Trailblazer
However , This isn ’ t where Bengston ’ s Career at Starbucks began . She first joined 11 years ago in 2010 in Supply Chain Commercialisation . In her time at Starbucks , Bengston has held numerous leadership roles including direct and indirect sourcing , store development , and commercialisation .
Prior to Startbucks , Bengston worked for the likes of Macy ’ s , Bensussen Deutsch , and Cranium and Hasbro gaining experience in packaging , product development and management , and manufacturing .
Working for more than 20 years in supply chain and procurement industries , Bengston expresses her passion for the industry , wishing that people fully appreciated that sourcing professionals are problem solvers focused on delivering solutions .
“ The work is really fun ! [...] We get a reputation for only thinking of cost , but cost is just one small part of what we negotiate on behalf of our companies ,” said Bengston .
Holding a B . S . in Management from Central Washington University , Bengston gives back to the university serving on its foundation board and chairing the board development committee .
“ I love to say that sourcing found me . My education is in management and my intent was to have a career in retail and store operations ( which I did for a while ). I was given the opportunity to begin getting involved in product development and factory management and never looked backed . Sourcing allows me to be creative , work with interesting people and solve problems ,” said Bengston .
18 November 2021