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Women in Leadership Spotlight: Tammy Olsson
- sonetsmart
- May 14
- 3 min read
Purchasing Manager, Bilton Welding and Manufacturing Ltd.
At Bilton, leadership is not limited to titles or departments. It is found in every part of the company, including the essential work behind the scenes that keeps everything running.
This month, we are proud to feature Tammy Olsson, a leader whose strategic mindset, resilience, and collaborative spirit support our operations and help move Bilton forward every day. Tammy’s journey is a true story of growth, determination, and impact. She began her career at Bilton as a Buyer, quickly learning the intricacies of our purchasing processes and operational expectations. As her skills and leadership developed, she advanced to Lead Buyer where she took on more responsibility, mentored others, and helped improve purchasing operations. Today, she leads the department as Purchasing Manager.
“My journey at Bilton has been exciting and full of growth, I’ve always enjoyed problem-solving and finding ways to optimize supply chains, which is what led me to a career in purchasing.”
Tammy now oversees the entire procurement function. She ensures that materials are available when needed, that vendor relationships remain strong, and that costs and timelines are well managed. Her role requires adaptability, strategic thinking, and a deep commitment to teamwork across the company.
Building Relationships and Navigating Challenges
Purchasing at Bilton is about more than just sourcing materials. It is about creating strong partnerships, staying ahead of market changes, and supporting every department with what they need to succeed.
“Strong vendor relationships are built on trust, transparency, and good communication. I focus on fair negotiations, setting clear expectations, and maintaining consistency. Long-term partnerships help ensure we get the best quality, pricing, and service.”
In recent years, Tammy has guided the team through major industry challenges such as supply chain disruptions and rising costs. Her approach combines agility with long-term planning.
“One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced has been product availability and price increases manage this, I’ve focused on diversifying our supplier base, negotiating longer agreements to stabilize pricing, and closely monitoring market trends to anticipate fluctuations.”
Tammy’s calm leadership and data-informed decision-making have helped Bilton remain steady and proactive in the face of industry-wide pressures.
Collaboration at the Core
Tammy is a strong believer in teamwork and cross-departmental communication. She makes it a priority to connect regularly with other teams across Bilton to ensure that the purchasing strategy supports broader company goals.
“I stay in close contact with different departments to understand their needs and align our purchasing strategy with business goals. Meetings, clear documentation, and a collaborative approach help keep things running smoothly. We are all working toward the same goal.”
Her leadership style encourages openness, shared accountability, and a strong foundation of mutual support.
Advice for Future Leaders
Tammy believes that leadership is not something you wait to be handed. It is something you grow into by staying curious, taking initiative, and being willing to step into new challenges.
“Be proactive, adaptable, and always willing to learn. Take initiative, seek out opportunities, and stay informed about what’s happening in your industry. Strong problem-solving skills and good communication will take you far.”
For women working toward leadership roles, Tammy encourages confidence, even when things feel uncertain.
“Don’t be afraid to take on responsibilities that stretch you. That is where real growth happens.”
Life Outside of Work
Tammy values balance and finds energy in activities that take her outside her day-to-day responsibilities. Whether it is attending car racing events, camping, or riding her motorcycle, these moments give her time to relax, reflect, and return to work with fresh focus.
“Maintaining a balance between work and personal life keeps me motivated. Having time to recharge helps me bring fresh energy to my work and stay engaged in the long term.”
Tammy Olsen’s leadership is grounded in experience, shaped by adaptability, and strengthened by her commitment to connection and collaboration. Her journey reflects what leadership at Bilton truly looks like. It is about showing up with purpose, facing challenges with clarity, and lifting others along the way.
We are proud to share Tammy’s story and recognize the impact she makes every day.
Stay Connected
Join us in celebrating Tammy's contributions and the incredible women shaping the future of leadership at Bilton. Stay tuned for more stories that celebrate resilience, innovation, and leadership in action.