Chip St. John
The Woodlands, TX - 281-***-****
****.**.****@*****.*** - linkedin.com/in/chipstjohn
Summary
Results-driven supply chain leader with extensive expertise across logistics, procurement, and operations. Proven track record in optimizing processes, driving cost efficiencies, and leading transformative projects. Highly skilled in strategic sourcing, ERP systems, and team development, with a focus on operational excellence and delivering measurable business impact. Core competencies:
•Supply Chain Strategy
•Team Development
•3rd Party Trucking
•Logistics Optimization
•Digital Transformation
•Fleet Management
•Project Management
•Strategic Sourcing
•Order Fulfillment Lifecycle
•Distribution Operations
•International Shipping
•Contract Negotiation
•Supplier Management
•Project Cargo
•Bulk Distribution
Education & Certifications
•Master of Science (MS), Technology Project Management & Logistics, University of Houston, 2003
•Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA), Operations Management, University of Houston, 1998
•Certified Project Management Professional (PMP), Project Management Institute (2005 - Present)
•Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP), ASCM/APICS (2020 - Present)
•Certified in Logistics, Transportation and Distribution (CLTD), ASCM/APICS (2021 - Present)
Professional Experience
Merichem Company, Houston, TX 2012- 2025
Merichem is a recognized global partner serving the oil and gas industries with focused technology, chemical, and service solutions.
Vice President of Operations
•Held full accountability for the entire logistics infrastructure, network, and assets.
•Led a cross-functional team of logistics and customer service professionals, overseeing the end-to-end order lifecycle for the shipment of bulk liquid hazardous chemicals, from order entry to invoicing and accounts receivable.
•Held full accountability for all Information Technology functions, ensuring optimal system performance and security.
•Directed corporate Environmental, Health, and Safety initiatives to ensure regulatory compliance and best practices.
•Project Manager for the successful sourcing, selection, and implementation of a new ERP system; served as System Administrator to ensure system integrity and efficiency.
•Managed P&L responsibilities, driving financial performance that exceeded budgeted targets for profits, cash flows, and EBITDA.
•Identified and executed cost-saving strategies, cost recovery initiatives, and network optimization projects, resulting in annual savings of $1.9MM.
•Developed and implemented inventory management strategies for millions of gallons of inventory, including tank space sourcing, contract negotiations, and partnership optimization with terminals to maximize throughput efficiency.
•Designed and led the Sales and Operations Planning (S&OP) process, fostering cross-departmental collaboration and alignment.
•Created and executed strategies for the management of owned and leased barge assets, including fleet size modeling, sourcing, and lease and freight negotiations.
•Developed and executed rail strategies to support forecasted sales volumes, including rail fleet size modeling, railcar sourcing, safety program implementation, and contract negotiations.
•Led the logistics for domestic and international project cargo movements, coordinating multi-million-dollar equipment modules.
•Oversaw corporate procurement operations, driving efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
Haynes Furniture / The Dump Furniture, Houston, TX 2007-2011
Haynes Furniture is a privately held $350mm company specializing in home furnishings, mattresses, oriental rugs, and flooring.
Director of Logistics, Customer Service, and Quality Assurance
•Spearheaded the planning, organization, and development of position descriptions, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and continuous improvement processes for a nationwide customer service call center that I built and led.
•Led logistics and customer service departments, managing a team of approximately 30 employees to ensure operational efficiency and customer satisfaction.
•Oversaw logistics operations for inbound domestic and international shipments, including sourcing, rate negotiations, shipment scheduling, and receiving across multiple facilities.
•Managed all staff-related functions, including capacity planning, forecasting accuracy, budgeting, recruitment, HR compliance, performance reviews, training, and disciplinary actions.
•Sourced and managed large-scale outsourced services for all company locations, including third-party delivery providers and furniture repair services.
•Directed the purchase order replenishment process, focusing on forecasting sales, monitoring depletion rates, and aligning inventory supply with demand.
•Led a company-wide software upgrade project to modernize the organization's most critical application, including overseeing training and documentation initiatives.
•Managed the creation and implementation of a standardized, company-wide SOP to streamline processes and improve consistency across operations.
Enaxis Consulting, L.P., Houston, TX 2006-2007
Enaxis Consulting is a specialized consulting firm focused on being the trusted advisor for digital enablement of business.
Engagement Manager - Consultant
•Contributed to the development of an extremely technical RFP involving the purchase of more than $100 million/yr of IT services for one of the world's largest airlines.
•Promoted from Consultant to Engagement Manager within six months of hire.
Vopak North America, Inc., Houston, TX 2001-2006
Vopak North America Inc. operates terminals and tanks for storing chemicals, petroleum products, vegetable oils, liquid fertilizers, asphalt, biodiesel, ethanol, fuel oils, gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel in the United States and Canada.
Manager of Procurement and Standardization
•Optimized procurement operations and enhanced efficiency within a highly decentralized, multi-facility environment.
•Conducted an in-depth analysis of company spending and the "procure-to-pay" process, leading to the standardization of purchasing practices, strategic vendor negotiations, and the implementation of sourcing strategies for critical items.
•Redesigned procurement systems and processes to streamline workflows, simplifying approvals for high-volume, low-cost transactions and allowing for greater focus on strategic sourcing where needed.
•Led the successful implementation of the JD Edwards One World procurement system, resulting in a 60% reduction in the Approvers' workflow, 50% in Buyers' workflow, and 50% in Requisitioners' workflow.
•Developed and established key performance indicators (KPIs) and a monthly reporting process that reduced invoice exceptions by 48%.
•Directed the largest process improvement initiative in company history, managing six concurrent teams of nine members each over a six-month period, ensuring all deliverables were met on time.
Resource Logistics, LLC, Houston, TX 1999-2001 (Acquired by Vopak)
A privately held 3rd Party logistics services provider specializing in railcar management.
Manager of Logistics
•Delivered third-party rail logistics support and consulting services to the company’s largest accounts, ensuring optimized operations.
•Coordinated cross-functional efforts with executive leadership, plant operations, and customer service teams to align on key logistics objectives.
•Conducted rail fleet utilization studies, including fleet sizing and modeling, to identify opportunities for cost reduction and operational efficiency.
•Provided on-site consulting and logistics management to enhance rail operations and improve overall service delivery.
Former United States Army Soldier, 76C MOS - Equipment Records and Parts Specialist
•Maintained vital records in support of unit readiness, maintenance control, and repair parts supply at direct and general support levels