Robert Copeland, Cpsm
About Robert Copeland, Cpsm
Robert Copeland is a Global Category Manager at Materion Corporation, specializing in strategic sourcing for the Maintenance, Repair, and Operations (MRO) category. He has over a decade of experience in procurement, having previously held various roles at The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company and Auto Zone.
Current Role at Materion Corporation
Robert Copeland serves as the Global Category Manager at Materion Corporation, a position he has held since 2018. In this role, he specializes in the strategic sourcing of the Maintenance, Repair, and Operations (MRO) category, managing a total spend of $40 million. His responsibilities include overseeing procurement strategies and supplier relationships to optimize operational efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
Previous Experience at The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company
Prior to his current role, Robert Copeland worked at The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company in various capacities from 2010 to 2018. His positions included Global IT Procurement Specialist, Synthetic Rubber Procurement Specialist, and Global Category Manager. He successfully completed Requests for Proposals (RFPs) that led to transitions to new suppliers across multiple categories, including General Industrial Supplies and Electrical Supplies.
Education and Expertise
Robert Copeland earned a Bachelor of Business Administration (B.B.A.) degree from The Ohio State University, where he studied Purchasing, Procurement/Acquisitions, and Contracts Management from 2005 to 2010. His educational background supports his expertise in procurement and strategic sourcing, particularly in managing large-scale procurement operations.
Management of COVID-19 Safety Supply Distribution
During the global pandemic, Robert Copeland managed the setup and operation of three national COVID-19 safety supply distribution hubs. This initiative ensured a continuous supply of critical safety and cleaning products, demonstrating his ability to respond effectively to urgent operational needs.
Early Career at Auto Zone and Advance Auto Parts
Robert Copeland began his career in the automotive sector, working as a Sales Manager at Auto Zone from 2009 to 2010. He also held a position as Retail Parts Pro at Advance Auto Parts for a brief period in 2008. These early roles provided him with foundational experience in sales and customer service within the retail automotive industry.