Alekcander Zhdanov
Brda Electric, Inc.
St Louis,MO
27
years of professional experience
Ready to offer exceptional leadership to take on a new role, as I am a passionate and driven servant leader, who can positively impact the P&L with expertise in mentoring, coaching, and training, seeking to leverage my success as a Director of Operations across 12 states and 27 sites, with 12 direct reports and 200 indirect reports; and a Director of Operations with full ownership of the P&L. Profitability and sustainability are attained through the debunking of a deficit mindset and embedded low expectations of others, with knowledge of Lean Six Sigma methodologies. Continuous improvement of all processes and team cohesiveness is only possible by empowering and affirming every team member beyond what is deemed possible. I am dedicated to continuous improvement and committed to achieving operational excellence via accountability within every KPI. Willing to relocate: Anywhere
Work History
Director of Operations
1 Year 1 Month- Established key performance indicators to monitor operational effectiveness and drive continuous improvement efforts.
- Led cross-functional teams in executing operational strategies, improving overall business performance and productivity.
- Streamlined operational workflows, enhancing efficiency and reducing downtime across all departments.
- Developed and implemented strategic initiatives to optimize supply chain processes and inventory management.
- Analyzed financial data to inform decision-making, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and budgetary constraints.
- Fostered a culture of collaboration and accountability among staff, mentoring leaders throughout the organization.
- 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.
- 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.
- Delivered exceptional customer experiences by implementing strategies focused on meeting evolving needs and expectations.
Director of Operations
1 Year 7 Months- Strategically lead operations within a multi-million dollar company with 27 sites across 12 states, overseeing 12 direct reports and 200 indirect reports, improving wage and R&M by 8-10% systemwide.
- Collaborate with senior officials at major railroads, including Union Pacific, BNSF, and Norfolk Southern, to drive operational change agendas, particularly with strategic fueling initiatives saving millions of dollars in fueling expenses.
- Develop and implement long-term operational goals and improvements to enhance site success and growth.
- Train, mentor, and coach regional and site managers, identifying improvement opportunities through performance management.
- Recruit team members with critical thinking skills and a strong work ethic, ensuring adherence to safety processes.
- Oversee the opening and setup of new sites, coordinating customer needs, staffing, scheduling, and full location setup.
- Review, monitor, and analyze budgets, developing budget plans focused on reducing R&M and wage expenses while influencing P&L categories such as depreciation and EBITDA.
- Collaborate with Human Resources and Safety to develop, update, and adhere to company procedures and policies.
- Ensure compliance with safety regulations at federal, state, and local levels.
General Manager
5 Months- Managed overall operation of a 12-truck, 12-driver fleet as a contractor for FedEx.
- Promoted longevity and profitability utilizing FMCSA regulations on HOS and safety compliance.
- Created and celebrated performance goals and objectives based on key performance indicators (KPIs).
- Adopted a proactive approach to preventative maintenance, reducing unnecessary breakdown costs.
- Applied conflict resolution techniques to enhance relationships and profits with drivers and contractors.
- Maintained inventory and financial records for the truck fleet to ensure long-term profitability.
Owner-Operator
1 Year 10 Months- Operated as a small business owner in freight logistics under a CDL Class A license.
- Maximized profits while ensuring compliance with DOT and FMCSA regulations.
- Focused on key performance indicators and conducted cost/benefit analyses to promote business sustainability and longevity.
- Maintained a strong safety record contributing positively to profitability.
Teacher – AP Macroeconomics & On-level Economics
3 Years 10 Months- Implemented Culturally Responsive-Sustaining Teaching and Pedagogical practices to significantly increase student achievement and reduce discipline referrals.
- Enhanced online/distance learning experiences through various learning management systems.
- Served on committees influencing campus and district policies and evaluated new teachers as a mentor.
- Recognized as SHS Teacher of the Year, First Runner-up for two consecutive years.
International Purser
11 Years 6 Months- Led the in-flight team, fostering exceptional customer service and safety, while managing in critical situations.
Education
Doctor of Education (ABD) - Curriculum & Instruction / Administrative Leadership
- 48/60 credit hours completed (ABD)
- GPA: 4.0
Master of Arts - Russian, East European, and Eurasian Studies
- Thesis: "The Paradoxical Interrelationship of Church and State in Post-Communist Russia: The Rise and Manifestation of Power via the Prism of LGBTQIA Rights"
- GPA: 3.89
Bachelor of Arts - Russian, Eastern European, and Eurasian Studies / Geography
- Graduated with High Honors
- Published Book Chapter - "The Dichotomous Reign of Pope Pius XII from 1939-1945: Representative of God or Defender of Catholicism" in Linguistic, Cultural, and Educational Issues of Roma, by Kyuchukov, Kaleja, Samko (eds.)
- GPA: 3.91
Skills
Proficient in labor regulations
Proficient in Microsoft Outlook
Proficient in Microsoft Word
Process optimization
Proficient in Microsoft Office
Data analysis
Quantitative analysis expertise
Financial oversight
Process optimization expertise
Professional development
Presentation design
Dispute resolution
KPI analysis
Team leadership
Expertise in qualitative analysis
Project coordination
Performance assessment
Proficient in Google Docs
Analytical decision making
Proficient in computer applications
Client relationship management
Effective communication
Proficient in Windows operating system
Extensive supervisory experience
Advanced quantitative analysis
Vendor management
Product development expertise
SOP development and execution
Experienced with Google applications
Experienced in creating PowerPoint presentations
Expense oversight
Financial expertise
Effective communication expertise
Effective organizational skills
Excel proficiency
Stakeholder engagement
Logistics coordination
Financial analysis
Expense management
Quantitative research skills
Experienced with Google Suite applications
Proven leadership skills
Team leadership
Skilled in client engagement
Research and development expertise
Cost analysis and pricing
Coaching and skill enhancement
Financial performance evaluation
Proficient in labor regulations
Languages
Russian
Full Professional
Timeline
Director of Operations
Brda Electric, Inc.
10.2025 - CurrentRead More
Director of Operations
McAlister Oil
03.2024 - 10.2025Read More
General Manager
Leading Logistics Inc.
10.2023 - 03.2024Read More
Owner-Operator
Independent Contractor
12.2021 - 10.2023Read More
Teacher – AP Macroeconomics & On-level Economics
Killeen Independent School District
09.2016 - 07.2020Read More
International Purser
American Airlines, Inc.
08.1999 - 02.2011Read More
University of Oregon
Master of Arts from Russian, East European, and Eurasian Studies
Read More
The University of Texas at Austin
Bachelor of Arts from Russian, Eastern European, and Eurasian Studies / Geography
Read More
Northeastern University
Doctor of Education (ABD) from Curriculum & Instruction / Administrative Leadership
Read More