Meet Melissa Rath

I bring over 20 years of professional experience and  17 years of experience helping businesses streamline procurement, manage contracts, and strengthen vendor relationships. My passion is working with small to mid-size companies that are struggling to gain control over their processes. Whether it's unstructured procurement systems, inconsistent contract management, or challenging vendor relationships, I help businesses uncover solutions that drive cost savings, build trust, and empower teams.

In every role I’ve taken on, I’ve faced environments with little to no structure. I’ve walked in, assessed the situation, and figured out exactly what needed to be done. By improving efficiency, cutting costs, and building stronger teams, I’ve not only solved immediate challenges but also created space to add value and deliver long-term results.

Early in my career, I didn’t start in procurement—I started in project management. Working on complex, technical projects worth up to $1 billion taught me how to manage diverse teams, solve problems collaboratively, and keep critical milestones on track. This foundation gave me a deep understanding of how all the pieces of a business need to work together, a skill I still rely on today.

When I transitioned into procurement, I began with a transactional focus—negotiating deals and ensuring immediate needs were met. Over time, I realized the true power of procurement lies in its ability to influence strategy, foster collaboration, and create sustainable value. This realization transformed my approach and allowed me to build procurement functions that not only save costs but also align with larger business goals.

My work is guided by a core set of values that ensure success for both my clients and their teams:

• Trust Building: I believe in fostering trust with internal teams and external stakeholders alike. Transparency, reliability, and a focus on mutual success are central to my approach.
• Empowering Teams: I work to create systems that empower teams to succeed, ensuring they have the tools, processes, and confidence to thrive.
• Continuous Improvement: Every process can be made better. I bring a mindset of ongoing optimization, identifying opportunities for greater efficiency and impact.
• Collaboration: Success isn’t achieved in isolation. I partner closely with clients and their teams, working together to solve problems and drive results.
• Creating Value: Beyond solving immediate challenges, I focus on adding long-term value that strengthens the organization as a whole.

These values shape how I approach every project, ensuring that my clients not only solve their current challenges but are also positioned for future success.

Career Highlights:

• Achieved millions in cost savings by transforming unstructured procurement systems into efficient, enterprise-wide processes.
• Built and developed high-performing teams by creating structure, implementing streamlined workflows, and empowering team members to excel.
• Partnered with internal and external stakeholders to foster collaboration and ensure alignment with business goals.
• Supported complex, technical projects worth up to $1 billion, managing diverse teams and overcoming operational challenges.

Leadership Style:

• Collaborative leader with a focus on continuous improvement, team development, and empowering cross-functional teams to drive efficiency and results.

Skills & Technical Expertise:

• Strategic Procurement | Procurement System Development | ERP Implementation | Cost Savings Optimization | Total Cost Analysis | RFPs/RFIs | Strategic Sourcing | Vendor Relationship & Management 
• Contract Drafting, Negotiation & Management| Government Contract Vehicles & Regulations (FRA, FARs, DFARs) | Risk Mitigation
• Compliance Management | Continuous Improvement | Project Management | Stakeholder Engagement | Accounts Payable & Accounts Receivable | Strategic Thinking & Problem Solving | Project Management | Process Development & Optimization 

Education:

• MBA in Management and Leadership, Western Connecticut State University
• MS in Organic Chemistry, Iowa State University
• BA in Biology and Chemistry (Cum Laude), Mount Holyoke College

At the heart of my work is a belief in the power of trust, collaboration, and empowerment. I’m passionate about helping businesses not only solve their immediate challenges but also build systems that enable long-term success. I understand the complexities of managing technical, high-stakes projects, and I bring a hands-on, results-oriented approach to every engagement.

When I partner with a company, my goal is to leave them stronger, more efficient, and better equipped to tackle the future.