Operations Leader with Cross-Functional Experience

A proven leader, influencer, collaborator, and strategic thinker, who is able to align the business within an inclusive supply chain strategy focused on operational effectiveness and efficiency. Throughout my career, I have lead, inspired, and developed operations teams which are focused on exceptional customer service, strategic in vision, and committed to teamwork and collaboration. As a customer-focused and metrics driven leader with extensive experience in directing and managing distribution centers, I consistently challenge existing business practices and develop practical, cost-conscious solutions to drive improved results.

Key Proficiencies

Budget and P&L Management-Excelled at financial management and expense control (developed annual and semi-annual budgets, tracked and monitored performance on a daily, weekly and monthly basis).

Proficient in Microsoft Office applications (Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint) and Lotus Notes

Experienced in warehouse operating systems

Building and maintaining positive associate relations, scoring favorably in associate opinion surveys.

Distribution Center leadership – remote stand-alone and multi-site.

Continuous improvement focus – retail distribution, service levels, product flow.

Professional Experience

Eddie Bauer of Canada Corp – 1990-2014

Group Manager

Full accountability for Distribution Center operations and providing direction and support to all functional areas, including Human Resources, Administration, Inventory Accounting, Loss Prevention, Inbound (Receiving, Replenishment, Returns), Outbound (Pick, Pack, and Ship), all production areas, outbound transportation, facility and equipment maintenance.

Lead and managed several facilities – an initial new 40,000 sq. ft. Canadian Distribution Centre, with an additional 16,000 sq. ft. facility to temporarily increase capacity until our move and transition to a new 100,000 sq. ft. facility in 1997 to support projected growth of retail in Canada.

Supported retail growth from 11 locations to approximately 40 locations across Canada with volumes peaking at 4M units and sales in excess of $135M with staffing levels peaking at 60 associates.

Accountable for the management of third party service providers (including outbound freight vendors, facility service providers and suppliers). This included evaluating performance, analyzing logistical problems, managing relationships and contract negotiations and maintaining service levels.

Reporting to Vice President of Operations based in Columbus, Ohio.

Budget and P&L – consistently achieving better than budget performance.

Acted as main contact and liaison for all government agencies, including Revenue Canada, Canadian Food and Inspection Agency, Ministry of Labour.

Represented Eddie Bauer as a member of the Canadian Retail Shippers Association.

Accomplishments

Associate Relations – Scored favourably in Associate Opinion surveys besting company and above industry average (year 2000)

Implemented a new process for liquidation of returned product, which contributed to improved product flow, productivity and reduction of overhead expense of warehouse sales by 50% - from 2 months down to 1 month.

Changed inbound flow process resulting in an improvement of dock and receiving space utilization by 20%.

Ensured continued success of Team-share program (incentive system where productivity gains were shared with associates). Consistent productivity improvements exceeded standards in excess of 15% resulting in significant bonus payouts to associates and raising of standards twice.

Improved productivity levels by up to 23% and reduced cost/unit by up to 15%

Improved service levels by 19% with the successful implementation of a Sunday shift.

Effectively navigated through two chapter 11 filings (2003-2006, 2009).

2006 – Recipient of Leadership Award. Award summary, “Joe has been the driving force behind the Eddie Bauer distribution presence in Canada. He has developed a strong team that is well connected to the Eddie Bauer organization, its history, and the role individuals play in the success of the company. Associates understand their roles and strive to provide solid service and accuracy”.

Featured as cover story in Materials Management & Distribution for April 1999

1997 – Lead the transition to the new 100,000 sq. Ft. Distribution Center. Transition was flawless with no impact to customer service culminating in a team recognition award.

1996 – Recipient of the “Exceptional Contributor Award” for exceptional contributions to outstanding customer service. (nominated by the Canadian Retail District Directors)

1990 - Recipient of “Bauer Team Award” for exceptional group contributions of a very successful sales event that was planned for 4 weeks, however exceeded expectations and sold out in 3 weeks.

Young Manufacturer Inc. -1987-1990

Warehouse Manager

Responsible for all warehouse operations. Functions included shipping, receiving, inventory control, production, administration, trucking, staffing, liaise with buying departments, and store operations supervisors.

Responsible for staffing of 20-30 unionized associates.

Handled annual volumes of 1.8 million units supporting 50 stores under the “Stitches” banner.

Dylex Ltd. - 1977-1987

Distribution Center Supervisor

Responsibilities included meeting performance objectives (productivity, service level, and quality), general supervision of staff, administration and formulating seasonal budgets.

Fashion Brands included Fairweather, Tip Top Tailors, Harry Rosen, Breamar, etc.

Processing Supervisor for specialty Brands Harry Rosen and Braemar.

Overall responsibility for start-up of new remote sub-distribution center in Calgary, Alberta.

Education

1991 Centennial College Toronto

Introduction to Lotus 123

1981-1983 Humber College Toronto

Elements of Data Processing

Materials Management Level 1 & 2

1977-1978 George Brown College Toronto

Business Management - Accounting Level 1 and Marketing

Related Professional Learning

Maintain professional development through reading of leadership material, i.e., Leadership by Rudolf Giuliani, Good to Great, and Leader’s Digest DC Velocity and Materials Management and Distribution magazines to remain current of industry trends.

Attended Symbol’s “Extending your World” conference in Palm Springs, Ca. in June 2000. Conference aimed at users of RF technology

2004 attended NCOF Conference (National Conference on Operations and Fulfillment) in Chicago, Illinois

2005 attended NCOF Conference (National Conference on Operations and Fulfillment) in Dallas, Texas

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