Candice Sparkes

Professional Summary

Professional Overview
Candice Sparkes is an accomplished supply chain and procurement leader with extensive expertise in supplier inclusion and diversity initiatives. As the Director, Head of Supplier Inclusion at Tractor Supply Company, she is responsible for driving strategic partnerships, enhancing supplier diversity programs, and fostering inclusive business practices to create value for the organization.

Experience Summary

Current Role
In her current role as the Director, Head of Supplier Inclusion at Tractor Supply Company, Candice is responsible for leading the company's supplier inclusion strategy. She oversees the development and implementation of programs aimed at increasing supplier diversity, ensuring equitable access to procurement opportunities, and cultivating a diverse supplier base. Candice's efforts have contributed to the company's recognition as a leader in supplier inclusion, driving positive business outcomes and strengthening community partnerships.

Career Progression
Candice has built an extensive career in supply chain management, procurement, and diversity and inclusion. Prior to her current role, she served as the Senior Manager, Head of Supplier Diversity at Tractor Supply Company, where she successfully expanded the company's supplier diversity initiatives and achieved significant improvements in supplier representation. Before that, Candice held various roles at Dematic and Ford Motor Company, including leading supplier diversity and inclusion programs, as well as specializing in human resources and labor relations.

Academic Background
Candice holds a Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) in Global Management from the Thunderbird School of Global Management and a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services from the University of Wisconsin-Stout. She also obtained an Associate of Science (A.S.) in Hotel, Motel, and Restaurant Management from Waukesha County Technical College.

Areas of Expertise

• Supplier diversity and inclusion program development and implementation

• Strategic supplier relationship management

• Procurement process optimization and stakeholder engagement

• Diversity, equity, and inclusion strategy and execution

• Cross-functional collaboration and communication

• Change management and continuous improvement

Professional Impact
Under Candice's leadership, Tractor Supply Company has achieved significant progress in its supplier inclusion initiatives. She has implemented innovative strategies to expand the company's supplier diversity database, foster stronger partnerships with minority-owned businesses, and enhance supplier development programs. Candice's efforts have contributed to increased supplier representation, improved supplier performance, and enhanced brand reputation as a leader in corporate social responsibility.

Conclusion
Candice Sparkes is a seasoned supply chain and procurement professional with a proven track record of driving supplier inclusion and diversity initiatives. Her expertise and strategic approach have enabled Tractor Supply Company to enhance its supplier ecosystem, foster inclusive business practices, and deliver tangible value to the organization and the communities it serves. Candice is poised to continue her impactful career, leveraging her deep industry knowledge and leadership capabilities to shape the future of supplier inclusion in the retail and distribution sectors.