Adrian Whittaker
Dallas,TX
Summary
Dedicated and organized operations manager with several years of experience using proven planning and support initiatives to cut costs, streamline operations and increase productivity. Decisive and resourceful team builder versed in sales,operations, project management and process improvement. Possesses in-depth industry trend knowledge and shifts to offer valuable insights on opportunities for new growth and business expansion.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Project Manager
Amazon
Dallas, TX
06.2023 - Current
- Created and executed standardized, scalable expansion strategies for global launches in collaboration with cross-functional teams, enhancing Amazon's worldwide network capabilities by adding 500 million units annually to the company's bottom line.
- Spearheaded the successful management and execution of the Road to Launch process for IXD sites in North America, resulting in a seamless building hand-off post-operational readiness testing.
- Maintained a 98% on-time launch rate by effectively implementing risk management assessments and contingency planning.
- Identified, analyzed and resolved complex issues by implementing escalation procedures for efficient incident handling within GES teams while developing diagnostic tools to identify potential gaps.
- Streamlined the Lesson Learned process for the GES Organization by conducting a comprehensive analysis of existing processes, uncovering defects and opportunities for enhancement.
- Facilitated stakeholder alignment on medium/long term strategic projects for the IXD program, improving the organization's program management process for systematic and impactful project deliverables.
- Implemented process improvement initiatives across the Global Launch Team, increasing efficiency within the organization.
- Developed effective risk mitigation strategies through collaboration with stakeholders in order to identify potential project risks and establish realistic expectations for deliverables.
- Effectively oversaw financial aspects of projects including budgeting, expense tracking, and timeline management while maintaining open communication with key stakeholders.
- Implemented innovative project management techniques and tools to streamline workflows. Reduced costs by 15% and improved stakeholder communication.
Operations Manager
Amazon
Dallas, TX
10.2021 - 06.2023
- Launched Reverse Logistics @ Amazon IAH1, handling more than 45 million units in 2022.
- Led and optimized Vendor Returns operations, boosting overall rates by 22% and TPH by 32% across all shifts.
- Lead large- scope projects with site and regional impact.
- Implemented problem solving and quality standards in Reverse Logistics and Inbound departments, leading to a 35% decrease in problem solve piles. Emphasized on launching an auditing process to increase units processed by associates (approximately 25,000 additional weekly units).
- Launched & Created the Mental Health & Well-Being Affinity Group. Partnered with several sites on a regional level. Since launching in Dec 2021, I have onboarded over 2000 members, collaborated with several charities/ NGO's and logged over 4000 volunteer hours and now lead all Affinity groups within the Dallas- Forth Fort Worth region.
- Collaborated with multiple sites nationwide to create and implement standardized best practices and objectives for enhancing productivity on the receive dock in both direct and indirect capacities. Developed a workflow calculator and user guide to facilitate shift performance analysis and informed decision-making in meeting productivity goals. Achieved a 41% reduction in out of work andons.
- Implemented productivity plans by analyzing forecast reviews, determining productivity requirements and collaborating with other leaders to distribute workload.
- Managed safety, quality, productivity and customer delivery promises.
- Collaborated with support teams such as Safety, Ops Integration, Loss Prevention, and Human Resources to develop strategies aligning with business objectives.
- Executed Amazon's leadership principles while leading and developing a team of 5 Salaried Managers and over 1000 hourly associates.
- Mentored, trained and developed managers to enhance career progression, improve performance and foster recognition resulting in 26 promotions within 18 months
- Established, documented, and enforced standard work procedures to ensure consistent performance across all teams.
Area Manager
Amazon
Fort Worth, TX
12.2019 - 10.2021
- Maintained a safe work environment for all associates and managers by supporting safety programs and adhering to OSHA regulations.
- Led a team of 6 Process Assistants and 60-80 hourly associates, fostering growth and development in alignment with Amazon's Leadership Principles.
- Created and communicated quality control policies and standard work procedures to Inbound and Quality Teams as the subject matter expert (SME).
- Managed the undergraduate Operations Intern Manager Program during Summer 2021, leading to the successful recruitment of 4 college seniors.
- Reduced APMT by 43%, enhancing FTW4's overall Floor Health.
- Identified and led process improvement initiatives utilizing Lean tools.
- Building and delivering productivity plans by reviewing work forecasts, determining productivity requirements and partnering with other Operations Managers to balance labor.
- Evaluating performance objectives and metrics to determine inbound & outbound productivity requirements to achieve customer time, accuracy, and quality expectations.
- Led the Continuous Improvement (CI) project for the Inbound Teams which increased productivity metrics by 25% while simultaneously reducing Overall Quality Defects by 42% YTD.
- Coached, developed and mentored 6 internal candidates for promotion to Process Assistants and 5 L4 managers to L5.
- Enhanced operational performance by developing effective business strategies, systems and procedures.
- Inspected production, quality control and maintenance reports to detect and address production problems.
- Supervised business functions, employee staffing, customer retention and financial accountability for Inbound & ICQA Departments.
- Realigned procedures and daily protocols with changing business demands.
- Successfully Implemented training initiatives to coach staff on best practices and protocol for enhanced profitability.
- Revitalized several underperforming teams and transformed profitability and productivity through targeted training.
Territory Sales Manager
Mars Incorporated
Wichita Falls, TX
12.2017 - 12.2019
- Successfully Manage 250+ retail accounts in Texas and Oklahoma.
- Grew sales 18% YOY by developing robust marketing plans and cultivating long-lasting industry partnerships.
- Expanded client base 15% in 10 months by leveraging multifaceted growth strategies.
- Developed growth plans by identifying key clients, key targets and priority service lines.
- Generated new sales opportunities through constant face to face meetings serving as the category consultant for their confectionery business.
- Planned strategic brand-building events to expand product portfolio across my geographic region.
- Implemented strategies to develop and expand existing customer base.
- Prepared proposals, negotiated contracts and connected with clients to drive consistent sales.
- Identified and capitalized on key business growth opportunities.
- Sell in company's strategy to key decision makers using fact based tools and technology.
- Networked with potential customers at national conferences to identify business development techniques and new revenue streams.
- Responsible for storage facility and managing product rotation, inventory allocation and supplies in an efficient and effective way.
- Over indexed on achievement standards for all 2018 innovation items.
- Increased independent convenience store blockbuster, distribution, innovation, secondary placement, shelving and future consumption metrics YOY.
- Exceeded targeted sales goals by in 2018.
- Exceeded quotas consistently through new account penetration and territory expansion.
- Prepare materials for all in- store and Headquarter sales presentations.
- Successfully interact with business owners by presenting Nielsen category data results.
- Manage trade contracts, display programs, and expense budgets.
General Manager
Racetrac Petroleum
West Palm Beach, FL
12.2012 - 11.2017
- Oversees the daily operations of three high volume convenience store retail outlet exceeding 35 million in yearly inside sales.
- Improved customer retention in 2014 by 30% from the previous five years.
- Played an instrumental role in increasing customer satisfaction ratings index from 72% to 95% within 2 years as a General Manager.
- Reduced staff turnover by 45% in one year by implementing several well-received team and morale-building programs.
- Leads and supervises a team of up to 22 employees.
- Drives profitability, develop people and provides the highest levels of guest service.
- Creates work schedules and approves proposed leave and overtime for store team members.
- Appraises and documents employees' productivity and efficiency for the purposes of recommending promotions or other changes in status.
- Communicates daily, weekly and monthly financial performance and goals to direct supervisor.
- Determines the type and quantity of merchandise to be bought, stocked and sold.
- Ensures all associates, Entry-Level Managers, Co-managers and promoted Entry-Level managers are equipped with the training necessary to be successful in their position
- Assesses new hire and promoted manager training performance
Education
Bachelor of Arts - International Relations
UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH FLORIDA
Timeline
Senior Project Manager
Amazon
06.2023 - Current
Operations Manager
Amazon
10.2021 - 06.2023
Area Manager
Amazon
12.2019 - 10.2021
Territory Sales Manager
Mars Incorporated
12.2017 - 12.2019
General Manager
Racetrac Petroleum
12.2012 - 11.2017
Bachelor of Arts - International Relations
UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH FLORIDA