JEFFREY GRAYLESS
Cypress, TX ***** 832-***-**** *************@*****.***
PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY
Dynamic and results-driven Logistics and Supply Chain Executive with over three decades of experience driving operational excellence, cost optimization, and strategic freight management within the transportation and logistics industry. Adept at budget oversight, contract negotiation, and route optimization, with a proven track record of generating multimillion-dollar cost savings and revenue growth. Skilled in leveraging data analytics and performance metrics to enhance efficiency, mitigate risks, and align logistics strategies with broader corporate objectives. A decisive leader with expertise in process improvement, cross-functional team leadership, and strategic decision-making at the senior management level.
AREAS OF EXPERTISE
End-to-End Supply Chain Optimization
Freight Procurement & Carrier Negotiation
Budget & Cost Control ($26M+ Annual Oversight)
Logistics Performance Metrics & Data Analytics
Operational Excellence & Process Streamlining
Strategic Route Optimization & Risk Mitigation
Cross-Functional Leadership & Team Development
Contract Management & Vendor Relations
Stakeholder Collaboration & Executive Reporting
Advanced Microsoft Excel & Transportation Software
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Gulf Pacific Rice Co. – Houston, TX
Logistics Manager September 2006 – March 2024
Managed a $26 million annual freight budget, identifying inefficiencies and implementing cost-control strategies that reduced transportation expenses by 30%, significantly improving profitability without compromising service quality.
Led negotiations with over 50 freight carriers, securing high-value contracts that enhanced logistics efficiency and optimized long-term cost structures.
Developed and implemented a data-driven freight procurement strategy, improving cost predictability, reducing procurement cycle times, and streamlining vendor selection.
Directed large-scale shipping operations, ensuring on-time deliveries, compliance with industry regulations, and seamless coordination between warehouse, transportation, and customer service teams.
Instituted performance management frameworks that leveraged advanced analytics and KPIs to monitor logistics performance, identify bottlenecks, and drive continuous process improvements.
Optimized freight spend efficiencies, renegotiating rates and consolidating shipments to maximize utilization while maintaining service reliability.
Implemented corrective action strategies to mitigate recurring shipping errors and enhance overall supply chain integrity.
Provided strategic guidance to senior leadership, delivering data-backed insights that influenced executive decision-making and improved long-term logistics planning.
A.J. Saragusa Trucking – Houston, TX
Director of Operations 2001 – 2006
Oversaw company-wide transportation and logistics operations, optimizing end-to-end supply chain workflows to enhance efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
Developed and executed strategic cost-reduction initiatives, negotiating advantageous freight contracts that improved the company's financial performance.
Led cross-functional teams, improving collaboration across operations, finance, and vendor management to align logistics functions with corporate objectives.
Implemented technology-driven logistics solutions, increasing shipment visibility and enhancing tracking capabilities to improve customer satisfaction.
Frozen Food Express / Am-Can Logistics
Logistics Manager 1998 – 2001
Directed freight management strategies, enhancing transportation efficiencies while maintaining strict compliance with industry standards.
Negotiated carrier contracts to optimize shipping costs, securing favorable pricing structures and ensuring consistent service levels.
Developed key logistics performance indicators (KPIs) to track on-time delivery rates, route efficiency, and cost savings.
Championed process automation initiatives, integrating new logistics software to improve operational accuracy and reporting capabilities.
C.H. Robinson
Account Representative 1989 – 1998
Managed and expanded key client accounts, leveraging data-driven insights to improve freight cost allocation and route planning.
Developed tailored transportation solutions, optimizing supply chain efficiency while meeting unique customer requirements.
Collaborated with logistics teams and vendors to resolve complex freight challenges and ensure seamless cargo movement.
SIGNIFICANT ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Increased company revenue by $8.64 million through strategic carrier contract negotiations and freight cost optimization.
Drove a 30% reduction in freight costs, generating multimillion-dollar savings by optimizing procurement processes, consolidating shipments, and leveraging market intelligence.
Designed and implemented an advanced freight cost tracking system using Microsoft Excel, enhancing budget oversight and financial forecasting capabilities.
Successfully managed high-volume logistics operations, overseeing thousands of shipments annually while maintaining above-industry-standard on-time delivery rates.
Spearheaded logistics process automation, improving operational accuracy, reporting efficiency, and real-time shipment tracking.
Led high-performing teams, providing mentorship and professional development opportunities that fostered a culture of continuous improvement and accountability.
Presented actionable logistics insights to senior executives, influencing corporate decision-making and long-term logistics strategy development.
EDUCATION
Sam Houston State University – Huntsville, TX
Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA), Marketing