Chris N. Ford
Summary
Pursuing a Sr leadership position with company requiring broad-based operations, business development, logistics, supply chain management, driver relations, asset procurement, strategic vision, and strong negotiation skills. Distribution Operations Executive offering 30-year history of leading strategic and tactical business initiatives. Proven expertise in large-scale business transformation and change management to consistently exceed company objectives. Offering effective communication, team building and coaching skills with commitment to fostering company vision and building professional culture rooted in trust and mutual respect.
Overview
33
33
years of professional experience
Work History
Sr Director Private Fleet
Dollar General
11.2020 - 07.2025
- Lead Operations and Safety Division of 120 Team members across 28 regional sites with 2200 drivers/2000 tractors.
- Designed org structure to capture growth and savings.
- Tripled fleet size with driver unload freight in very challenged market to 2200 current drivers in 36 months.
- Procured tractor/trailers in very tight manufacturing environment with new suppliers while changing specs to better serve DG applications reduction of $3M.
- Savings of $70M annually vs 3PL carriers.
- Reduced fresh transit damage through best practice by 40%.
- Developed budget for detailed GL accounts and cost centers.
- $280M annual capital spend-Tractors/Trailers.
- $400M annual budget.
- Technology-Implemented fleet management system, In cab safety solution, Driver training material development.
- Continuous improvement programs reducing $10M over previous year.
- Hotel policy, fuel programs, Driver wages, Equipment RFP, trade cycle implementation for tractors/trailers.
- Implemented Finance FMV leases for tractors.
- Fostered work culture of collaboration and inclusion to increase morale and reduce turnover 40% to 70% annualized.
- Instituted formal operating procedures and enforced adherence to policies and regulations that impacted bottom-line.
- Drove strategic improvements to enhance operational and organizational efficiencies.
- Directed design and execution of business transformation initiatives to drive performance, profit optimization and growth opportunities.
- Performed continuous evaluations of business facility, teams and policies to keep operations efficient and consistent.
Managing Director Warehouse Strategy
Tyson Foods, Inc.
05.2019 - 11.2020
- Lead team of 80 Team Members through 4 departments of Continuous improvement/engineering, 3rd party cold storage relationships through rates and contracts negotiation, order fulfillment, Network strategy and design.
- WMS system design and rollout of Blue Yonder to 40 facilities over next 4 years
- 8 warehouse regional model design using Llamasoft from idea to implementation.
- Strategic OCS placement of 60% of product for distribution supporting 98% order fulfillment.
- Manage $900 million warehouse budget.
Managing Director Transportation Strategy
Tyson Foods, Inc.
11.2017 - 05.2019
- Direct Transportation Strategy Tyson Foods Transportation Division.
- Led 125 Team Members
- $1.5B annualized Freight spend management
- $947 million company Rolling stock assets- 2500 vehicles, 5000 trailers.
- Recruit, hire, and safety of 1300 company drivers.
- Manage relationship and contract negotiation with 200+ contract carriers.
- Saving targets exceeding $90 million annually-1st ever RFP on freight.
Sr. Director of Fleet Operations/Planning
Tyson Foods, Inc.
10.2006 - 11.2017
- Direct operations for 86 managers, 30 management support, 1200 drivers, 1000 trucks, 2300 trailers generating $350 million revenue traveling 134 million miles annually.
- 2 successful restructures of department, centralizing 3 terminal operations, increasing efficiency with reduction in cost
- Successful transition of contract carrier supplier with reduction in cost and no disruption in business
- Elimination of 23 carriers providing short haul services, increasing EBIT by 300% with company assets
- 7.5% increase in miles since 2007
DC Facility Manager/Terminal Operations Manager
Tyson Foods, Inc.
11.1992 - 10.2006
Education
BSBA - Transportation Logistics
University of Arkansas - Fayetteville
Fayetteville, ARSkills
- Innovation process optimization
- Policy formulation
- Proficient in managing operations
- Skilled in data-driven decision making
- Key performance indicators
- Team building and motivation
- Pipeline development
- Core values management
- Culture transformation
Section name
- Over the course of my career, I have held senior leadership positions in transportation and warehouse management along with operational procedures that provided the infrastructure to capture market share. Strong leadership with high-performance team building, and budgeting skills combined with the ability to reduce operating costs and boost profits. Given these skills, I am confident that I have the qualifications, which will benefit your organization.
- I offer:
- Proven record for streamlining operations, reducing expenses, improving efficiencies, and driving profits while complying with federal regulations.
- Effective leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills necessary for directing teams and managing resources for growth opportunities.
- Solid relationship building skills necessary for earning the trust and confidence of customers and team members.
- Continuous Improvement Practitioner with strong process improvement and project management skills
- Innovative Strategies to reduce cost for continued growth.
- $2B Distribution spend management through Warehousing and Freight with $947 million capital/expense planning.
- Because of my interest in your organization, I would appreciate an interview to learn more about career opportunities with your company and discuss your immediate and long-term goals as well as my ability to contribute to your company's on-going success.
- Sincere regards
- Chris N. Ford
Affiliations
NPTC-National Private Truck Counsel Board of Governors
Timeline
Sr Director Private Fleet
Dollar General
11.2020 - 07.2025
Managing Director Warehouse Strategy
Tyson Foods, Inc.
05.2019 - 11.2020
Managing Director Transportation Strategy
Tyson Foods, Inc.
11.2017 - 05.2019
Sr. Director of Fleet Operations/Planning
Tyson Foods, Inc.
10.2006 - 11.2017
DC Facility Manager/Terminal Operations Manager
Tyson Foods, Inc.
11.1992 - 10.2006
BSBA - Transportation Logistics
University of Arkansas - Fayetteville