Operations Leader - Growth & Process Improvement

FALICIA RHODES

Montgomery, AL 334-***-**** *********@******.*** LinkedIn.com/in/FaliciaRhodes

Business Operations Manager

• Growth-focused operations leader known for supporting executive teams, managing vendor relationships, and coordinating high-impact projects across construction, automotive, and consulting industries.

• Collaborate with senior leadership to design business strategies that generate sales, lower costs, improve internal systems, expand market reach, and influence process improvements while supporting organizational success.

• Earned reputation as a bridge builder, strengthening communication between leadership, vendors, and clients to ensure smooth day-to-day operations and strategic project execution. Open to relocate throughout AL and GA. Operations Management Process Improvement Workflow Optimization Strategic Planning Performance & KPI Tracking Project Management Event Coordination Risk Management Partnership Development Stakeholder Communication Cost Reduction Resource Allocation Staff Leadership Vendor Management Training Employee Management PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Minority Vendor Program – Montgomery, AL October 2023–Present BUSINESS OPERATIONS LIAISON, SOUTH ALABAMA

Serve as the primary point of contact, helping minority business owners accelerate program outcomes and training. Form strategic partnerships with DEI organizations and advocacy groups to expand vendor resources. Organize 10+ outreach events and engage with 200 vendors monthly. Support clients with certification and bonding process. Track contract awards and certification outcomes to drive program effectiveness and operational improvements. Deliver presentations and distribute promotional materials to educate vendors on program benefits. Influence capacity-building through construction training.

• Grew Minority Vendor Program (MVP) membership by 30% through targeted outreach efforts, relationship building, and consistent community engagement.

• Improved program participation 40% while leading statewide outreach campaign to promote MVP benefits across 4 major AL cities.

• Cut bonding timeline from weeks to 3 days for a minority construction vendor by facilitating bonding access, enabling them to win key contract for the Draper Prison Rebuild.

• Removed process barriers and improved service delivery by providing hands-on support for clients with limited digital access and initiating on-site registration and document assistance.

• Established strategic partnerships with Chamber of Commerce and key stakeholders to expand resource access and vendor connections, including Ron Matthews with Pinnacle Construction Group.

• Expanded program visibility and drove vendor enrollment by promoting outreach initiatives via Facebook, email, and in-person events.

Square Foot Consulting, LLC – Montgomery, AL October 2023–Present EXECUTIVE ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT / PROJECT ADMINISTRATOR Provide high-level administrative and operations support to the President and senior managers, including overseeing office management, calendar coordination, and vendor relations. Coordinate logistics for 4 annual MVP events, conferences, speaking engagements, sponsorships, and event registration. Act as liaison between stakeholders and project teams, supporting 200+ vendors and managing communication for upcoming projects, certifications, and RFPs.

• Streamlined internal operations by implementing centralized scheduling system and leading weekly team meetings to track action items and project updates.

• Developed and maintained detailed tracking spreadsheets to monitor proposal submissions, minority participation, certifications, and bonding for vendors bidding on the Draper Prison rebuild project.

• Created and managed a shared CEO and office calendar, improving cross-team visibility and coordination of daily operations and leadership activities.

• Upgraded time management and internal communication after designing centralized master calendar system that simplified deadlines / milestones, meetings, and events scheduling. FALICIA RHODES 334-***-**** *********@******.*** Page 2 Alabama Diversified Automotive Manufacturers – Montgomery, AL October 2014–October 2023 BUSINESS OPERATIONS MANAGER

Promoted to direct sales and service operations, including building high-value partnerships with regional automotive suppliers and manufacturers like Hyundai, Glovis, DAS, Kyungshin Lear, and Kia. Managed 200+ temporary employees. Trained 6 staff on employee intake, timesheet processing, scheduling, and invoicing to support operational growth and ensure compliance. Maintained weekly operational reviews with CEO to discuss staffing forecasts and client opportunities.

• Expanded client base from 0 to 5 accounts and generated $1.2M in revenue by identifying market needs, negotiating contract terms, and tailoring proposals to each supplier’s needs.

• Scaled temporary workforce from 0 to 100+ employees through direct engagement, competitive pay, persuasive advertising strategies, and targeted outreach within supplier network.

• Cut onboarding time 2-3 days, lowered injuries 50%, and saved $6K annually after becoming certified as a drug testing administrator, implementing in-house drug testing program, and securing wholesale supplies to lower costs.

• Preserved Kia account and maintained trust in ADAM’s reliability despite strict just-in-time production standards by resolving unexpected employee travel delay and proactively reassigning staff to alternate tasks on-site.

• Ensured on-time delivery and avoided costly operational delays by forecasting staffing needs based on order timelines. Alabama Diversified Automotive Manufacturers – Montgomery, AL October 2012–October 2014 FIELD OPERATIONS / STAFFING SUPERVISOR

Directed staffing operations and workforce development for 100+ temporary line operators that supported automotive suppliers throughout the River Region. Supervised 1 office assistant. Collaborated with consultants to provide professional training, employment counseling, and resource connections aimed at transitioning temps into permanent roles. Partnered with automotive suppliers to customize workforce training based on on-site observations and operational requirements.

• Converted 60% of 100+ temps to permanent roles within 6–12 months through training and AIDT partnership support.

• Decreased hiring costs and saved time for employers by pre-vetting temporary staff for employment.

• Leveraged strategic partnership with AIDT to enhance talent pipeline and align candidate training with hiring needs.

• Increased employee engagement and retention through monthly luncheons, attendance incentives, and feedback sessions focused on performance improvement, issue resolution, and customer service. Pepsi Buffalo Rock – Montgomery, AL January 2002–October 2008 NEW ACCOUNTS MANAGER

Led B2B sales, business development, and account management across 10-county territory. Leveraged professional selling strategies, budgetary oversight, and federal/state procurement procedures to expand client base and secure / manage government contracts. Identified and qualified construction vendors (Tier 1 & 2) for RFP distribution based on credentials and past performance. Ensured on-time bid submissions through effective communication and follow-up.

• Generated $500K in revenue for a college by selling premium stadium seating packages, conducting alumni demos, and gaining multiyear commitments.

• Improved sales after expanding territory into 7 new counties through strategic product replacement and sales analysis.

• Named Salesperson of the Year and Salesperson of the Quarter (2X) after driving sales turnaround in 3 counties through product repositioning, customer engagement, and promotional strategies.

• Secured contracts with school districts by aligning product options with new federal / state health guidelines, incorporating product mix changes, and restricting vending machine access based on school schedules. EDUCATION

Master of Science, Marketing Development Troy University – Troy, AL COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

Member, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc

Member, Sickle Cell Anemia Association Southern Region Board of Directors, Y. E. S. (Youth Employment Services)

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