Chen Lin is a Senior Category Manager for Indirect Site Purchasing at Saint-Gobain, where she leads strategic procurement for MRO and site services across more than 200 sites in North America. She specializes in large-scale RFPs, supplier negotiations, and contract management, driving measurable cost savings and improving service consistency across complex manufacturing operations. Chen brings over 15 years of procurement and supply chain experience across global manufacturing organizations. She holds a MBA and is a Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM) from the ISM, as well as Certified in Production and Inventory Management (CPIM) from APICS.
September 29, 2026
1:55 PM Workshop: Beyond the Contract: Evaluating the Strategic Value of Preferred Supplier Status
Preferred supplier relationships require meaningful commitment from both sides. In this session, vendors will gain a deeper understanding of how procurement teams define preferred partnerships, the expectations that accompany them, and how to assess whether pursuing this level of engagement aligns with long-term objectives.
Key Takeaways:
- How procurement organizes structure and governs preferred supplier programs
- Breaking down expectations and obligations associated with strategic partnership
- When preferred supplier status accelerates growth and when it may dilute focus
Check out the incredible speaker line-up to see who will be joining Chen.
Download The Latest Agenda