NICK VAN RENSBURG
Vice President, Purchasing, Supply Chain and Procurement
I am an experienced global Purchasing and Materials Management professional skilled in driving expansion and delivering operational excellence through strategic supply chain and procurement optimization. I demonstrate strong command over planning, contract negotiation, cost reduction, quality assurance, compliance, risk mitigation, and change management, focusing on contributing to corporate growth. My core strengths in analysis, creativity, and acting as a change agent, coupled with strategic leadership in optimizing procurement processes for efficiency and cost-effectiveness. I am passionate about data analysis, strategic development, and nurturing team growth, ensuring supply chain innovation that enhances company success and profitability. Globally experienced in multi-billion-dollar companies.
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Currently located in Deland, FL. Open to remote & hybrid.
EXPERIENCE
Nov 2022 | Oct 2023
Vice President, Purchasing
Oversaw the supply chain's strategic direction, handling supplier relationships and leading negotiations for key materials. Realized cost savings, tightened controls, mitigated risks, ensured quality, and streamlined procurement. Directed remote teams in Canada, the USA, and Mexico, with 11 direct reports and a $163 million budget.
Jun 2019 | Jul 2022
Senior Purchasing Manager
Steered the plant's procurement, overseeing centralized and decentralized spending, leading a team of 10, and managing a $253 million budget. Guaranteed timely, quality supplier deliveries and negotiated all site-specific service contracts for sustained production efficiency.
Jan 2019 | May 2019
Sales Consultant
Professional Consultant
Developed and implemented standardized costing and quoting business methods and templates, enhancing the speed and efficiency of preparing FAR/DFAR-compliant bids, creating a competitive edge, and increasing proposal win rates.
Jul 2016 | Jan 2019
General Manager Supply Chain
Directed supplier development, managed performance and risk, and maintained relations while developing succession and personnel plans for 47 staff members. Developed and implemented the North American purchasing strategy, led contract negotiations, and managed a $113 million budget. Managed material, freight, production planning, scheduling, expediting, and strict inventory control. Acted as liaison for North America to the UK headquarters, providing key procurement reports, forecasts, and strategies.
Jan 2010 | Jun 2016
Purchasing Manager
Launched and directed JCB USA's purchasing operations, handling strategic procurement of direct and indirect materials and services. Managed a team of 11 and a $126 million budget, achieving efficient and cost-effective material and service procurement.
Nov 2009 | Jan 2010
Director Commodity Management
Accountable to the Operations Director for the strategic sourcing at the manufacturing facility, managing key commodities procurement like steel, gold, and copper for electrical terminals. Led a 4-member on-site USA team and a 6-member Mexico team, overseeing a $90 million budget to enhance sourcing and material use.
Sep 2007 | Oct 2009
Purchasing Manager
Oversaw strategic and tactical purchasing activities, leading a team of 6 direct and 9 indirect reports while managing the operational aspects of the MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Operations) warehouse. Entrusted with the fiscal responsibility of a budget of up to $100 million, ensuring effective spending management and operational efficiency.
Sep 2006 | Aug 2007
Program Lead
Represented sales and purchasing for new programs, negotiating contracts with suppliers for parts and tooling. Crafted bids and quotes, negotiating pricing and terms with customers to secure nominations. Managed project coordination across teams in Canada, the USA, and Germany, leading eight employees with a $320 million budget.
Aug 2004 | Aug 2006
Senior Development Engineer
Managed the transference of design and engineering activities for select automotive components from German to US vendors, ensuring the application of US material specifications in product design. Focused on maximizing US-sourced materials and products during the manufacturing process, with fiscal oversight of a $1.2 million budget.
RESULTS
$270M
Cost Savings: Delivered $270+ million in career cost savings. Notably achieving a remarkable 20% reduction in direct materials for a construction equipment platform.
$76.9M
New Business: Led strategic bid preparation and negotiations for direct material, resulting in a 23% increase in project contribution. Successfully secured a Department of Defense contract valued at $76.9M for military equipment supply, Demonstrating adeptness in new business opportunity acquisitions.
$5B
Negotiation and Sourcing: Performed negotiations and sourced over $5 billion in career purchases for direct and indirect spend, with more than 400 suppliers, showcasing expertise in driving substantial agreements.
EXPERTISE
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P&L
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Computing Solutions
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M&A
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SDLC Management
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ERP System Implementations & Integrations
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Cyber Security
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Machine Learning
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Threat Modeling
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Automation
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Enterprise Architecture
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API Management
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Risk Management
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Global Executive Team Leadership
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Strategic Leadership
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Cost Optimization
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Technology Management
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Strategic Alliances
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Modeling & Contingency Planning
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Financial Management
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Employee Development
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Emerging Technologies
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Reorganizations & Turnarounds
EDUCATION
Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering (BME)
(BS) Quality Assurance
MEET NICK
Q & A
Why did you choose your profession?
I chose my profession because it presented an exciting opportunity to apply my background in mechanical engineering and quality assurance within a project-oriented environment, particularly in the realm of new product introduction.
Who are your main influences?
My approach to influence has evolved over time. While I once adhered to loyalty towards one or two influencers, I've come to embrace a more dynamic perspective. Nowadays, I prefer subscribing to various industry publications and consulting multiple sources for input. This enables me to develop customized solutions tailored to the specific problems I encounter.
What is your greatest accomplishment?
I have numerous significant business accomplishments that collectively represent my contributions. These include implementing negotiation, efficiency, value analysis/value engineering (VA/VE), and sourcing initiatives, resulting in over $270 million in cost savings. Additionally, I've negotiated, contracted, and strategically sourced a combined spend of $4 billion for components and $1 billion in capital. Furthermore, I've successfully prepared bids and delivered client presentations, securing new contracts with sales exceeding $70 million.
What tools do you use?
I heavily depend on data analysis tools like Power BI and Excel to glean insights. Additionally, I utilize contracts extensively to secure products and services, often drafting agreements using word processors. Lately, I've been integrating AI into developing solutions to enhance workplace efficiency.
What are you working on right now?
I am currently writing a book focused on considerations when purchasing steel, aimed at supporting young buyers as they enter the profession.
What are your long-term goals?
In the long term, my goal is to continue driving excellence in procurement while ensuring alignment with the company's overall strategic objectives. I aim to enhance procurement processes through the integration of AI technologies, leveraging data analytics and automation to optimize efficiency, reduce costs, and mitigate risks effectively. Additionally, I am committed to fostering a culture of innovation and sustainability within our procurement practices.
Do you live by any piece of advice or motto?
"Just do it" resonates with me, but not in the sense of taking unnecessary risks. Instead, it signifies my belief in taking prompt action and getting things done efficiently.
What are you passionate about?
I am exceptionally passionate about integrity in procurement, particularly concerning transactional performance and fulfilling ESG obligations. Equally, I am dedicated to fostering the growth and development of individuals, nurturing the next generation of procurement professionals.
What behavior or personality trait do you most attribute to your success, and why?
I believe in gathering comprehensive data and details to fully understand any situation or negotiation. I then clearly articulate the requirements, guiding and mentoring all involved parties to achieve the desired outcome. Holding individuals accountable to meet expectations, I'm known for being detailed-oriented, yet tough but fair in my approach.
INTERESTS & HOBBIES
GRILLING
DIY
GOLF
TESTIMONIALS
“Nick is a very thorough and creative purchasing executive. He asks questions that no one thinks to ask! He makes a supplier better by putting pressure on areas on mediocrity. Sounds simple, but he works very hard and raises the bar on both sides of the supplier/client relationship."
Brian Smallwood, President Smallwood and Associates
“As a CEO of Metcam, I have had the pleasure of working with Nick for the past 3 years. During this period, Nick as exemplified a true Supply Chain Professional. Nick’s tough personna was matched with an equal dose of empathy for his suppliers. Problem solving was easy when Nick was involved. Communication was the key to our success as partners solving critical supply chain issues, especially, during the trying times of Covid. Tough as nails, but fair and always willing to listen.”
John Mazurek, CEO Metcam
“Nick is a “Master Manager” and possesses the maturity, wisdom and experience to lead teams large and small. Working with Nick over several years showed me he is also a man of integrity. As a most senior leader within JCB, Nick is a great person to work with, to deal with, and on a personal level, a true pleasure to engage with on all levels.”