Balaji Satagopan, B.B.A.’22

Supply Chain Superhero

Indirect Supply Chain Lead, Steelcase

Balaji Satagopan uses his superpowers to prioritize multiple objectives and manage complex issues with ease. As an indirect supply chain lead at Steelcase, he supports the facilities, marketing and communications, sustainability and IT departments in the dynamic area of indirect procurement. 

At the Haworth College of Business, Satagopan majored in integrated supply management and completed internships at Nordstrom, Domino’s, Marathon Petroleum and Steelcase. Through these diverse experiences, he discovered a passion for the intersection of supply chain and data analytics, recognizing the powerful results that arise from combining these insights. 

He thrives on the ever-changing nature of his role and the plethora of challenges he faces on a daily basis, including analyzing spend to optimize costs, managing diverse supplier relationships and leading cross-functional projects. One of his major achievements was pioneering a category management strategy for facilities services, where his data-driven approach led to enhanced visibility, significant cost reductions and process improvements for the company.  

Throughout his career, Satagopan has focused on cultivating strong, collaborative relationships. His ability to deftly negotiate with vendors and build strategic partnerships with key stakeholders has been a driving force behind his continued success. 

Best Advice: 

“Small habits, repeated consistently, lead to significant achievements over time. No matter the goal, if you stay committed, results are inevitable. This is something I remind myself of every day and use as motivation.”