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Derek Heidewald
Business Planning Manager at AMD
Professional Background
Derek Heidewald is a highly skilled Business Planning Specialist currently making significant contributions to AMD, a leader in high-performance computing and graphics technologies. With a wealth of experience that spans various roles in business planning, demand analysis, and inventory management, Derek has honed expertise that drives operational excellence. His career trajectory is marked by progressively responsible positions, showcasing his dedication and ability to deliver results in complex environments.
Beginning his career at Caterpillar Inc., Derek worked through a variety of roles where he built a solid foundation in logistics and supply chain management. Immediately after joining Caterpillar as a Logistics Intern, he moved on to the Caterpillar Logistics Professional Development Program. This unique program offered him the opportunity to learn from industry experts while developing critical skills in logistics operations. His competence led him to become a Records Accuracy Supervisor and a Six Sigma Instructor, where he not only focused on operational accuracy but also trained others in efficiency methodologies.
Derek displayed remarkable capabilities as he transitioned to roles such as Lead Time Analyst and Supplier Conversion Lead, where he was pivotal in enhancing supply chain performance and supplier collaborations. As an Advanced Inventory Analyst at Caterpillar, he was responsible for optimizing inventory management protocols, ensuring that the organization maintained effective inventory levels, thus minimizing costs while meeting customer demands.
His career took a significant turn when he joined HID Global as a Global Demand Planner, where he played a critical role in analyzing and forecasting demand trends, aligning production capabilities with market needs, and ensuring that customer satisfaction remained a top priority.
Today, as a Business Planning Specialist at AMD, Derek leverages his extensive background to contribute to strategic business planning and operational initiatives. His focus is not just on planning but also on executing strategies that enhance AMD's market position and operational efficiency.
Education and Achievements
Derek Heidewald earned his Bachelor’s degree in Operations Management from the prestigious Kelley School of Business at Indiana University Bloomington. This program is renowned for its strong emphasis on practical business skills and analytical thinking, equipping Derek with the tools necessary to excel in his career. His academic training set the stage for a successful journey in the corporate world, where he consistently utilizes his educational background to confront real-world challenges in business planning and operations.
Derek's time at Indiana University not only polished his analytical capabilities but also helped him develop a strong understanding of supply chain dynamics, process optimization, and data-driven decision-making. His education laid a strategic foundation, which he has built upon throughout his professional career.
Achievements
Throughout his extensive career, Derek has amassed numerous achievements that underscore his expertise in business planning and operations management. At AMD, he has been instrumental in developing business strategies that have advanced the company's objectives. His innovative approach to problem-solving and analytical prowess has resulted in enhanced operational efficiencies, directly contributing to the company's success.
His commitment to excellence is also reflected in his achievements at Caterpillar, where he successfully led initiatives that improved accuracy in records management and optimized logistics processes, resulting in significant cost savings and improved service levels. Derek’s ability to analyze data and extract meaningful insights has been a vital asset to every organization he has been a part of, consistently enabling better-informed decision-making across the board.
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