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Shannon Blando

Global Category Manager, Dell, HR Services & Travel

Professional Background

Shannon Blando is a highly accomplished and innovative strategic procurement category expert with over 21 years of experience across various industries, including Technology, Manufacturing, and Retail. As a global category manager specializing in travel at Dell Technologies, Shannon has successfully spearheaded the company's global travel procurement strategy for the past 11 years. With a strong concentration on the travel industry, Shannon has become a subject matter expert in multiple commodities, including Travel, HR Compensation & Benefits, Learning & Development, and Marketing.

In her role at Dell Technologies, Shannon is known for driving innovation and results, demonstrating a steadfast commitment to implementing highly cost-effective strategies aimed at achieving best-in-class operations. Her forward-thinking approach has significantly influenced the travel industry, especially in adapting to the changing landscape brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. Shannon recently received the BTN 2020 Best Practitioner Award, a testament to her ability to tighten the Hotel Program through the use of Dynamic Pricing and leveraged rebooking strategies to navigate hotel closures amid the pandemic.

Moreover, she evolved the traditional hotel RFP process into a hybrid dynamic approach, remarkably reducing the RFP solicitation period by 80%. Shannon's leadership not only brings efficiency but has also strategically shifted buying power back into the hands of the buyers, thus fostering a more advantageous environment for procurement.

Education and Achievements

Shannon's academic background includes a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Nichols College. This educational foundation has equipped her with the essential analytical and strategic thinking skills necessary for her successful career in procurement.

Throughout her illustrious career, Shannon has actively participated on several travel industry advisory boards, earning recognition within the industry as a strategic and innovative thinker. Prior to her significant tenure at Dell Technologies, Shannon worked for 9 years at the TJX Companies, a Fortune 500 retail powerhouse. During her time there, she held various positions including Store Commodity Manager, where she was honored as the Buyer of the Year by the NMSDC for her initiatives in strategically growing and developing minority businesses. Shannon's contributions extend beyond mere procurement; they embody a commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion within the supply chain, making her a distinguished leader in her field.

Achievements

  • BTN 2020 Best Practitioner Award: Awarded for exceptional contributions to the travel procurement strategy during the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • 80% Reduction in RFP solicitations: Successfully transformed the hotel RFP process into a streamlined and efficient hybrid dynamic approach, saving considerable time and resources.
  • Recognition as Buyer of the Year: Awarded by the National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC) for outstanding efforts in expanding opportunities for minority-owned businesses during her time at TJX Companies.
  • Industry Thought Leader: Active participation in travel industry advisory boards, earning a reputation as a forward-thinking strategist and innovator in procurement practices.

Shannon Blando exemplifies what it means to be a leader in procurement, with a clear focus on innovation, efficiency, and best practices that revolutionize the industry. As she continues to lead at Dell Technologies, her expertise and strategic vision not only benefit her organization but also inspire change across the procurement landscape as she demonstrates a commitment to excellence through every challenge she undertakes.

Related Questions

How has Shannon Blando influenced the travel procurement strategy at Dell Technologies over the years?
What innovative procurement strategies has Shannon Blando implemented to adapt to changes in the travel industry?
How did Shannon Blando's education at Nichols College prepare her for her successful career in procurement?
In what ways has Shannon Blando's work contributed to the growth of minority businesses during her time at TJX Companies?
What role do advisory boards play in Shannon Blando's professional development in the travel industry?
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Location

Sturbridge, Massachusetts