John Zagata

Grand Blanc, MI – Open to Travel, Remote, Hybrid & On-site

810-***-**** ad0aky@r.postjobfree.com linkedin.com/in/JohnZagataBusinessInterpreter JohnZagata.com

BUSINESS VALUE

Proven results in engineering effective solutions to procedural and technical challenges and generating a lasting impact on business growth and success. Committed to pushing boundaries with strategic, creative solutions to drive performance and the effectiveness of Global 2,000 and Fortune 500 companies. Known for delivering substantial cost savings, process transformation, and data-driven improvements in business operations.

A thought leader in decision analytics and complex problem solving for operational systems and processes, focusing on providing exceptional customer service. Outstanding record leading teams and bridging the gap between generalists and specialists. An enthusiastic team leader with an enduring desire to change how people interact with transportation, energy, and the environment. Authentic, dependable and able to get things completed across all levels of the organization. Accomplished business process and people bridge-builder.

A collaborative Operations/Systems leader who adds value by:

Instituting extensive changes to implement new warehousing and warranty processes through third-party vendors resulting in cost savings of 40% and improving operational efficiency by 50%.

Engineering comprehensive business strategies and implementing service workstreams using teams capable of scaling at a 33% annual rate, increasing customer satisfaction and retention rates.

Significantly impacting the environmental, social, and governance behaviors of suppliers and carriers by conducting webinars and providing personal contact resulting in 2x the enrolled suppliers to over 1000 and improving transparency.

Areas of Expertise

Big Data Operating Plans Business Unit Strategies Manufacturing Floor Competitive Analysis Agile Scrum Methodology KPIs Customer Satisfaction Automation Team Leadership Strategic Leadership Cost Optimization Technology Management Strategic Alliances Contingency Planning Quality Management Employee Development Emerging Technologies Reorganizations Turnarounds IT Governance Project Management Brainstorming Solutions Best Practices Product Demo Business Intelligence Data Visualization Operations Management Energy Efficiency Energy Storage Renewable Energy Vendor Relationships Vehicle Parts Sales

Professional Experience Key Achievements

General Motors

Senior Business Operations Manager February 2023 October 2023

Spearheaded initiatives to provide exceptional customer service and enhance warehousing and service operations, including developing the service workstream. Led negotiations for warehousing terms with third-party vendors. Improved operational and distribution efficiency. Improved market visibility and profitability by directing the business strategy for go-to-market operations. Served as a mentor and leader for cross-functional teams focusing on leadership and teamwork capabilities. Exciting Vehicle-to-Grid (V2X) launch activities for distribution, service, and customer experience.

Key Skills: Team Leadership, Business Strategy, Workstreams, Negotiations, Management Consulting, Product Management, Digital Transformation, Continuous Improvement, Solve Complex Problems, Price Negotiation

Instituted extensive changes to implement new warehousing and warranty processes through a third-party vendor resulting in cost savings of 40% and improving operational efficiency by 50%.

Engineered a comprehensive business strategy and implemented a service workstream using a team of 18 capable of scaling at a 33% annual rate, increasing customer satisfaction and retention rates.

Sustainability Manager November 2021 February 2023

Strategically guided the sharing of metric data to improve social responsibility in the Global Purchasing and Supply Chain arena. Led sustainability and spending initiatives focusing on enrolling suppliers and increasing social responsiveness. Managed data set analysis, strategy improvement, and program management. Responsible for customer engagement regarding collaborative accountability, educational initiatives, and regional outreach. Noble business to ensure suppliers, carriers, and buyers were properly engaged in ESG, including social and ethical behaviors.

Key Skills: Sustainability, Global Purchasing, Supply Chain Compliance, Data Analysis, Governance, Continuous Improvement, Renewable Energy, Health & Wellness, Greener, Newsletters, Content Creation, Bidding Process

Significantly impacted suppliers' and carriers' environmental, social, and governance behaviors by conducting webinars and providing personal contact, doubling the enrolled suppliers to over 1000, and improving transparency with suppliers.

Led a team to enhance compliance with social and environmental impact modeled after the UNEP correcting 22 accounts and saving $11B in spending.

Supply Chain Project Manager February 2021 November 2021

Impressive streamlining of business processes to modern standards through improved panning and efficiencies. Demonstrated expertise in understanding and assessing complex supply chain issues and leading cross-functional teams to successfully resolve issues. Protected production schedule through Protection of Supply initiatives, while modernizing business rules. Displayed strong leadership abilities and cross-functional capabilities creating content for the Future of Supply Chain team using agile and scrum methodologies in a high change management environment.

Key Skills: Supply Chain Management, Customer Relationship Management (CRM), Product Development, Marketing, Risk Management, Research, Acquisition Strategies, User Needs, Transportation Process Mapping

Demonstrated expertise in understanding and assessing complex supply chain issues and leading cross-functional teams to successfully resolve issues, resulting in minimizing impacts to vehicle production and achieving impressive cost savings of 40 seconds per transaction through requirements gathering, requirements analysis, and user acceptance testing.

Reduced screens by 33% using Agile and Scrum methodologies to transform roles and implement process-driven solutions for future sundry tasks- revealing solutions and the software development life cycle.

Materials Control Manager August 2016 February 2021

Promoted to lead and train UAW members and salaried employees. Implemented efficient inventory controls, risk management, and material delivery. Defined milestones and success criteria through metrics and in close collaboration with multiple departments to drive overall success. Researched best prices, monitored inventory levels, distributed supplies, and negotiated contracts. Recommended solutions to existing processes to reduce waste and increase quantity. Protected production through foresight and strategic thinking to reduce risk from supply chain.

Key Skills: Change Requests, 5S Methodology of Lean Production, Global Manufacturing, Supply Processes, Root Cause Analysis, Coaching, Mentoring, Set Goals, Influence Others, Transportation Operation Improvement

Managed a department of 55 to 99.9% uptime by implementing continuous improvement behaviors.

Protected K2xx truck Build Out, demonstrating foresight and strategic thinking while enabling a full day pull ahead strategy for production planning and strategic sourcing through supply chain optimization.

Distribution Operations Manager June 2007 August 2016

Provided expert brand placement creation, management, development, and marketing to increase sales. Streamlined sales processes and improved forecasting and accuracy. Successfully managed an almost $1M budget using predictive analytics and created strategies to improve customer retention and relationship satisfaction. Served as SME for comprehensive enterprise business processes using problem-solving and change management skills. Improved effective product support solutions to meet ambiguous metrics. Simplified business processes by in-depth analysis of business development partners while improving distribution.

Key Skills: Global KPIs, Customer Care Management, Enterprise Warehouse Management, eSAP Reporting, Business Process Improvement, Leadership, Process Adherence, Gap Analysis, Analytics, SQL, Business System

Enabled the company to sell during SAP downtime at $100MM per event by bridging the gap between a legacy data system and a new system.

Remotely led a team of 25 in four countries through training and sharing business learnings, reducing training by 50% and improving efficiency.

Field Sales Manager December 2003 June 2007

Counseled accounts for sustainable business practices to increase revenue and reduce fixed cost. Increased key account management revenue. Conducted warranty audits. Secured direct account participation in all national programs. Increased customer pay part sales by motivating vehicle and accessories teams. Increased dealership profitability while increasing company revenue for fixed operations.

Key Skills: Customer Relationship Management (CRM), Product Development, Sales, Marketing, Service, MS Excel, Process Reengineering, Financial Analyses, Enterprise Reporting, Requirements Elicitation, Data Cube

Counseled accounts on proper electronic ordering procedure and increased key account management revenue by $2MM.

Transitioned all accounts to Enterprise Resource Planning with Warehouse Management System. Achieved 68% increase in customer service management efficiency by using an electronic warehouse platform.

Product Strategy Planning Manager October 2000 December 2003

Developed, analyzed, and presented business cases to stakeholders and customers with attention to business needs and action plans. Defined business strategy to attract customers and updated and executed account plans. Managed, supported, and mentored a new business development team and associated sales plans supporting the industry. Strategic thinking and leadership providing insight to sales and developing business process to maintain growth.

Key Skills: Deep Dive Analysis, Layering Techniques, Incentive Tracking, Auditing, Due Diligence, Business Plans, CRM Tools, Sequel Server, Sales, Marketing, Service, Budgeting, Data Analytics, Project Management

Incorporated a new CRM tool into a new business analysis model to streamline processes and save four hours of administrative activity.

Created a matrix utilizing account-based marketing metrics establishing weekly communication with executives resulting in $1.33MM in sales within the first day and an overall 7% increase in sales.

Earlier Experience:

Project Manager: Implemented innovative strategies such as an interactive catalog and buyers’ guild. Developed an auditable monthly incentive tally sheet process improvement.

Manufacturing Supervisor: Demonstrated strong problem-solving abilities while successfully reconciling issues with warehousing, shipping, and utilizing. Developed effective management skills while overseeing warehouse personnel.

Education

Master of Public Administration (MPA) Environmental Science University of Michigan - Rackham Graduate

Bachelor of Science (BS) Environmental Studies Western Michigan University

Bachelor of Science (BS) International Comparative Political Science Western Michigan University

Core Competencies

Professional & Leadership Skills: Administration Change Management Corporate Social Responsibility Customer Relationship Management Client Relations Global Logistics Growth Strategies Labor Relations Lean Oracle Problem Resolution SaaS Scrum SWOT and Needs Analysis Vendor Negotiations Sustainability Operational Efficiency Stewardship Innovation Mentoring Finance Cooperation Communication Skills International Trade Inspire Energy Greener Renewable Energy Technical Specifications Relational Database Concepts Back Office

Contact this candidate