Joe Sustrate
Mesa
Summary
Resourceful Purchasing Agent with background in managing procurement processes and supplier relationships. Demonstrated ability to improve efficiency and reduce costs through effective supply chain management strategies. Committed to ensuring compliance across department and district operations.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
Work History
Purchasing Specialist 2
East Valley Institute of Technology
03.2023 - Current
- Responsible for the overall management of purchasing activities for the District, ensuring legal compliance with State and Federal laws and regulations.
- Responsible for maintaining the warehouse minimum / maximum and ordering items as needed.
- Initiates contact with vendors related to supply and equipment availability, vendor registration, contract alignment, invoices, purchase orders and contracts.
- Ensures that all vendors are appropriately processed prior to providing goods or services.
- Utilizes competitive bidding procedures to initiate requests for proposal(s) and informal quotation for supplies, equipment, and services.
- Works closely with the Buyers and other department personnel to ensure that contracts, purchase orders and competitive events are accomplished in a timely manner.
- Obtains and evaluates comparative prices and quotations; studies price trends and market conditions; remains informed of sources of supply and new product developments.
- Oversees preparation of appropriate bidding documents, including bid notice instructions, specifications and proper form of proposal for construction, equipment, supply and service bids and requests for proposal.
- Provides in-service training for District personnel concerning proper purchasing procedures.
- Actively participates with other public agencies and organizations concerning purchasing procedures and techniques.
- Complete and thorough knowledge of all U.S.F.R. requirements, state statutes and regulations relating to school district procurement.
- Determines bid items and ensures all pertinent information is compiled.
- Performs cooperative contract due diligence.
- Develops and maintains appropriate records, such as vendor registers, bid lists and contract files.
- Prepare reports related to purchasing functions.
- Acquires additional commodity and service quotes as needed.
- Examine commodities purchased for quantity and quality.
- Supervises employees in the Purchasing Department, and Warehouse.
- Review and make recommendations as necessary for changes as necessary to the district’s purchasing policies.
- Familiar with the U.S.F.R. Chart of Accounts and coding structure.
- Familiar with various software and programs. Microsoft Office, Outlook Suite, Gmail Suite, Tyler Technologies (Visions) Horizon.
- Professional Skill In: Provide outstanding customer service.
- Maintain highly effective communication skills.
- Excellent recollection of past events and project history.
- Self-starting and self-motivating.
- Capable of working independently with minimal supervision and assistance.
- Maintaining confidential and/or sensitive information as appropriate.
- Brainstorms and research alternative approaches and potential solutions to issues.
- Effectively use new and established technologies as a tool.
- Maintain prompt and transparent communication with vendors and colleagues.
- Knowing when to escalate matters, and doing so in the most appropriate manner.
- Assessing needs and recommending improvement for other departments.
- Actively involved in leadership and professional development. Weekly bootcamps, monthly AASBO membership meetings, and two conferences annually.
- Development and maintenance of professional relationships with colleagues, stakeholders, and governing board members.
Warehouse Clerk
East Valley Institute of Technology
11.2022 - 02.2023
- Performed warehouse functions including issuing and receiving.
- Verified incoming shipment for accuracy and damages. Noted damages at time of delivery. Notified vendors of product shortages immediately. Requested replacement product or coordinated pickup of returns.
- Receipt of items into Tyler Technologies Visions.
- Scheduled delivery vendors as needed.
- Coordinated with common carrier companies for shipping parcel or pallet freight.
- Picked warehouse orders and verified accuracy of items and quantities.
- Delivered orders and freight items to departments and instructors. Obtained signatures and posted to G.L. when complete.
- Verified fuel and diesel fuel levels and communicated to the warehouse manager when ordering was needed.
- Operated forklifts and other materials handling equipment.
- Maintained warehouse records per the U.S.F.R.
- Conducted daily cycle counts to promote inventory accuracy.
- Maintained a clean and safe work environment to meet safety standards.
Community Manager
Vision Community Management
01.2022 - 12.2022
- Community manager for an upscale gated community of 388 units, with an annual budget exceeding 3 million dollars.
- Oversaw the initial phases of a roof replacement and rehabilitation project, completing nearly a half of the property’s 40 buildings.
- Managed a customer service and maintenance staff of up to 8.
- Sought three quotes for all bid size community projects.
- Drafted and submitted annual budget for governing board consideration and approval.
- Scheduled, produced, and hosted 10 governing board meetings per year.
Materials Manager
Atlas Healthcare Partners / Banner Health
01.2021 - 12.2021
- Formed the executive leadership cabinet with the Chief Executive Officer and Director of Nursing.
- Conducted interviews and paneled all positions to be filled.
- Post construction implementation of an ambulatory surgery center.
- Purchase of all equipment and consumable items needed for a 3 room O.R., 1 procedure room ambulatory surgery center.
- Vendor relations including credit applications, and alignment with Benner Health Contracts.
- Safety officer for the facility and managed the appropriate fire and health and safety permits, and emergency response plan.
- Conducted daily cycle counts and stock maintenance to support operations.
Perioperative Supply Chain Coordinator
Banner Health – Banner Desert Medical Center
01.2018 - 12.2021
- Maintained all sterile supplies associated with sterile storage and ortho specialties, supporting all adult and pediatric surgery cases.
- Responsible for inventory management of over three million dollars in perpetual inventory.
- Worked with vendors on acquiring quotes for special order items.
- Conducted daily ordering of up to over 10,000 unique items.
- Lead annual inventory for sterile storage and other perioperative storage areas.
- Managed open PO's, INR's, and matching of invoicing.
- Assigned daily tasks and provided coaching to inventory associates on the team.
Warehouse Lead
ACME Construction Supply
01.2017 - 12.2017
Storesperson
Government of Canada, Department of National Defense
01.2013 - 12.2017
Long Combination Vehicle Operator (Truck-Tractor Trailer Driver)
Rosenau Transport
01.2006 - 12.2007
Truck-Tractor Trailer Delivery Driver
Brewmaster Wholesale Foods
01.2004 - 12.2006
Education
Some College (No Degree) -
Medicine Hat College
Skills
- Customer Service
- Communication Skills
- Project Management
- Self-Motivation
- Independent Work
- Confidentiality
- Problem Solving
- Technology Proficiency
- Vendor Communication
- Escalation Management
- Leadership Development
- Vendor management
- Purchasing compliance
- Competitive bidding
- Supply chain management
- Team leadership
- Request for proposal development
Qualifications And Awards
- 2025, GPPCS Leadership-Elect 2025-2027
- 2025, AASBO Silver Award
- 2024, AASBO Silver Award
- 2018, Forklift Trainer Certification, ASC
- 2015, Defensive Driving, Canada Safety Council
- 2015, Standard First Aid CPR/AED, St. John's Ambulance
- 2014, Hospital Unit Clerk Certification, Medicine Hat College
- 2012, Professional Drivers Improvement Certification, AMTA, For operation of Long Combination Vehicles (LCV)
- 2005, Class One Driver training, Class One Driving School
Timeline
Purchasing Specialist 2
East Valley Institute of Technology
03.2023 - Current
Warehouse Clerk
East Valley Institute of Technology
11.2022 - 02.2023
Community Manager
Vision Community Management
01.2022 - 12.2022
Materials Manager
Atlas Healthcare Partners / Banner Health
01.2021 - 12.2021
Perioperative Supply Chain Coordinator
Banner Health – Banner Desert Medical Center
01.2018 - 12.2021
Warehouse Lead
ACME Construction Supply
01.2017 - 12.2017
Storesperson
Government of Canada, Department of National Defense
01.2013 - 12.2017
Long Combination Vehicle Operator (Truck-Tractor Trailer Driver)
Rosenau Transport
01.2006 - 12.2007
Truck-Tractor Trailer Delivery Driver
Brewmaster Wholesale Foods
01.2004 - 12.2006
Some College (No Degree) -
Medicine Hat College