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Kent Crabtree
IT Strategic Sourcing Professional
Professional Background
Kent Crabtree is a seasoned procurement professional with over 20 years of extensive experience specializing in Strategic Sourcing, Procurement, and Vendor Management. His diverse expertise spans several high-impact industries, including Information Technology (IT), Telecommunications, Semiconductor, Aerospace, Health, and Defense. Kent has continuously demonstrated his ability to lead teams effectively, foster strong communication, and build relationships that enhance business opportunities and operational efficiencies.
Kent currently holds the position of Senior Director of IT Procurement at MAXIMUS, where he leverages his comprehensive understanding of both direct and indirect procurement processes to optimize spending and drive quality improvements. His leadership style emphasizes teamwork and collaboration, allowing him to successfully lead global teams in achieving procurement objectives and delivering significant cost savings across various projects.
Throughout his career, Kent has developed strong competencies in critical areas, including contract negotiation, vendor management, and data analysis. He is well-versed in implementing procurement and ERP systems that streamline operations and enhance decision-making capabilities. His project management skills are complemented by a deep understanding of category management, ensuring the effective alignment of procurement strategies with organizational goals.
Some of Kent's most notable previous roles include strategic positions at renowned organizations. At TeliaSonera International Carrier, Kent was instrumental in Backbone and Access Procurement for the Americas, overseeing key vendor relationships and partnerships that drove business success. His time at Tata Communications as part of the Access Strategy and Partnerships team allowed him to further hone his strategic sourcing skills, effectively managing procurement initiatives that supported the company's overall mission.
Prior to these roles, Kent contributed significantly as the Director of Telco Management - Strategy and Negotiation at NII Holdings, Inc., where he was involved in high-stakes negotiations that influenced both strategic direction and operational efficiencies. In addition to his leadership experiences, Kent previously held a variety of managerial and sourcing positions at companies such as Orbital Sciences Corporation, Sprint Nextel Corporation, and Orange Business Services. Each of these experiences has enriched his knowledge and understanding of the procurement landscape, enabling him to generate significant value for his employers.
Education and Achievements
Kent Crabtree's educational background includes a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering (BSEE) from Penn State University. His technical knowledge from this strong educational foundation has been invaluable as he navigated the ever-evolving landscape of procurement within highly technical industries. Kent's engineering background not only equips him with the analytical skills necessary for data-driven decision-making but also fosters an understanding of the technical nuances that can affect procurement strategies in IT and telecommunication sectors.
Over the course of Kent's career, he has achieved numerous accolades thanks to his strategic insights and successful management of procurement processes. He has a proven track record of delivering quality and cost savings, exemplified through his adept contract negotiation skills and meticulous vendor selection processes. Kent's ability to leverage data analysis in procurement decisions has positioned him as a trusted leader within the organizations he has supported throughout his career.
Achievements
- Over 20 years of experience in procurement and strategic sourcing across multiple industries.
- Strong leadership skills demonstrated in managing global teams to achieve successful sourcing and procurement outcomes.
- Proven expertise in driving quality improvements and significant cost savings through strategic vendor management and contract negotiations.
- Extensive experience in employing ERP systems and category management techniques to enhance procurement processes.
- Recognized as a strong communicator and team builder who fosters a collaborative environment for sharing knowledge and driving results.