Atalie Zimmer, B.B.A.’19

Supply Chain Superstar

Senior Buyer, CTS

When Atalie Zimmer graduated from WMU in 2019 with her supply chain management degree, she didn’t know what the future would hold, but she knew she had the skills to step into any role and add immediate value. 

Following graduation, she started in the supply chain rotational program at the Kellogg Company. She first joined the procurement team where she handled day-to-day escalations, shortages, analytics and supplier management for the fruits, flavors and fillings categories. She then moved to Tennessee to work in one of the company’s largest manufacturing plants. Zimmer was an operations leader for two Pringles lines. She notes that being on the plant floor, surrounded by the people making the products consumers love, was the most challenging, rewarding and valuable career opportunity she has had to date. After a year in Tennessee, she did a stint in the planning team supporting Kellogg’s beloved cereal brands. 

Zimmer then moved to Austin, Texas, for an incredible job opportunity with Apple where she was the global sourcing and supply manager for batteries and connectors for Macs and iPads. At Apple, she felt a great sense of pride in seeing the products she supported go to launch. Today, Zimmer works as a senior buyer for global electronics at CTS, a company that designs and manufactures sensors and electronic components for original equipment manufacturers.  

First Job:

“My first job was at Dairy Queen. I worked there for one summer in high school and had the best time learning how to make Blizzards and eating the mistake orders! I learned a lot about work ethic, lean principles and customer service.”