Candace Van Buren
Henderson,NV
Summary
Proven leader in operational efficiency and team collaboration, significantly enhancing project outcomes at Raytheon through rigorous quality assurance and Lean principles. Expert in multitasking and problem-solving, I've driven key initiatives, achieving notable improvements in product reliability and performance. My ability to communicate effectively and attention to detail have been pivotal in fostering strong cross-functional partnerships and exceeding employer expectations. Organized and dependable candidate successful at managing multiple priorities with a positive attitude. Willingness to take on added responsibilities to meet team goals.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
Work History
Operations Agent
Southwest Airlines
12.2021 - Current
- Supported strategic planning efforts by providing input on operational considerations such as staffing levels and resource allocation.
- Implemented cost-saving measures by analyzing expenses, negotiating vendor contracts, and identifying inefficiencies in daily operations.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction with timely resolution of issues, clear communication, and follow-up on concerns.
- Maintained compliance with industry regulations by conducting regular audits and implementing corrective actions when necessary.
- Developed strong working relationships with crew members, fostering a sense of teamwork and mutual respect to facilitate smooth operations.
- Contributed to the improvement of on-time performance metrics by consistently prioritizing punctuality in all areas of responsibility.
- Managed challenging situations during periods of high-stress operations with poise, ensuring minimal impact on overall performance metrics despite unforeseen circumstances.
- Expedited passenger boarding processes through effective communication with gate agents while maintaining a focus on accuracy and security protocols.
- Maintained strict compliance with FAA regulations through diligent monitoring of operational procedures and documentation.
- Played an instrumental role in the implementation of new operational procedures by providing valuable input based on extensive industry experience.
- Upheld company reputation for excellence by strictly adhering to standard operating procedures at all times during daily duties.
- Guaranteed optimal aircraft weight distribution by precisely calculating load sheets for each flight, ensuring safety and fuel efficiency.
- Ensured timely departures and arrivals by effectively coordinating with crew members, ground personnel, and other relevant parties.
- Coordinated efficient gate changes, keeping relevant parties informed to minimize confusion among passengers and staff members alike.
- Maintained accurate records of all flight operations activities, ensuring easy access to essential information for future reference and auditing purposes.
- Provided exceptional customer service during irregular operations, offering assistance to affected passengers with professionalism and empathy.
- Adhered to safety procedures when managing logistics for pilot and ground crew.
- Maximized efficiency by training new employees on company procedures and best practices.
Fragrance Model
L'Oreal
12.2016 - 01.2022
- Attracted potential customers to the brand''s counter by offering complimentary samples and engaging interactions.
- Achieved higher sales conversion rates by utilizing persuasive communication skills during product demonstrations.
- Provided exceptional customer service, addressing concerns or complaints promptly and professionally.
- Generated interest in products through creative storytelling that highlighted unique selling points of each fragrance line.
- Boosted sales of retail products through knowledgeable recommendations tailored to each client''s specific needs.
- Increased client satisfaction by providing tailored retail consulting services and identifying areas for improvement.
- Maintained a clean and organized retail environment, ensuring easy navigation for customers.
- Improved retail staff training outcomes with detailed observations and recommendations based on in-store experiences.
- Developed strong relationships with retail partners, working together to increase overall sales performance across all locations.
- Provided excellent communication with both customers and colleagues, enhancing overall retail experience.
- Conducted inventory checks for retail products, ensuring availability of best-selling items.
- Consistently met or exceeded sales goals for retail products within the barber shop setting.
- Demonstrated adaptability by effectively managing multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced retail setting.
- Maximized sales potential through effective use of retail space planning tools catering to specific demographics.
- Implemented effective merchandising guidelines, ensuring consistent brand presentation across all retail touchpoints.
- Facilitated ongoing training sessions for retail staff, improving product knowledge and enhancing overall customer experience.
- Collaborated with team members to maintain a clean, organized, and efficient retail environment.
- Boosted sales performance by implementing strategic retail plans and optimizing store layouts.
- Built and maintained strong relationships with retail staff, ensuring brand prominence in stores.
- Maintained a clean, organized, and visually appealing retail environment according to brand standards.
- Implemented visual merchandising techniques that maximized retail space utilization while showcasing products effectively.
- Trained loss prevention staff, retail managers and store employees on loss control and prevention measures.
- Conducted product knowledge seminars to increase retail sales and enhance client experience at the salon.
- Implemented creative visual merchandising strategies to maximize product exposure in retail environments.
- Demonstrated versatility, working on various types of retail spaces including boutiques and department stores.
- Adhered to company policies and regulations, maintaining updated knowledge on best practices within the retail industry.
State Tax Audit Liason
State of Hawaii Department of Taxation
11.2014 - 11.2016
- Served as the primary point of contact, fostering strong relationships between internal teams and external partners.
- Coordinated multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring timely completion and alignment with organizational objectives.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge of industry trends, sharing insights with colleagues to drive continuous improvement efforts.
- Maintained a high degree of professionalism at all times, representing the organization with integrity in both internal and external interactions.
- Securing State to get matching federal funds for State Highways and Roads, allocating all monies meeting all federal criteria for monies matched.
- Improved interdepartmental collaboration with regular team building activities and open forums for discussion.
- Devised and implemented processes and procedures to streamline operations for the collection of the TAT tax on all Air BNB rentals owned out of State.
Government Relations Manager
State of Hawaii Govenor's Office
02.2012 - 11.2014
- Ensuring each State Directors offices and employees were in compliance with federal and local government rules, including all regulatory and statues are being upheld and followed properly.
- Working closely with City Mayor, CIty Council members, State Representatives and Senators.
- Managed multi-million dollar budgets, ensuring responsible allocation of resources to achieve desired outcomes.
- Recruited, hiring and training of Governor's staff members.
- Promoted transparency within the organization by regularly sharing updates on progress toward goals with internal stakeholders and constituents alike.
- Improved interdepartmental communication by establishing regular meetings and promoting open dialogue among staff members.
- Facilitated coordination between departments by implementing shared project management tools.
- Led the implementation of new programs, resulting in increased service offerings for constituents.
- Aligned departmental objectives with state priorities, ensuring consistency and focus on key initiatives.
- Spearheaded training initiatives for staff development, boosting overall competency levels across the team.
- Advocated for policies that benefited both the organization and the public, influencing positive change at a statewide level.
- Collaborated with external partners to secure funding opportunities, enabling expansion of services and support available to communities.
- Supervised activities and duty assignments of staff, students and volunteers for community projects and clean ups.
- Developed strong relationships with local leaders, fostering collaboration and support for state initiatives.
- Oversaw high-performing teams, providing guidance and mentorship to drive success in achieving department goals.
Chief of Staff
State of Hawaii Legislature
01.2007 - 02.2012
- All correspondence in a legislative office including press releases, bill and resolution drafting, filing and tracking of all bills moving through State house,
- Managed cross-functional teams to ensure smooth collaboration and completion of high-priority projects.
- Facilitated productive meetings by creating well-organized agendas and ensuring clear communication of objectives.
- Mentored and developed junior staff members; fostering a culture of continuous learning and collaboration within the organization.
- Coordinated state-wide events, fostering a strong sense of community among employees.
- Created reports, presentations and other materials for executive staff and all public hearings.
- Coordinated office events, seminars and meetings for staff.
- Attended meetings to make informed business decisions, provide administrative support and evaluate progress toward goals and objectives.
- Supervised staff and participated in hiring, training and performance evaluations to establish and enforce policies and procedures for business functions.
- Aligned departmental goals with overall company vision, ensuring cohesive progress towards shared objectives.
- Provided comprehensive support to the State Representative, enabling them to focus on critical decision-making and leadership tasks.
- Oversaw appointment scheduling and itinerary coordination for both clients and personnel.
Engineer IV
Raytheon
01.2004 - 12.2006
- Monthly operational and system audits, daily incoming MK-48 and TMD package audits.
- Professional techinical administrative procedures and ensure the highest quality is maintained through out all MK-48 maintenance, reconditioning and refurbishment prior to RFI (ready for issue) to the Department of Defense.
- Improved product quality by developing and implementing rigorous testing protocols for engineering projects.
- Optimized test automation frameworks, allowing for more efficient identification of software bugs and defects.
- Contributed to the successful completion of the MK-48 Torpedo by consistently delivering outstanding quality assurance support and expertise.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to address quality concerns, resulting in improved product performance and reliability.
- Led efforts to refine existing QA processes, resulting in reduced cycle times and increased testing accuracy.
- Working directly with the Department of Defense and the US Navy.
- Collaborated with developers and project managers to assess program capabilities, features and testing demands.
- Produced and maintained technical documentation for project reference.
- Evaluated function, performance and design compliance of every product against design standards and customer needs.
- Incorporated delivery requirements into planning of testing schedules.
Education
Associate of Arts - Accounting And Business Management
Orange Coast College
Costa Mesa, CA05.1989
High School Diploma -
Hilo High School
Hilo, HI05.1986
Skills
- Operational Efficiency
- Scheduling Coordination
- Lean principles
- Six Sigma Methodologies
- Security Regulations
- Teamwork and Collaboration
- Time Management
- Attention to Detail
- Multitasking Abilities
- Problem-solving abilities
- Reliability
- Excellent Communication
Timeline
Operations Agent
Southwest Airlines
12.2021 - Current
Fragrance Model
L'Oreal
12.2016 - 01.2022
State Tax Audit Liason
State of Hawaii Department of Taxation
11.2014 - 11.2016
Government Relations Manager
State of Hawaii Govenor's Office
02.2012 - 11.2014
Chief of Staff
State of Hawaii Legislature
01.2007 - 02.2012
Engineer IV
Raytheon
01.2004 - 12.2006
Associate of Arts - Accounting And Business Management
Orange Coast College
High School Diploma -
Hilo High School
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