-conformances during internal and external audits.
Timeline
Procurement Manager- Commodities
Oleo-fats, Incorporated
01.2025 - Current
Procurement Manager
Oleo-fats, Incorporated
01.2015 - 12.2024
Material Planner/Buyer
Oleo-fats, Incorporated
01.2009 - 12.2014
Buyer Specialist
D&L Industries Inc.
03.2007 - 08.2009
Bachelor - Industrial Engineering
New Era University