Melodi Benson

Inspirer

DISC Type : id

Senior Procurement Manager at Milton Hershey School

Greater Harrisburg Area, United States

Overview

Melodi is a procurement leader with over 20 years of experience in strategic sourcing, supplier management, and cost reduction. A Certified Purchasing Manager (CPM) with an MBA, she has driven procurement strategies across diverse sectors including manufacturing, utilities, healthcare, and not-for-profit organizations like the Milton Hershey School.

Outside of her professional pursuits, Melodi has a keen interest in the world of creative storytelling and animation. She is an avid follower of The Walt Disney Company and specifically Walt Disney Animation Studios, suggesting a passion for their creative works and brand.

She has a uniquely broad background, having managed both direct and indirect procurement in global manufacturing, healthcare, and large-scale non-profit environments.

Personality Overview

Confident & Optimistic

Decisive

Charming & Persuasive

They respond well to objective pitches but also attach some value to relationships. They don’t mind taking a stand if they believe in something. They usually prefer to drive the conversation.

Topics They Care About

Strategic Sourcing

A core specialty throughout her career, she has developed global and regional commodity strategies for both direct materials and indirect services like IT and administration.

Supplier Management

Her experience includes a focus on Supplier Relationship Management, developing vendor performance metrics and managing contracts to mitigate business risk and ensure adherence to standards.

Mission-Driven Procurement

[Predicted] Her work in the not-for-profit and healthcare sectors suggests an interest in procurement that supports an organization's core mission beyond just cost savings.

Strategic Sourcing: A core specialty throughout her career, she has developed global and regional commodity strategies for both direct materials and indirect services like IT and administration.

Supplier Management: Her experience includes a focus on Supplier Relationship Management, developing vendor performance metrics and managing contracts to mitigate business risk and ensure adherence to standards.

Mission-Driven Procurement: [Predicted] Her work in the not-for-profit and healthcare sectors suggests an interest in procurement that supports an organization's core mission beyond just cost savings.

Media Appearances

Melodi has no verified media appearances

Work History

1-2023

Senior Procurement Manager at Milton Hershey School

6-2021 - 1-2023

Procurement Manager at PSECU

6-2019 - 6-2021

Sr. Sourcing Manager, Strategic Sourcing & Contracting, Information Technology at Penn State Health

8-2016 - 8-2019

Program Director, Vendor Management, Strategic Planning at Penn State Health

1-2016 - 8-2016

Head of Administration & IT Purchasing, North America, Global Business Services at Voith Hydro

Education

Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) from Saint Joseph's University

Bachelor of Business Administration (B.B.A.) from Penn State University

More Information

Social Presence :

Prographics :

Exp : 12 Location : Greater Harrisburg Area, United States Job Level : Middle Designation : Senior Procurement Manager at Milton Hershey School

<div class="break-inside-avoid"><h1 class="sect-head" style="display:inline-flex; align-items:center"><div data-toggle="tooltip" data-placement="bottom" title="" data-original-title="DISC profile is one of the most popular behavioral assessment frameworks in use. It is especially useful in understanding workplace behavior and how different people approach similar situations differently.">DISC Profile : Melodi's Key Traits </div></h1><div class="disc_main personality_container" style="display: flex;align-items: center;justify-content: center;"><figure class="highcharts-figure"> <div class="frrole_circle_label" style="position: absolute;top: calc(50% - 67.5px);left: calc(50% - 66.5px);">id</div> <div data-toggle="tooltip" data-placement="bottom" title="" data-original-title="Dominance(D) reflects how goal and task oriented a person is and her ability to accomplish results, irrespective of how demanding the circumstances might be. Those scoring high tend to be motivated by winning, competition and success and can be described as direct, demanding and strong willed." style="position: absolute;top: -4%;left: calc(50% - 20px);z-index: 2;cursor: pointer; border-radius: 50%; color:#fff;background: linear-gradient(360deg, #f1828d, #d2527f); height: 30px;width: 30px;font-size: 14px;align-items: center;justify-content: center;display: flex;font-weight: bold;opacity:1">D</div><div class="disclabel1" data-toggle="tooltip" data-placement="bottom" title="" data-original-title="Influence(I) reflects the degree to which a person prefers to work by influencing or persuading others. Those scoring high tend to be people oriented, are motivated by social recognition and building relationships and can be described as warm and enthusiastic in general." style="position: absolute;right: 5%;top: calc(50% - 20px);z-index: 2;cursor: pointer; border-radius: 50%; color:#fff;background: linear-gradient(270deg, #fad859, #f7ca18); height: 30px;width: 30px;font-size: 14px;align-items: center;justify-content: center;display: flex;font-weight: bold;opacity:1">I</div><div data-toggle="tooltip" data-placement="bottom" title="" data-original-title="Steadiness(S) reflects the degree to which a person is likely to focus on cooperation, support and taking everyone along. Those scoring high tend to be consistent and calm, are excited about the opportunity to collaborate and partner and could sometimes be indecisive or overly accommodating." style="position: absolute;bottom: -4%;left: calc(50% - 20px);z-index: 2;cursor: pointer; border-radius: 50%; color:#fff; background: linear-gradient(180deg, #b7f4d8, #66cc99);height: 30px;width: 30px;font-size: 14px;align-items: center;justify-content: center;display: flex;font-weight: bold;opacity:1">S</div><div class="disclabel2" data-toggle="tooltip" data-placement="bottom" title="" data-original-title="Calculativeness(C) reflects the degree to which a person is likely to be cautious, systematic and analytical. Those scoring high tend to emphasise quality and accuracy, enjoy showing off their expertise or challenging assumptions but can sometimes overanalyze things and be overcritical." style="position: absolute;left: 5%;top: calc(50% - 20px);z-index: 2;cursor: pointer; border-radius: 50%; color:#fff; background: linear-gradient(90deg, #848ccf, #524eb7);height: 30px;width: 30px;font-size: 14px;align-items: center;justify-content: center;display: flex;font-weight: bold;opacity:1">C</div><div style="position: absolute;top: calc(50% - 106.5px);left: calc(50% - 106.5px);border-radius:50%;border: 1.5px dotted #c8c6c6;padding:105px"></div><div style="position: absolute;top: calc(50% - 135.5px);left: calc(50% - 135.5px);border-radius:50%;border: 1.5px dotted #c8c6c6;padding:133px"></div> <div id="disc_container"></div> </figure><div class="row traits-row" style="position: relative;width:70%;justify-content:flex-end;margin-right:10px"><div class="personality-cards col-md-10"><div class="personality-head">Influence</div>Influence(I) reflects the degree to which a person prefers to work by influencing or persuading others. Those scoring high tend to be people oriented, are motivated by social recognition and building relationships and can be described as warm and enthusiastic in general.</div><div class="personality-cards col-md-10"><div class="personality-head">Dominance</div>Dominance(D) reflects how goal and task oriented a person is and her ability to accomplish results, irrespective of how demanding the circumstances might be. Those scoring high tend to be motivated by winning, competition and success and can be described as direct, demanding and strong willed.</div></div></div></div><div class="break-inside-avoid"><h1 class="sect-head" style="display:inline-flex; align-items:center"><div data-toggle="tooltip" data-placement="bottom" title="" data-original-title="OCEAN personality assessment, or Big 5 personality traits model, is the second most well-known behavioral assessment framework after MBTI. It provides a holistic way of understanding how people are and what to expect of them.">OCEAN Profile : Melodi's Key Traits </div></h1><div class="ocean_main personality_container" style="display: flex;align-items: center;justify-content: center;"><figure class="highcharts-figure"> <div class="frrole_circle_label" style="position: absolute;top: calc(50% - 67.5px);left: calc(50% - 66.5px);">eac</div> <div data-toggle="tooltip" data-placement="bottom" title="" data-original-title="Openness(O) reflects the degree of intellectual curiosity, a desire to seek new experiences and a preference for novelty and variety. Those scoring high tend to be inventive, curious and open to trying new things whereas those scoring low tend to be consistent, cautious and more realistic in their approach." style="position: absolute;top: -7%;left: calc(50% - 12px);z-index: 2;cursor: pointer; border-radius: 50%; color:#fff; background: linear-gradient(90deg, #963694, rgb(175,79,173));height: 30px;width: 30px;font-size: 14px;align-items: center;justify-content: center;display: flex;font-weight: bold;opacity:0.72">O</div><div data-toggle="tooltip" data-placement="bottom" title="" data-original-title="Conscientiousness(C) reflects the degree of self-discipline, focus on doing things in a planned manner and acting dutifully. Those scoring high are usually efficient, organized and focused whereas those scoring low tend to be easy-going, spontaneous and unreliable at times." style="position: absolute;right: 4%;top: calc(50% - 70px);z-index: 2;cursor: pointer; border-radius: 50%; color:#fff; background: linear-gradient(180deg, #f15a22, rgb(255,115,59));height: 30px;width: 30px;font-size: 14px;align-items: center;justify-content: center;display: flex;font-weight: bold;opacity:0.72">C</div><div data-toggle="tooltip" data-placement="bottom" title="" data-original-title="Extraversion(E) reflects the degree of assertiveness, sociability that an individual exhibits. People scoring high on extraversion tend to be outgoing, energetic and talkative whereas those scoring tend to be reserved, quiet and thoughtful, especially in social settings." style="position: absolute;bottom: 3%;left: calc(50% - -93px);z-index: 2;cursor: pointer; border-radius: 50%; color:#fff; background: linear-gradient(270deg, #bf55ec, rgb(216,110,255));height: 30px;width: 30px;font-size: 14px;align-items: center;justify-content: center;display: flex;font-weight: bold;opacity:0.72">E</div><div data-toggle="tooltip" data-placement="bottom" title="" data-original-title="Agreeableness(A) reflects the degree of compassion, cooperation and general friendliness in a person. Those scoring high are mostly even-tempered, pleasant and easy to convince whereas those scoring low tend to challenge and question things and are likely to have a contrarian attitude." style="position: absolute;left: 17%;top: calc(50% - -127px);z-index: 2;cursor: pointer; border-radius: 50%; color:#fff; background: linear-gradient(360deg, #be5683, rgb(215,111,156));height: 30px;width: 30px;font-size: 14px;align-items: center;justify-content: center;display: flex;font-weight: bold;opacity:0.72">A</div><div data-toggle="tooltip" data-placement="bottom" title="" data-original-title="Emotional Stability(ES) refers to the degree to which one can experience unpleasant emotions like anger, anxiety etc. easily. Those scoring high tend to be calm, stable and are not perturbed easily whereas those scoring low can be passionate, excitable and have low impulse control, especially under stressful circumstances. (Emotional Stability is same as Neuroticism rated on a reverse scale)" style="position: absolute;left: 5%;top: calc(50% - 70px);z-index: 2;cursor: pointer; border-radius: 50%; color:#fff; background: linear-gradient(360deg, #f62459, rgb(255,61,114));height: 30px;width: 30px;font-size: 14px;align-items: center;justify-content: center;display: flex;font-weight: bold;opacity:0.72">N</div><div style="position: absolute;top: calc(50% - 106.5px);left: calc(50% - 106.5px);border-radius:50%;border: 1.5px dotted #c8c6c6;padding:105px"></div><div style="position: absolute;top: calc(50% - 135.5px);left: calc(50% - 135.5px);border-radius:50%;border: 1.5px dotted #c8c6c6;padding:133px"></div> <div id="ocean_container"></div> </figure><div class="row traits-row" style="position: relative;width:70%;justify-content:flex-end;margin-right:10px"><div class="personality-cards col-md-10"><div class="personality-head">Extraversion</div>Extraversion(E) reflects the degree of assertiveness, sociability that an individual exhibits. People scoring high on extraversion tend to be outgoing, energetic and talkative whereas those scoring tend to be reserved, quiet and thoughtful, especially in social settings.</div><div class="personality-cards col-md-10"><div class="personality-head">Agreeableness</div>Agreeableness(A) reflects the degree of compassion, cooperation and general friendliness in a person. Those scoring high are mostly even-tempered, pleasant and easy to convince whereas those scoring low tend to challenge and question things and are likely to have a contrarian attitude.</div><div class="personality-cards col-md-10"><div class="personality-head">Conscientiousness</div>Conscientiousness(C) reflects the degree of self-discipline, focus on doing things in a planned manner and acting dutifully. Those scoring high are usually efficient, organized and focused whereas those scoring low tend to be easy-going, spontaneous and unreliable at times.</div></div></div><hr class="divider-hr" style="margin-bottom:20px"></div>

Melodi Benson

Senior Procurement Manager at Milton Hershey School

Greater Harrisburg Area, United States

Overview

Personality Overview

Topics They Care About

Media Appearances

Work History

Education

More Information

Social Presence :

Prographics :

Share

Insights For Selling To Melodi

During A Call Or A Meeting

When Cold Calling

Pattern Interrupt: Informal style, where you are talking in a friendly & casual manner, with a big smile on makes them want to speak to you.

Pace: Don't be too fast or too slow, stay in the middle. Sound like a 'brings happiness to others' person.

Tone: Speak with high energy and in a personal manner, as if you have met a friend suddenly after a long time.

Tactics To Win: Giving social proof, personal rapport, usage of superlatives, repeating their name.

Mistakes To Avoid: Information overload, use of negations

Making The Ask: Use positivity and/or humor to make the ask. It appeals to them, as if you are bringing a cheer to their day. (Avoid doing this with Dominant or Calculative types)

Subconscious Driver: They are driven by emotion more than any other type. Hence a proposition that excites them will immediately get their attention.

Greeting: Hey Melodi, [user_fname] here at [user_companynamefirsttwowords] calling you this morning/evening!

Opener: Now I know how much people love cold calls, so how about 30 seconds to tell you what I have for you?

Introduction: We have built an AI that predicts exactly what will build a solid relationship with each prospect before you even spend a minute with them.

Ask: Melodi, leaders just like you at companies like [abc], [xyz] have been blown away with what they have seen, why don’t we put 15 minutes on your calendar to show you if what I am saying is actually real, yeah?

Close: So morning at around [time] next [tuesday], shall we say? And is it [prospect_email]? Don't want to get that wrong you know!

When Writing An Email

Subject: Exciting, direct

Salutation: No

Greeting: No (Or say something unique)

Emojis/GIFs:

Bullet Points: Could use

Closing Line: Informally state your ask

Complimentary Close: Unique, casual

Tone of Words: Informal, direct

Overall Messaging: Focused on personal achievement

Length of Mail: Short

While Negotiating & Closing

The secret to closing fast with Melodi is

Will you ever get a clear answer from Melodi

Insights For Deal Planning

How fast (or slow) will Melodi move?

Can Melodi take some risk or not?

You And Melodi

Personality Compatibility

More Profiles

Sylvain Finley

Bret Larson

Gary Hollingshead

Hugh Nelson

Search more profiles