Demetrios “Jim” Galatatzis
** ******** ******, **********, *.Y. 11758 631-***-**** ***.**********@*****.***
SUMMARY: Over 20 years of experience in Transportation Management with a proven track record in the overall performance of all functions found at a Branch including company prescribed achievements and client objectives with regards to quality, safety, productivity, customer service and financial performance. Effective communication, analytical and organizational skills with attention to details and the ability to work effectively under pressure. Strong decision making and leadership skills with the ability to motivate personnel. Multitask oriented and able to work in a fast-paced environment while maintaining a professional and courteous manner.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE:
Woodland Group, Elizabeth, NJ 2020-Present
Branch Manager
Establish operational policies and plans in accordance with the Company’s overall business goals, objectives, philosophy and policies.
Lead personnel in the development and maintenance of a high performing, customer-focused branch facility (operations, warehouse and customer service functions) and region. Prepare, implement, and manage strategic and operational plans to meet short and long-term objectives and goals.
Implement continuous operational improvement processes designed to achieve operational excellence and defined performance metrics. Ensure employees are trained, measured, coached and managed in the execution of global operational processes and standards, company business and human resource practices.
Negotiate and monitor supplier, vendor contracts as necessary (e.g., negotiate with air carriers, resolve exceptional claims or disputes).
Develop and maintain presence in local trade / shipping community (e.g. networking within related associations), relationships with air and ocean carrier representatives, regular contact with major clients and successful business relationships within Global Network.
Prepare timely, accurate management information and reporting as specified and requested by the company policies.
Create environment of respectful, prompt and efficient customer relations.
Expertly interact with colleagues and affiliates to develop strategies for growth and establish credibility.
Interview, hire and maintain appropriate staffing levels. Encourage and administer appropriate professional development and training. Administer performance reviews.
Ensure a clean, properly organized, safe, healthy and professional business facility and environment for all personnel.
LF Logistics, Springfield Gardens, NY 2016-2019
Branch Manager (2018 – 2019)
·Responsible for development and maintenance of an efficient and profitable operation providing full scale air, ocean and brokerage services
·Established operational policies and plans in accordance with the Company’s overall business goals, objectives, philosophy and policies.
·Lead personnel in the development and maintenance of a high performing, customer-focused branch facility (operations, brokerage and customer service functions) and region. Prepare, implement, and manage strategic and operational plans to meet short and long-term objectives and goals.
·Implemented continuous operational improvement processes designed to achieve operational excellence. Ensure employees are trained, coached and managed in the execution of global operational processes and standards, company business and human resource practices.
·Negotiated and monitored supplier and vendor contracts, as necessary.
·Developed and maintained presence in local trade / shipping community (e.g. networking within related associations), relationships with ocean and air carrier representatives, regular contact with major clients and successful business relationships within Global Network.
·Prepared timely, accurate management information and reporting as specified and requested by the company policies.
·Create environment of respectful, prompt and efficient customer relations.
·Interviewed, hired and maintained appropriate staffing levels. Encourage and administer appropriate professional development and training.
·Ensure a clean, properly organized, safe, healthy and professional business facility and environment for all personnel.
Project Manager (2016 – 2018)
·Drive Customer Solution, process modification and definition of KPIs, including the preparation of appropriate documentation such as the related system configuration/enhancements specifications, process diagrams and SOPs
·Write, modify and/or review user documentation, ensuring an appropriate level of quality in terms of level of details, illustration, timeliness, ease of use and accuracy.
·Support local offices, before, during and after system deployment to ensure a disruption free deployment which delivers operational efficiency and service excellence.
·Develop and maintain expert-level user knowledge of the selected software package (CargoWise One) and related solutions for import and export operation.
·Contribute to the modification/enhancement of documents, reports & interfaces.
·Collaborate to maintain master databases.
·Participate in project operation testing and/or verification of the entire solution before, during and after deployment.
·Support Business by building presentations that highlight our solutions
BTX Global Logistics, Jamaica, NY 2014-2016
Station Manager
·Oversee the station performance, conformance standards as well as operations and sales staff to include the profitability and P&L responsibilities as outlined by the Executive Management team
·Ensure all aspects of station budget are achieved and maintained in accordance with company objectives
·Ensure the station is compliant with the company conformance standards in freight movement, freight billing and freight payables to include but not limited to customer aging and support of collections
·Maintain relationships with Air Carriers and with local PU&D vendors to facilitate cost containment negotiations with the PU&D vendors and on lane segments with Air Carriers
·Work with station sales and Sales Managers to assist with but not limited to weekly sales meetings, quarterly business reviews with Global accounts and identifying business development opportunities
·Assist station staff to resolve day to day problems
·Weekly meetings with staff to ensure efficiencies in their work responsibilities
·Building management and related utilities to include working with the landlord on any issues with the facility
·Responsible for facility meeting all regulatory requirements including but not limited to: OSHA, TSA & Port Authority
·Maintenance of trucks and material handling equipment to include Preventive Maintenance on a regular basis (ensuring all trucks have the necessary material handling equipment such as straps, pallet jacks and cargo bars)
·Ensure DOT driver logs and daily inspection reports are maintained in accordance with regulations
UTi, United States, Inc., Springfield Gardens, NY 2012-2014
Logistics Manager (2014)
·Plan, direct and implement warehouse operations and administrative support to meet prescribed productivity and service goals, operating in compliance with federal, state and local statutes.
·Participate in company marketing and sales efforts, including planning new account strategies, developing and quoting rates, negotiating contracts and closing new agreements.
·Assist in the establishment of UTi customer service standards and communicate those standards to all personnel, assuring that clients receive the required level of warehouse operations and administrative support.
·Maintain extensive contact with the freight forwarding operation and respond to requests when required.
·Develop and manage a system of controls to ensure that service levels and operational performance goals are met within prescribed cost, revenue and profit parameters.
·Train new and existing associates in specific warehouse work instructions for receiving, labeling, storing, shipping, value add services as required, proper use of WMS and safety compliance.
Import Operations Manager (2013-2014)
·Responsible for the management of the Import Services team and client deliverables to ensure that the client receives excellent service
·Serve as an escalation point for issues outside of the authority of the Import Service Agent or Import Service Supervisor to include all customer service functions and all operational functions related to import business including dealing with air carrier issues
·Developed relationships with major clients and became familiar with key contacts, unique requirements and operating processes
·Improved and deployed policies and procedures by effectively managing and guiding Import Service Agents and Supervisors
·Ensure that the company core operational processes are meeting targeted service levels and that the team is meeting company and client specific KPI targets
Operations & Compliance Manager (2012 – 2013)
·Responsible for ensuring Branch compliance with security and compliance regulations as related to the TSA Indirect Air Carrier Standard Program, Certified Cargo Screening Program, Dangerous Goods Program and as well general Facility Security
·Manage warehouse personnel and vendors supporting the warehouse operation as it relates to vendor-supplied human resources, procedures and quality management
·Principal Facility Security Coordinator on all TSA/FAA related security and compliance matters
·Conduct internal self-assessments and develop corrective action plans to ensure resolution of any issues found
·Maintain employee records and coordinate new and recurrent certifications for staff using on-site, on-line or off-site training programs as applicable
·Plan, direct and implement warehouse operations and administrative support to meet prescribed productivity and service goals, operating in compliance with federal, state and local statutes
·Participate in company marketing and sales efforts, including planning new account strategies, developing and quoting rates, negotiating contracts and closing new agreements
·Assist in the establishment of UTi customer service standards and communicate those standards to all personnel, assuring that clients receive the required level of warehouse operations and administrative support
·Maintain extensive contact with the freight forwarding operation and respond to requests when required
·Develop and manage a system of controls to ensure that service levels and operational performance goals are met within prescribed cost, revenue and profit parameters
·Train new and existing associates in specific warehouse work instructions for receiving, labeling, storing, shipping, value add services as required, proper use of WMS and safety compliance
·Assist the Gateway with daily operation to ensure airline block space agreements were met
BAX Global/DB Schenker Inc., Springfield Gardens, NY 2004-2012
Warehouse Manager – JFK/Gateway (2009 – 2012)
·Ensure compliance with TSA mandated regulations pertaining to CCSF as the Alternate FSC (Facility Security Coordinator)
·Coordinate and maintain all training relating to CCSF (Certified Cargo Screening Facility) as a Cargo Screening Supervisor
·Establish and maintain warehouse operational infrastructure and daily operating schedules
·Develop and maintain ISO level operation guidelines and productivity standards
·Price all new business associated within facility
·Responsible for internal training center within operation
International Service Supervisor – JFK/Gateway (2004 – 2009)
·Responsible for the supervision of all international service activities to ensure customer service
·Daily interaction with domestic and foreign air carriers to procure rates for existing lanes and negotiate rates for emerging lanes
·Prepared and submitted quotations and international management reports as requested
·Assisted in identifying and improving service and operations related issues at a station level
·Assisted in auditing and researching service performance issues and developed recommendations for improvements
·Maintained the security of freight in accordance with procedures
·Ensured a safe working environment through consistent practice of safety programs and procedures
·Selected and placed staff ensured staff received training for job activities and defined specific job assignments in a Collective Bargaining Agreement. Managed performance to ensure required levels of productivity and achievement of organizational objectives were met
EDUCATION
Dowling College, Oakdale, NY
B.S. Airway Science Management
Perry’s Flight School, Westhampton Beach, NY
Commercial Pilot Certificate with Multi-engine and Instrument rating
CERTIFCATIONS
Certified CargoWise One Operator
ACTIVITIES / HOBBIES
Fitness Training, Weightlifting, Tennis, Racquetball