Cara Dekker

Background

About Cara Dekker

Years ago, I started my journey in procurement with a sharp eye for detail and a drive to make processes smarter, faster, and more efficient. What began as sourcing raw materials and negotiating pricing evolved into a career leading multi-million-dollar purchasing operations, building strong supplier partnerships, and coaching high-performing teams — all while delivering real, measurable results. At Canadian Electrolytic Zinc, I stepped into a leadership role overseeing a $183M+ annual spend and a team of 15 across purchasing, warehousing, and inventory. My mission? To ensure the right materials were in the right hands at the right time — without compromising on cost, quality, or compliance. From partnering with engineering on capital projects to navigating ISO and safety certifications, every challenge pushed me to find smarter, more strategic ways to manage supply chains. In 2022 and 2023 alone, we delivered over $7.3M in cost savings, not through shortcuts, but through careful planning, bold negotiation, and building supplier relationships that delivered real value. Before that, I led procurement at G.E. Barbour, where I not only sourced critical raw materials and packaging, but also shaped procurement strategy and reduced inventory by $1.3M — streamlining operations and freeing up capital. Even earlier, I worked my way up through roles at Source Atlantic and Kent Building Supplies, learning the ins and outs of purchasing, vendor management, and the pulse of the market. What’s always driven me is the balance of people and process. I’m a leader who believes in developing talent just as much as optimizing spend. I bring a strong understanding of financial frameworks, P&L management, and compliance — and a passion for using procurement as a strategic lever to move organizations forward. When I’m not driving results in the supply chain, you’ll likely find me out on the water, enjoying a round of golf, or spending quality time with my family — recharging and staying grounded in what matters most. I’m fluent in French, fluent in negotiation, and always open to connecting with others who see procurement not just as a function — but as a force for transformation.