Melissa Zamora
Senior Business Operations Analyst | Strategic Sourcing Sourcing Specialist
Costa Rica,San Jose
Summary
Business Administration and Law professional with 11+ years of experience in procurement, sourcing, and operational governance. Recognized for detecting patterns, mitigating financial and third-party risks, and translating complex data into strategic insights. Experienced in supplier onboarding, audit readiness, AI-driven process enhancements, and cross-functional collaboration. Proven ability to communicate insights effectively at executive levels, influence decision-making, and reduce organizational exposure.
Business professional with strong foundation in operations analysis and strategic planning. Known for ability to streamline processes and improve overall efficiency within team environment. Valued for reliability, adaptability, and keen focus on collaboration and results. Skilled in data analysis, project management, and process optimization.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
7
7
Certifications
2
2
Languages
Work History
Business Operations Analyst
Cisco Systems
Costa Rica, San Jose
09.2025 - Current
- Govern $364M+ in global software spend, ensuring compliance and proactively reducing financial and third-party risk exposure
- Procurement Risk & Operations
- Strategic Sourcing
- Created new procedures to streamline operations by minimizing average completion times and reducing failure rates.
- Managed cross-functional projects to ensure timely delivery of high-quality results.
- Managed project timelines effectively, ensuring all deliverables were met according to established deadlines.
- Established performance metrics, monitoring progress towards organizational goals on a regular basis.
- Evaluated vendor contracts for cost savings potential, negotiating favorable terms when possible.
- Developed comprehensive reports to inform strategic decision-making for senior leadership.
- Conducted thorough reviews of operations to devise and deploy improvement strategies.
Strategic Sourcing & Risk Analyst
Cisco Systems
Costa Rica, San Jose
11.2024 - 09.2025
- Reduced PR resubmission rates by 10–15% through stakeholder enablement and process optimization initiatives
- Enforced controls across 250+ high-value transactions (>$100K), strengthening audit readiness and policy adherence
- Contributed to SAP Ariba Fit-Gap and TPRM Pilot initiatives, supporting procurement system transformation and scalability
- Delivered executive-level presentations at QBRs and V2MOM sessions, translating operational data into strategic insights for leadership
- Participated in Global Procurement Services projects, collaborating cross-functionally to identify risk patterns and optimize compliance
- Implemented AI-enabled workflow enhancements after completing 160+ hours of AI training, improving validation accuracy, risk detection, and process efficiency
- Procurement Tail Spend
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge of industry trends and best practices in sourcing, enabling continuous improvement within the procurement function.
- Developed comprehensive sourcing strategies for specific categories, resulting in more efficient procurement processes.
- Managed a portfolio of suppliers, ensuring compliance with contractual terms and conditions, as well as quality standards.
- Collaborated with finance, procurement and operations leaders on global sourcing projects.
- Streamlined procurement workflows through close collaboration with internal stakeholders, resulting in improved efficiency and better alignment with organizational objectives.
- Maximized value from business processes to eliminate inefficiencies and reduce costs.
- Leveraged data analytics tools to monitor spend patterns, identifying areas of opportunity for cost savings or process enhancements within the supply chain.
- Identified and mitigated risks in supply chain, ensuring uninterrupted material supply for critical projects.
- Achieved cost reduction objectives by identifying and leveraging bulk purchase opportunities.
Procurement & Supplier Risk Analyst
Splunk (Acquired by Cisco)
Costa Rica, San Jose
01.2023 - 10.2024
- Reviewed and validated purchase requisitions, identifying compliance or financial gaps, reducing potential errors by ~15% before approval.
- Monitored risk profiles of 50+ critical suppliers, ensuring contractual and operational alignment and minimizing exposure.
- Supported cross-functional sourcing initiatives with Category Managers, contributing to $X million in procurement spend optimization.
- Served business partners while protecting organizational reputation and operational risk, impacting 250+ transactions annually.
- Identified potential vendors and ensured order fulfillment aligned with risk and compliance standards, improving supplier onboarding efficiency by ~10–12%.
Senior Strategic Procurement Specialist
Metalco S.A.
Costa Rica, San Jose
01.2020 - 01.2023
- Directed strategic sourcing of services, IT goods, and raw materials, ensuring legal compliance and minimizing exposure
- Negotiated supplier agreements fostering win-win relationships while reducing operational and financial risk
- Managed administrative and compliance documentation across the supply chain, ensuring audit readiness
- Prepared management reports and KPIs aligned with ISO standards (ISO 50001, 9001, 14001, 45001)
- Streamlined procurement processes for increased efficiency and cost savings.
- Implemented innovative supply chain management strategies to streamline procurement process.
- Made valuable contributions to planning of promotions, pricing and inventory levels, enhancing inventory flow, revenue, and profits.
- Identified and resolved supply chain issues to mitigate delays and production disruptions.
- Conducted research, identifying potential vendors and better pricing options.
Operations & Governance Manager
Orquitur de Costa Rica
Costa Rica, San Jose
01.2018 - 01.2020
- Supervised administrative operations and teams, optimizing workflows and policies to improve compliance and reduce operational risk, impacting ~80–110 team members and daily processes.
- Managed payroll, events, and office operations, implementing internal controls and procedures that improved accuracy and efficiency by ~10–15%.
- Built strong client relationships and coordinated cross-functional projects, enhancing organizational effectiveness and contributing to successful delivery of 5+ major initiatives annually.
- Updated reports, managed accounts, and generated reports for company database.
- Improved office efficiency by implementing streamlined administrative processes and procedures.
- Maintained accurate record-keeping systems to ensure easy access to critical information for decision-making purposes.
- Oversaw office inventory activities by ordering and requisitions and stocking and shipment receiving.
- Met department budgets by monitoring and reporting on office expenses.
- Interviewed, recruited and onboarded new staff for high-performing administration teams.
- Provided exceptional administrative support for executive-level staff, ensuring that their needs were met promptly and accurately in order to facilitate smooth daily operations.
- Enhanced team productivity by providing ongoing professional development opportunities and regular performance feedback.
- Cultivated strong relationships with vendors and partners supporting administrative operations.
- Created reports, presentations and other materials for executive staff.
- Organized and updated databases, records and other information resources.
- Built and managed processes for tracking and monitoring department performance.
- Maintained primary relationship accountability for clients, overall servicing responsibility and client satisfaction to maximize profitability of client relationships.
- Analyzed and solved multi-faceted problems that effected executive leaders and business initiatives.
- Implemented project management techniques to overcome obstacles and increase team productivity.
- Developed internal requirements and standards to minimize regulatory risks and liability across programs.
- Oversaw appointment scheduling and itinerary coordination for both clients and personnel.
- Built highly-efficient administrative team through ongoing coaching and professional development opportunities.
- Improved office operations by automating client correspondence, record tracking and data communications.
- Negotiated and executed contracts on behalf of department.
Senior Contract & Compliance Analyst
Hilton Pacific
Costa Rica, San Jose
01.2016 - 01.2018
- Reviewed, analyzed, and negotiated contracts, mitigating operational and financial risk across ~50+ vendor agreements annually.
- Conducted financial analysis and collaborated with Operations and Finance, ensuring compliance and reducing exposure by ~15% in key contracts.
- Drafted contractual amendments and advised on obligations, implementing risk mitigation strategies that protected organizational interests and improved contract accuracy by ~20%.
- Monitored incoming contracts and service agreements for correct pricing and information.
- Created solicitation packages and conducted thorough research for each bid.
- Created intake sheets for English and Spanish clients and conducted interviews in both languages.
- Worked with community to increase local firm's presence and assisted partners with reputation management and branding.
- Assisted partners by maintaining and growing firm's local presence within community.
- Championed the adoption of environmentally sustainable practices in procurement by incorporating green criteria into vendor selection processes.
- Enhanced internal communication by developing user-friendly contract templates that simplified legalese for non-legal personnel.
- Increased transparency in contract management by implementing a centralized database for easy access to relevant information across departments.
- Improved organizational efficiency by streamlining the contract management process and implementing best practices.
- Contributed to key organizational decisions by providing insightful analysis on the impact of various contractual scenarios on overall business strategy and operations.
- Developed strong relationships with key stakeholders, enabling smooth collaboration on contract matters.
- Optimized contract terms by conducting comprehensive risk assessments and negotiations with suppliers.
- Assisted in the development of procurement strategies, aligning them with organizational goals and objectives.
- Mitigated legal risks by thoroughly reviewing proposed agreements for compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
- Boosted stakeholder satisfaction by effectively addressing concerns regarding contractual obligations and performance expectations from both internal and external parties.
- Ensured timely renewal of contracts by diligently tracking expiration dates and proactively initiating renegotiation processes.
- Provided expert guidance to junior analysts on complex contract issues, fostering their professional growth and development.
- Facilitated cross-functional team collaboration, leading to more efficient resolution of contractual disputes.
- Conducted detailed cost analyses to identify potential savings opportunities during contract negotiations.
- Reduced costs through effective negotiation of contracts, resulting in significant savings for the company.
- Managed a portfolio of high-value contracts, ensuring compliance with company policies and industry regulations.
- Supported business growth by efficiently managing an increasing volume of contracts without compromising quality or compliance standards.
- Streamlined contract approvals processes, reducing turnaround time while maintaining thoroughness in reviews.
- Kept up-to-date on case progress by frequently reviewing records and reporting findings to clients.
- Provided administrative support and research for civil litigation and civil proceedings.
- Evaluated vendor performance against contractual obligations, identifying areas for improvement and recommending corrective actions.
- Provided key administrative assistance to senior management.
- Compiled documentation, ensuring accuracy and detail for legal briefs, responses to opposing counsel, motions to court and trial exhibits.
Office Manager
Century 21
Costa Rica, San Jose
01.2014 - 01.2016
- Oversaw administrative operations, budgets, and workflow improvements, implementing internal controls that enhanced operational efficiency and reduced organizational risk.
- Managed team performance and reporting, driving accountability and supporting risk management initiatives across daily operations.
- Handled sensitive information with discretion, maintaining confidentiality of company documents and personnel records.
- Coordinated office events and meetings, ensuring timely execution and optimal scheduling for all participants.
- Provided exceptional customer service when addressing client inquiries or concerns via phone calls or email correspondence.
- Served as a liaison between upper management and staff members, facilitating open channels of communication to address concerns or issues promptly.
- Managed vendor relationships, negotiating contracts for cost savings while maintaining high-quality services.
- Conducted regular inventory assessments of office supplies, ordering necessary items proactively to prevent stock shortages.
- Oversaw office budget, ensuring all expenditures were within allocated funds and identifying cost-saving opportunities.
- Handled sensitive employee and client information with utmost confidentiality, maintaining trust and integrity.
- Streamlined document handling and processing, reducing turnaround time for client inquiries and requests.
- Coordinated with IT department to upgrade office technology, enhancing overall efficiency and data security.
- Increased customer satisfaction by developing effective client feedback system that led to service improvements.
- Trained team members on new hotel services and products to support promotional efforts.
- Optimized organizational systems for payment collections, AP/AR, deposits, and recordkeeping.
- Conducted ongoing reviews of program financial systems to assess cost control measures.
- Developed internal requirements and standards to minimize regulatory risks and liability across programs.
- Organized spaces, materials and catering support for internal and client-focused meetings.
- Managed supervisor itinerary and appointments and streamlined scheduling procedures.
- Completed bi-weekly payroll for 36 employees.
Education
Bachelor of Science - International Commerce
Universidad Latina
Costa Rica12.2017
Bachelor of Science - Law
Universidad Hispanoamericana
Costa Rica05.2011
Bachelor of Science - Hotel &Hospitality Management
Colegio Universitario De Puntarenas
Costa Rica01-2007
Skills
Operational efficiency
Compliance monitoring
Stakeholder management
Analytical thinking
Risk assessment
Accomplishments
- Identified compliance gaps across $364M+ software spend, mitigating potential financial and operational risks
- Strengthened audit readiness for 250+ high-value transactions (>$100K) through proactive control enforcement
- Reduced PR resubmission rates by 10–15% via process optimization and stakeholder enablement
- Implemented AI-enabled validation processes after 160+ hours of AI training, improving risk detection and workflow efficiency
- Delivered executive insights at QBRs and V2MOM sessions, influencing operational and strategic decisions
- Participated in Global Procurement Services projects and TPRM Pilot initiatives, enhancing compliance and operational risk oversight
Certification
AI in Procurement – International Lio Academy by askLio
Timeline
Business Operations Analyst
Cisco Systems
09.2025 - Current
Strategic Sourcing & Risk Analyst
Cisco Systems
11.2024 - 09.2025
Procurement & Supplier Risk Analyst
Splunk (Acquired by Cisco)
01.2023 - 10.2024
Senior Strategic Procurement Specialist
Metalco S.A.
01.2020 - 01.2023
Operations & Governance Manager
Orquitur de Costa Rica
01.2018 - 01.2020
Senior Contract & Compliance Analyst
Hilton Pacific
01.2016 - 01.2018
Office Manager
Century 21
01.2014 - 01.2016
Bachelor of Science - International Commerce
Universidad Latina
Bachelor of Science - Law
Universidad Hispanoamericana
Bachelor of Science - Hotel &Hospitality Management
Colegio Universitario De Puntarenas
CORE STRENGTHS
- Risk Identification & Mitigation
- Compliance & Governance Oversight
- Pattern Recognition & Analytical Reasoning
- Process Optimization & Workflow Enhancement
- Executive Reporting & Insight Communication
- Supplier Risk Management
- AI & Automation Application in Operations
- Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Strategic Sourcing & Decision Support