Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Timeline
Generic

Adam Cole

Hudsonville

Summary

Operations professional with extensive experience in driving business efficiency and productivity. Known for fostering team collaboration and achieving significant operational improvements. Highly reliable and adaptable to evolving business needs, excelling in strategic planning and process optimization. Experienced in both union and non-union environments.

Overview

2027
2027
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Vice President of Operations

SYSCO Food Services
Grand Rapids, MI
12.2024 - Current
  • Analyzed operational performance metrics, identifying trends and opportunities for process enhancement within the organization.
  • Led workforce planning efforts, optimizing staffing levels to balance efficiency with quality service delivery standards.
  • Coordinated training programs aimed at elevating team capabilities in food safety protocols and regulatory compliance.
  • Implemented innovative technology solutions to track inventory management processes, improving accuracy and reducing waste significantly.
  • Established key partnerships with vendors and suppliers, negotiating terms that support long-term operational sustainability.
  • Spearheaded audits of internal processes to ensure adherence to industry regulations while reinforcing best practices company-wide.
  • Streamlined operations by identifying inefficiencies and implementing process improvements.
  • Managed cross-functional teams to ensure seamless collaboration for optimal business outcomes.
  • Increased company profits through performance optimization strategies and efficiency improvements.
  • Established performance goals for department and outlined processes for achievement.
  • Championed employee development programs to enhance skills, increase retention rates, and build a high-performance workforce.
  • Directed strategic initiatives to streamline supply chain processes, enhancing overall service delivery and customer satisfaction.
  • Oversaw budget compliance, driving resource allocation decisions that align with organizational objectives and financial goals.

Director of Operations

Sysco Detroit
Canton, MI
03.2024 - 12.2024
  • Developed comprehensive logistics strategies to enhance delivery efficiency and ensure timely product availability.
  • Monitored supply chain performance metrics, enabling proactive adjustments to meet fluctuating market demands.
  • Facilitated inter-departmental collaboration to align operational goals with sales initiatives, driving cohesive business results.
  • Executed risk management protocols to mitigate operational disruptions and maintain continuity during unforeseen events.
  • Verified compliance with evolving food safety standards through regular training sessions and knowledge assessments for staff.
  • Oversaw daily operations across multiple departments, ensuring seamless coordination and efficient execution of tasks.
  • Monitored budget and utilized operational resources.
  • Oversaw day-to-day production activities in accordance with business objectives.
  • Oversaw successful implementation of operational strategies and policies to drive organizational growth and productivity.
  • Conducted regular performance reviews to assess team progress, providing constructive feedback and guidance for continuous improvement.
  • Collaborated with senior management to develop and execute long-term corporate goals and objectives.
  • Mentored and coached team members to foster productive and engaging work environment.
  • Managed budgets and resources, optimizing allocation for maximum impact on business objectives.

Finance Manager Commercial

Sysco Detroit
Canton, MI
01.2022 - 03.2024
  • Reviewed financial reports to enhance budget accuracy and support informed decision-making across departments.
  • Analyzed variances in departmental spending, providing actionable insights to guide cost management initiatives.
  • Collaborated with operations teams to align financial projections with inventory levels and sales forecasts.
  • Developed training materials for finance analysts on key performance indicators and financial reporting practices.
  • Conducted monthly reconciliations of accounts, identifying discrepancies to maintain accurate financial records.
  • Streamlined month-end close process, reducing time spent on manual tasks and improving data accuracy.
  • Ensured compliance with local, state, federal tax regulations; timely filing of all required documents, mitigating potential penalties or fines.
  • Mentored junior finance staff, fostering professional development and strong team dynamics.
  • Trained new and existing staff members in various financial procedures to prepare for job requirements.
  • Improved financial forecasting accuracy, utilizing advanced analytical models.

Compliance Manager

Sysco Detroit
Canton, MI
04.2018 - 01.2022
  • Conducted routine compliance training sessions to ensure staff adherence to industry regulations and protocols.
  • Evaluated vendor compliance documentation, ensuring alignment with food safety standards and regulatory obligations.
  • Developed risk assessment frameworks to identify potential compliance gaps within operational processes systematically.
  • Facilitated internal reviews of safety procedures, reinforcing best practices across teams to enhance operational integrity.
  • Reduced risk exposure for the company by identifying and addressing areas of noncompliance.
  • Reviewed documents, files, transcripts, and other records to assess compliance and potential risk.
  • Prepared records and data for regular audits.
  • Collaborated with cross-functional teams to establish clear compliance guidelines and expectations for all departments.
  • Prepared and presented comprehensive reports to upper management and audit team, covering issues and recommendations.

Facility Manager

Sysco Detroit
Canton, MI
01.2016 - 04.2018
  • Executed preventive maintenance schedules to ensure optimal performance of critical facility systems.
  • Monitored environmental conditions within facilities, ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations.
  • Coordinated vendor relationships for facility services, negotiating contracts to optimize service delivery quality.
  • Conducted routine inspections of facilities, identifying potential hazards and initiating corrective actions promptly.
  • Facilitated staff training on emergency preparedness protocols, reinforcing a culture of safety across operations.
  • Implemented energy management initiatives to reduce operational costs while enhancing sustainability practices.
  • Oversaw all aspects of equipment installation, maintenance, and repair for both internal and external services.
  • Responded to building emergencies and managed repairs.

Food Safety Program Manager/ HACCP Coordinator

Sysco Detroit
Canton, MI
06.2015 - 01.2017
  • Managed HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) plan and pre-requisite programs.
  • Ensured compliance with applicable food safety regulatory requirements (Federal, State/Provincial and, Local)
  • Oversaw product recall process to ensure timely communication and execution of product recalls and completion of related documentation.
  • Managed Sysco’s participation in Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI), audits by BRC, independent third parties, customers, internal, and regulatory entities. Analyze results and gather corrective action plans for audit non-conformance. Review results with Regional Food Safety Quality Manager
  • Conducted risk assessments on ongoing projects, identifying potential challenges and implementing mitigation strategies proactively.
  • Facilitated stakeholder meetings to gather requirements, fostering collaboration across departments for successful project execution.
  • Monitored compliance with internal processes and industry regulations, ensuring all projects adhered to established guidelines.
  • Evaluated project performance metrics regularly, identifying areas for improvement and optimizing future program initiatives accordingly.
  • Managed cross-functional teams for successful project completion within deadlines and budgets.
  • Managed and supervised administrative and daily program operations, complying with policies and regulations.
  • Identified program obstacles and communicated possible impacts to team.
  • Ensured regulatory compliance by closely monitoring adherence to industry standards and guidelines throughout the program lifecycle.
  • Championed best practices in project management, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.

Inventory Control Manager / QA Manager

Sysco Detroit
Canton, MI
03.2013 - 06.2015
  • Conducted regular inventory audits to ensure accuracy in stock levels and reduce discrepancies.
  • Monitored product expiration dates to optimize inventory turnover and minimize waste across operations.
  • Implemented advanced tracking systems for perishable goods, enhancing compliance with food safety standards.
  • Developed process documentation for inventory procedures, promoting consistency and adherence to best practices company-wide.
  • Improved inventory accuracy by implementing a robust cycle counting program and refining warehouse organization strategies.
  • Conducted regular audits of inventory levels to identify discrepancies, taking corrective action when necessary to maintain accurate records.
  • Reduced stock discrepancies through meticulous record-keeping and consistent communication with relevant departments.
  • Managed a team of inventory specialists, providing training, guidance, and support to ensure optimal performance and adherence to company policies.
  • Collaborated with other departments within facility to educate and understand how functions affect inventory.
  • Managed the resolution of discrepancies between system-reported inventory levels and actual stock on hand, identifying root causes and implementing corrective actions to prevent future occurrences.

Big Bending Department Lead

Woolf Aircraft Products
Romulus, MI
1998 - 2012
  • Implemented innovative training programs that elevated employee skillsets, driving professional growth and retention rates.
  • Developed comprehensive project plans that streamlined workflows and enhanced productivity across multiple departments effectively.
  • Mentored new hires within the department, providing guidance on company policies and procedures as well as job-specific tasks.
  • Oversaw daily operations of the department, ensuring smooth workflow and adherence to deadlines.

Education

High School Diploma -

Garden city High School
Garden city, MI
01-1996

Skills

  • Strategic planning and execution
  • Organizational development
  • Cost analysis and savings
  • Operations oversight
  • Succession planning
  • Budget control
  • Leadership training
  • Workforce planning
  • Process improvements
  • Strategy development
  • Safety management
  • Business growth initiatives
  • P&L management
  • KPI tracking
  • Effective leader

Certification

  • Completed ASQ Internal Auditor training.
  • Completed FDA Food Defense 101 training.
  • HACCP Certified
  • Dale Carnegie Course Graduate
  • Warehouse Energy Management training
  • Basic refrigeration operator training for NH3
  • Emergency responder and incident commander training for NH3
  • Change and Innovation Management
  • Safety: Environmental Protection Agency Series
  • NIMS
  • Finance Fundamentals for Non-Finance Professionals
  • FLO
  • Business Communications Level 1
  • Warehouse energy management

Timeline

Vice President of Operations

SYSCO Food Services
12.2024 - Current

Director of Operations

Sysco Detroit
03.2024 - 12.2024

Finance Manager Commercial

Sysco Detroit
01.2022 - 03.2024

Compliance Manager

Sysco Detroit
04.2018 - 01.2022

Facility Manager

Sysco Detroit
01.2016 - 04.2018

Food Safety Program Manager/ HACCP Coordinator

Sysco Detroit
06.2015 - 01.2017

Inventory Control Manager / QA Manager

Sysco Detroit
03.2013 - 06.2015

Big Bending Department Lead

Woolf Aircraft Products
1998 - 2012

High School Diploma -

Garden city High School