Donald Blair

253-***-**** ad3548@r.postjobfree.com

Executive Leader, Operations

Staff Engagement Operational Excellence Entrepreneurship

Forward-focused executive with expertise in transforming cultures and driving operational success

Strategic Leader with 20+ years of experience and a background in driving operational initiatives & projects within a variety of environments. Subject Matter Expert and Organizational Leader in the areas of strategy development, team mentoring/management, new system/process implementation, and change management. Excel in leading large-scale initiatives while maintaining high levels of quality/efficiency. Demonstrated success in improving staff engagement & collaboration, mentoring cross-functional teams, and identifying potential areas of improvement within the organization.

Areas of Excellence

Transportation Logistics/Operations • Human Resources • Executive Leadership • Strategic Planning • Client Relations

Financial Planning & Analysis • Adaptability/Flexibility • New Software Implementation • Operational Cost Reduction

Leadership Development • Operational Process Improvement • Staff Mentoring/Training • Data-Driven Decision Making

Professional Experience

Xpress Global Systems April 2017-Present

Manager of Operations, Pacific Northwest (2018-Present)

Acting Service Center Manager (2018-2019)

Key Leader within the organization with a focus on leading operations throughout the Pacific Northwest. Design and implement innovative processes and best practices in addition to identifying potential areas of operational improvement. Consistently encourage a positive working environment by fostering open communication and obtaining staff buy-in on all initiatives.

Provide coaching and individualized mentoring to internal team members, built profitable partnerships with key stakeholders, and consistently exceed business/operational goals

As an Acting Service Center Manager, oversaw operations within an individual service center during the process of closing the center and efficiently ending all operations

Rollout Trainer – Cheetah System (2018-2019)

Selected to lead an initiative aimed at rolling out the Cheetah system across several terminals. Planned and executed the roll-out process, provided both remote and on-site training, and assisted individuals with specific questions as needed.

Played a lead role in ensuring adherence with project goals and operational best practices along with acting as a product advocate which improved overall buy-in across the team

Operations Supervisor (2017-2018)

Hired into a leadership role and tasked with leading both day to day and long-term terminal operations. Developed long-term strategies that aligned with organizational goals, monitored KPIs and financial metrics, and supervised team members. Worked closely with both new and existing customers to ensure a consistently seamless and positive experience.

Reviewed and diffused escalated operational issues in a professional manner which reduced operational risk in addition to leading specialized initiatives aimed at improving metrics

Reddaway Trucking Company June 2015-April 2017

Operations Supervisor

Led operations across a variety of regions on behalf of a successful transportation company. Completed in-depth strategic planning and forecasting to identify potential areas of both opportunity and risk. Developed strategies that were concentrated on ensuring all products were delivered in a timely and safe manner daily. Maintained oversight of all functional areas ranging from human resources, financial management, scheduling, and customer service.

Reddaway Trucking Company Continued:

Supervised team members in all departments ranging from Dockworkers to administrative personnel which required providing individualized coaching and guidance along with handling both performance and disciplinary issues

Worked in tandem with internal teams in the areas of linehaul, OS&D, billing, and corporate human resources to manage daily operations and ensure a successful site

Safeway June 2000-April 2015

Person in Charge

Hired into an entry-level position and quickly promoted to a leadership due to an ability to effectively manage daily operations and ensure high levels of productivity and profitability. Oversaw front-end operations with a concentration on supervising Front-End Clerks and Front-End Supervisors during day to day customer service operations. Ensured compliance with regulatory standards related to food safety, OSHA, sanitation, money handling, and consumer protection laws (recalls).

Responded quickly to disciplinary and/or performance issues with team members, diffused escalated customer service situations, and coordinated the scheduling/delegation of work activities to team members

Directed merchandising logistics with a focus on implemented corporate-wide merchandising promotions, planning for displays in the front-end layout, and maintaining display stock

Completed detailed financial and staffing forecasting which resulted in consistently achieving metrics along with ensuring sales goals were communicated across the entire team

Additional roles held with Safeway Include: Head Night Stocker, Front-End Manager, Safety Coordinator, and Inventory Control Clerk

Foot Locker October 1994-August 1999

Manager

Directed store operations within a fast-paced retail environment which centered on supervising team members, providing exceptional customer service, and managing store metrics. Maintained an expert-level knowledge of internal products, researched current market trends, and assisted customers in making a selection based on their preferences.

Coordinated the planning and execution of strategies/promotions along with overseeing store merchandising, visual presentation/layout, and sales

Mentored and trained all staff members along with leading both hiring and termination tasks in conjunction with corporate human resources teams

Military Experience

United States Marine Corps. 1985-1991

Positions Held Include: Squad leader, Assistant Squad Leader, Heavy Weapon Specialist, Communications/Navigation/Systems Technician, Crew Chief, and Plane Captain

Education

Bachelor’s Degree, Business Administration, Minor in Military Science

The University of Washington, Seattle, WA

Community Involvement

Volunteer, The First Tee of Greater Seattle, 2015-2017

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