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Amol Nayak
Category Manager (Technical) at ABM Industries
Professional Background
Amol Nayak is a seasoned professional with over 14 years of diverse industry experience, forging a successful career in strategic sourcing, procurement, and project management across various sectors. With a natural inclination for problem-solving and a talent for collaboration, Amol has consistently delivered exceptional results in enhancing operational efficiency and achieving substantial cost savings for his organizations. He believes in understanding the unique requirements of internal clients and aligning them with the broader company goals to achieve optimal solutions. With impeccable interpersonal skills and adaptability, he has fostered a culture of innovation and creativity in negotiations, always looking to secure the best possible outcomes for his stakeholders.
At present, Amol holds the position of Category Manager at ABM Industries, where he continues to inspire teams and drive initiatives that align sourcing strategies with the company's long-term vision. His previous roles include Strategic Sourcing Manager at JLL and Strategic Sourcing Specialist at Outerwall, where he led mission-critical sourcing projects, consistently exceeding cost targets and delivering value to the business. Throughout his tenure at Caterpillar Inc., Amol held various positions, contributing not only as a purchasing specialist but also as a mentor to junior purchasing analysts, thus fostering a collaborative environment rooted in growth and learning.
Education and Achievements
Amol Nayak's educational background is robust, with multiple advanced degrees that underscore his commitment to lifelong learning. He earned his Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) from Northern Illinois University and holds a Master’s Degree in a specialized area from Bradley University, where he also completed a Master of Science (MS). Additionally, Amol completed his Bachelor’s Degree at the University of Pune, which laid the foundational knowledge for his successful career in engineering and management.
Over the years, Amol has amassed numerous accolades that highlight his dedication to sustainability and operational excellence. Notably, he was the recipient of the prestigious 2014 ISM Chicago Sustainability Bronze medal for his innovative contributions to sustainability within procurement processes. One of his most notable achievements involved sourcing recycling services, where he creatively transformed what was once a liability into an asset, showcasing his innovative thinking and strategic approach to complex challenges.
Achievements
- Recipient of 2014 ISM Chicago Sustainability Bronze Medal: Recognized for outstanding contributions in sustainable procurement practices, leading innovative sourcing strategies to advance sustainability goals.
- Transformation of Recycling Services: Successfully converted a liability into an asset through effective sourcing of recycling services, demonstrating an uncommon ability to innovate within procurement.
- Leadership in Sourcing Projects: Spearheaded complex sourcing initiatives for Redbox, including VMZ, Re-balancing, Smart Re-deployment, and Camera Resourcing, consistently beating cost targets and meeting project timelines.
- Development of Employee Raffle Program: Initiated a unique Employee Raffle Program funded by suppliers, aiming to improve compliance with corporate travel policies while fostering engagement among employees.
- Management of Purchasing Analysts: Actively managed a team of 7 purchasing analysts for 2 years at Caterpillar Aurora and Joliet, emphasizing structured training, team building, and project management skills.
- Innovative Technology Sourcing: Led projects involving the sourcing of cutting-edge technology, including LED lighting and energy-efficient HVAC systems, consistently focusing on value engineering for energy reduction and cost savings.
- International Procurement Exposure: Acquired invaluable experience in international purchasing during his time at the procurement department at Caterpillar Brazil, navigating cross-cultural communication and diverse market challenges.
Amol Nayak stands out as an exceptional professional whose blend of strategic insight, collaborative spirit, and innovative prowess has yielded significant contributions to the organizations he has been a part of. His journey reflects a commitment not only to delivering high-impact results but also to fostering sustainable practices that benefit both the company and the environment.
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