Human Resources Project Manager

ROSS LAKIN

Valencia, CA *****

****.*****@******.*** 818-***-**** linkedin.com/in/rosslakin

Manager Information Technology

Results-driven IT Manager with extensive expertise in managing IT infrastructure, ERP systems, and cybersecurity in manufacturing and distribution environments. Skilled in developing and implementing IT strategies to improve operational efficiency, minimize downtime, and integrate technology with production processes. Expertise in private cloud systems, project management, and leading teams to deliver scalable, secure IT solutions. Proven ability to manage budgets, vendor relationships, and ensure compliance with industry standards. Skills include:

ERP Applications / Systems

Department / Team Management

Network & Helpdesk Operations

Technology Outsourcing / Off shoring

DR & Business Continuity Planning

Project Management

Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC)

MSP & Vendor Contract Management

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Director of IT / IS Adept Fasteners, Valencia, CA 2024 – Present

Led and managed an IT team (local and remote) and MSP. Planning of IT projects both from an infrastructure (outsourced to an MSP) and within the Adept organization.

Led partnership with an external business provider to secure CMMC Level 2 certification (NIST 800.171) to ensure full compliance and regulatory readiness.

Led project planning and execution for upgrading unsupported Windows Server 2012 virtual machines in collaboration with MSP.

Developed and executed the budget and project plan for Windows 11 upgrades for approx. 250 PC’s.

Director of IT / IS Abbyson Living, Woodland Hills, CA 2023 – 2024

Management and planning of IT projects both from an infrastructure (outsourced to an MSP) and within the Abbyson organization.

Managed projects with local IT staff and business stakeholders to ensure Windows server environment was supportable (migration of Windows 2012 servers to Windows 2022 server).

Director of IT / IS ODU USA, Camarillo, CA 2016 – 2022

Led the planning, development, and management of IT and IS infrastructure, aligning technology strategy with global corporate guidelines. Advised executive leadership on IT innovations to drive business objectives, efficiency, and growth. Partnered with Global IT team to implement company-wide IT initiatives.

Collaborated with operations to align IT systems, including ERP and manufacturing execution systems (MES), with business goals, ensuring data accuracy and real-time decision-making.

Delivered $600k in annual savings by building IT / IS team of qualified FTE’s removing reliance on outside consultants. Team supports all IT / IS functions across 3 locations and integrates with IT / IS guidelines managed from company headquarters in Germany.

Recommended and delivered datacenters in new manufacturing and distribution facilities (US and MX).

Implementation of webstore fully integrated with North American ERP (Great Plains 2016).

Implemented infrastructure upgrades that enhanced scalability and reduced downtime for manufacturing operations

Manager, Provider Experience, WELLPOINT / ANTHEM, INC., Thousand Oaks, CA 2012 – 2015

Primary business lead for consolidating 8 legacy provider databases to single enterprise provider database. Collaborated with IT configuration managers and users to resolve production issues for West Region.

Led the first-phase rollout of the enterprise provider database, enabling the first region’s transition and eliminating manual, labor-intensive data management tasks.

Implemented enterprise-wide reporting and services for the operational data store, establishing a single source of truth for provider data and a standardized set of reports and services.

Senior Director, Sales and Distribution Applications EMI MUSIC, Hollywood, CA 2005 – 2012

Led local, remote, offshore, and contract teams to deliver projects, support applications, and maintain systems. Managed regional and strategic initiatives, driving technology transformation as the music industry moved to digital distribution (e.g., iTunes integration). Ensured ERP disaster recovery compliance.

Managed systems configuration / integration, supporting manufacturing, distribution, and returns to single 3rd-party operation outsourcing model in US with $10M savings over 5-year contract.

Transitioned in-house development to an offshore vendor, cutting costs by $700K annually and implementing a flexible staffing model for large projects

Directed development and implementation for Canadian business to business (B2B) 3rd-party label sales reporting modules generating $1M gain in sales and improved inventory management.

Consolidated distributed labels into North American ERP allowing centralized operations delivering $1M annually due to labor reduction, decreased transportation costs, and consolidated systems.

Implemented and integrated new WMS system into North American ERP for US distribution facilities, saving $800K annually in transportation reductions and paperless picking.

Executed integration of a global master product release system for digital releases, eliminating manual data entry and saving $100K annually.

EDUCATION

AA, Langley College, United Kingdom

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Certified Scrum Master (CSM).

CompTIA Network+.

VMware vSphere Install, Configure, Manage v6.7

ITIL Service Management Essentials, ITIL Foundations Certificate.

Project Management Certificate Program, International Institute for Learning.

APCS for World Software, Technical Foundation for World Software, JD Edwards.

TECHNICAL EXPERTISE

Applications:

Microsoft Great Plains (2013, 2016, 2018), Microsoft CRM, Accellos WMS,

Salespad, k-eCommerce, JD Edwards World Software (Order to Cash), SAP, Provia WMS, EDI, Remedy Helpdesk, ServiceNow, Microsoft 365 Administration, Kaseya, Connectwise, Threatlocker, DUO, Keeper, MDM.

Software:

VMWare 7.0, SQL Server 2014, Windows Server 2012, 2019, 2022, SSRS, Citrix Workspace, MS Office, MS Project, MS Visio, EDI, Power BI, Tableau.

Hardware Platforms:

Dell Poweredge, Cisco Unity, Dell Unity, Dell Equallogic, Cisco switches, Cisco CUCM Administration, Palo Alto firewall, Unitrend backup, Dell/EMC Networker.

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