Mary Ruth Furr
Fort Mill
Summary
Results-driven Client Services and Procurement Professional specializing in budget analysis and process optimization. Proven ability to enhance customer satisfaction and drive revenue growth through effective cross-functional collaboration. Recognized for strong communication skills and consistent results delivery while thriving in fast-paced environments.
Overview
2020
2020
years of professional experience
Work History
Client Services Specialist
Internetwork Engineering
Charlotte
02.2018 - 06.2019
- Resolved client requests within best-practice guidelines, improving customer satisfaction and supporting retention.
- Partnered with customers to resolve product/service concerns and identify upsell opportunities, enhancing overall customer experience.
- Collaborated with internal teams to streamline customer care workflows, aligning with company performance objectives.
- Produced monthly budget reports for top accounts, directly contributing to 3.75% sales increase and assisting clients in budget compliance.
- Increased margin dollar growth by 5% for Account Managers by leveraging OEM registration, rebate programs, and bundled product solutions.
- Facilitated client RFQ creation and organized supporting documents.
SMARTnet Procurement Specialist
Worldwide Technology
Charlotte
09.2014 - 02.2018
- Analyzed internal reports to identify unpurchased Cisco services and licenses, driving ~$160,000 in net buy and improving capture rates.
- Collaborated with teams to implement workflow enhancing service renewals.
- Led training and change-management improvements that strengthened operational execution and increased hardware/software support sales.
- Enhanced product awareness through targeted promotions.
- Developed job description and operating directive for new role; secured executive approval and facilitated implementation.
Procurement Specialist
WorldWide Technology
Charlotte
05.2013 - 09.2014
- Managed procurement processes for technology solutions and services.
- Collaborated with suppliers to negotiate favorable contract terms.
- Analyzed market trends to inform purchasing decisions and strategies.
- Transitioned from inside sales to procurement, documenting processes to enhance procurement operations.
- Sourced customer orders from inside sales quotes, contributing to a 3% increase in company margin.
Inside Sales Representative
WorldWide Technology
Charlotte
08.2012 - 09.2013
- Managed end-to-end client order experience from quote to delivery, receiving an outstanding performance award.
- Collaborated with Account Managers to increase sales through effective use of vendor discount structures and rebate programs.
- Resolved client requests and managed order details to enhance customer retention.
Buyer
Dimension Data
Charlotte
04.2007 - 05.2012
- Negotiated contracts with vendors for favorable pricing and terms.
- Managed supplier relationships to ensure timely delivery of products.
- Analyzed market trends to identify cost-saving opportunities.
- Sourced customer orders from Inside Sales quotes, ensuring accurate purchasing and timely fulfillment for improved customer satisfaction.
- Advancing to Inside Sales position after one year as Buyer, aimed at improving customer engagement.
Inside Sales Rep
Dimension Data
Charlotte
04.2008 - 2012
- Managed sales pipeline through CRM software for accurate forecasting.
- Engaged clients to understand their needs and recommend suitable solutions.
- Assisted account managers with client planning and communication, improving service quality and enabling cost savings for clients and company.
- Contributed to improved service delivery through effective collaboration with account managers.
- Collaborated with marketing teams to align promotional strategies with sales goals.
Marketing Services Manager
tesa tape inc. and Mail-Well Label
Charlotte
1993 - 2005
- Developed and executed multi-channel communication programs to enhance brand visibility and stakeholder engagement.
- Enhanced employee engagement and customer satisfaction through strategic messaging that aligned with organizational goals.
- Strengthened collaboration between leadership and teams to ensure consistent communication strategies.
- Supported RFP activities and negotiated with vendors to secure competitive procurement pricing, optimizing resource allocation.
Education
MBA - Mediation And Conflict Resolution
University of The Rockies
CO01-2014
Bachelor of Science - Education
Lipscomb University
Nashville, TN06-1979
Skills
- Client management
- Cross-functional teamwork
- Effective communication
- Problem resolution
- Project management
- Sales forecasting
- Market research
- Workflow optimization
- Inventory management
- Strategic sourcing
- Procurement strategies
- Budget analysis
- Team leadership
- Adaptability
- Verbal communication
- Calm under pressure
- Relationship building
Communication Skills
As Marketing Services Manager at Mail-Well Label and tesa tape inc., I built and executed internal and external communication programs across multiple channels. These programs supported best practices with leadership and teams, strengthened employee engagement, and improved customer satisfaction through clear, consistent messaging. I also supported RFP activities and sourced materials, negotiating with vendors to secure competitive procurement pricing.
Timeline
Client Services Specialist
Internetwork Engineering
02.2018 - 06.2019
SMARTnet Procurement Specialist
Worldwide Technology
09.2014 - 02.2018
Procurement Specialist
WorldWide Technology
05.2013 - 09.2014
Inside Sales Representative
WorldWide Technology
08.2012 - 09.2013
Inside Sales Rep
Dimension Data
04.2008 - 2012
Buyer
Dimension Data
04.2007 - 05.2012
Marketing Services Manager
tesa tape inc. and Mail-Well Label
1993 - 2005
MBA - Mediation And Conflict Resolution
University of The Rockies
Bachelor of Science - Education
Lipscomb University