Manuel Antonio Acevedo Frías

Purchasing Specialist

Open to offers · Member since 14 Sep 2026

Message

Location: La Chorrera, Panama

Desired salary: Confidential

Work preference: Remote Only / Full Time, Part Time, Contract, Freelance

Experience level: Senior

About

Professional summary

I am a purchasing and international logistics specialist with more than 18 years of experience in retail and corporate procurement environments in Panama.

I have managed sourcing, supplier negotiations, purchase orders, inventory analysis, product rotation, payments, customs procedures, and replenishment activities across technology, appliances, personal care, and audio-video categories.

Throughout my career, I have progressed from purchasing assistant roles to category manager, purchasing supervisor, and Head of Purchasing. I have led teams and helped transform purchasing functions into structured procurement and supply departments.

I am experienced in market and product analysis, identifying sales opportunities, introducing new categories, and developing strategies with suppliers to move slow-moving inventory and reduce losses.

I have contributed to process documentation, manuals, and operational structures aligned with ISO 9001 and ISO/IEC 20000-1:2018 standards. I am known for clear communication, adaptability, fast learning, leadership, and a results-oriented approach.

I am seeking a full-time purchasing, procurement, supply chain, or logistics leadership opportunity where I can improve operational efficiency, supplier performance, and inventory results.

Skills

17 capabilities

Tech stack & tools

Working toolkit

Data Stores

MySQL

Development

WordPress

Experience

Career history

Head of Purchasing SONDA SA

Oct 2017 – Feb 2024

I started in an administrative purchasing role within the Finance Department, managing inventories, payments, and customs procedures.

After my first year, I proposed centralizing acquisitions to improve efficiency and turnaround times. I advanced to a supervisory role and helped establish a Purchasing and Supply Department with a team of four assistants.

I structured processes and manuals aligned with ISO 9001 and ISO/IEC 20000-1:2018 certifications, supporting quality and efficiency in service delivery.

Head of Purchasing HOMETEK

Oct 2015 – Aug 2017

I analyzed markets, products, and commercial opportunities to improve sales performance.

I supported the integration of new product categories to broaden the reach and assortment of HOMETEK stores.

Category Purchasing Manager RODELAG SA

Sep 2010 – Feb 2014

I began as a purchasing assistant, managing purchase orders negotiated and prepared by the assigned category manager. Due to my performance and rapid learning, I was promoted to Category Purchasing Manager after one year.

I met with suppliers across technology, major appliances, consumer electronics, personal care, and audio-video categories. I reviewed seasonal products, new lines, and existing inventory.

Together with suppliers and brands, I developed strategies to move slow-moving inventory, improve product rotation, and prevent losses for the company.