Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Timeline
Professional Designations
Continuing Education
Achievements And Special Interests
Personal Information
Generic

Darren A. Briggs

Palmyra

Summary

Dynamic Supply Chain, Production, and Logistics Manager with extensive experience in team leadership, strategic planning, and operational management. Proven track record of leveraging strong communication and organizational skills to enhance project outcomes and drive efficiency, demonstrating a commitment to continuous improvement. Recognized for cultivating productive work environments that empower teams to exceed performance targets while aligning with organizational objectives. Expertise in streamlining processes and leading high-performing teams fosters a culture of accountability and excellence in fast-paced settings, complemented by an analytical approach to business planning and day-to-day problem-solving.

Overview

23
23
years of professional experience

Work History

MANAGER – SUPPLY-CHAIN, PRODUCTION & INTERNATIONAL LOGISTICS

ST. CROIX TISSUE INC., WOODLAND PULP LLC & ST. CROIX CHIPPING LLC
11.2022 - Current
  • Company Overview: Member of International Grand Investment Corporation (I.G.I.C.) of Baileyville, ME, Halsey, Oregon, and Hong Kong, PR China
  • One of ten senior managers, responsible for managing the Supply-Chain, Production and International Logistics Operations, including international imports and exports transportation system.
  • Responsible for the daily operations and strategic direction including the continuous improvement of the import and export logistics operations, which includes leading logistics and other supply-chain personnel, budgeting, forecasting, cost control, KPI/Metrics and variance analysis, global trade compliance, planning production and distribution requirements, and managing relationships with international logistics service providers and other stakeholders.
  • Managing facilities that operate 24/7/365, with five different international labor organizations, and approximately 500 employees.
  • The organization adheres to multiple responsible and sustainable certifications such as, Good Management Practices (GMP) and ISO standards.
  • Shipping outbound at levels of nearly 25,000 truckloads and 2000 railcars per year, both domestically and internationally.
  • In addition, to these modes, exporting over 100 intermodal and break-bulk maritime vessels annually.
  • Managing a transportation budget in excess of $100M requires an enthusiastic team, driven to meet any challenge and exceed customer expectations.
  • As the Logistics & Customer Service Manager, reporting directly to the Vice President of U.S. East Operations of I.G.I.C. based in Baileyville, ME.
  • Responsible for managing an integrated production and distribution system across multiple assets, with three principle production operations.
  • These include one of the most modern food & medical/sanitary grade tissue manufacturing facilities in North America, St. Croix Tissue Inc.
  • In addition, to the tissue manufacturing, is the food grade pulp and fiber production facilities of Woodland Pulp LLC, and St. Croix Chipping LLC.
  • Operations include managing diverse teams at multiple locations.
  • Beginning with sales and customer service experts, to understand and address market conditions and address customer demands for approximately 40 different actively varying product grades, in order to address the spot market prices and volume availability.
  • This is done in conjunction with prioritizing contract customer’s demands, to insure those volumes and schedules are met, while maximizing profitability.
  • Responsible for managing the inbound and outbound transportation capacity, for both asset based and non-asset based motor carriers.
  • Overseeing a team of skilled planners, coordinators, fleet managers/dispatchers, warehouse supervisors, and more.
  • Insuring safety and carrier quality is achieved through an experienced onboarding team and a thorough real-time compliance monitoring system.
  • Actively partnering with internal teams and outside third-parties to stay current, encompass training and be obsessive in communication efforts to see that the highest priority is placed on safety and that all local/State and Federal regulations are met at all times to manage loss-prevention and further mitigate exposure and potential claims.
  • Setting policies to establish expectations and accountability measures, while at the same time striving to build a collaborative environment anchored in respect and communication.
  • Other responsibilities, include warehouse management including both on-site facilities, market research, vetting and contract negotiations to lease and establish systems necessary to operate such facilities.
  • Identifying safety, security, liability, fire-suppression, pest & rodent control, specialized material handling equipment and I.T. systems are all, but a fraction of the responsibilities in getting a facility on-line.
  • Staffing, training, action-plans and disciplinary functions also play a significant role.
  • Daily external communications and negotiations with Port Operators, Customs Brokers, Freight Forwarders, Ocean Carriers, Rail Carriers, Motor Carriers, Brokers, Unions, Vendors, Customers, Regulatory Officials including FMCSA, USDOT, U.S. Customs & Border Patrol.
  • Daily internal communications with the Vice President and Financial Controller, as well as other senior members of management and shareholders here and abroad.
  • Member of International Grand Investment Corporation (I.G.I.C.) of Baileyville, ME, Halsey, Oregon, and Hong Kong, PR China

U.S. Operations Manager – Production, Logistics & U.S. Business Development

IRVING GROUP, STRESCON LIMITED, OSCO GROUP, OCEAN CAPITAL LIMITED
08.2002 - 11.2022
  • Company Overview: Member of Irving Oil, J.D. Irving, Irving Tissue, Irving Pulp & Paper, Cavendish Farms, RST & Sunbury Transportation, Midland Logistics & Transportation of Burlington, MA, Portsmouth, NH, and Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada
  • Strategic responsibilities: Identifying and analyzing market and business intelligence data for opportunities to expand business operations through creative and systemic management processes.
  • Essential to the process is managing and expanding an extensive network of clientele and value-added business partners to create a competitive advantage across the supply chain from project inception to effective manufacturing systems and ultimate completion.
  • Operational responsibilities: Interfacing daily with internal and external team members.
  • Overseeing and directing operations to insure staffing and systems are organized in accordance with specific customer and project needs.
  • Establishing staging, lay-down and warehousing networks and coordinating crewing and material-handling details to maximize efficiency and minimize loss.
  • Logistics responsibilities: Identifying, creating and managing a unique team and network of internal and external stakeholders and logistics personnel across the chain, with an emphasis on aggressive cost control and budget management as leading drivers.
  • Vetting, qualifying and maintaining a network of motor carriers, freight forwarders, customs brokers and other support professionals.
  • Motor Carriers include those providing van, dry-bulk, flatbed, specialized and tank services based in both, Atlantic Canada and the United States.
  • Managing the transportation dynamics are critical as 23-57% of product costs are direct costs of shipping and therefore the ability to secure and execute contracts profitably requires an aggressive attention to this stage of the process.
  • Working along-side a team of highly experienced professionals to facilitate the handling/storage/rigging and ultimate erection/installation of our products, delivering an end-result that is successful and truly special.
  • Market penetration Responsible for creating initiatives that are industry and product specific.
  • Developing relationships at the various legislative bodies.
  • Creating a top-down view of budgets, initiatives, advocates, adversaries et al.
  • Being an active participant in industry associations.
  • Developing strategies for maritime products.
  • Managing both, private versus government markets.
  • Developing markets such as the Department of Defense and identifying and developing a network of the highest possible level of management in the various Departments and sub-tiers such as the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) and through to major and subcommands and the ultimate office that they are representing in the procurement process.
  • It is also essential to establish a report with other key offices such as the Procurement and Technical Assistance Program and the Engineering and Technical Support Directorate.
  • Managing Federal market penetration as a complex and sensitive process to provide products that meets specifications and advocating and implementing them in RFP/RFQ processes.
  • Lobbying to better manage initiatives including the Buy America, Buy American acts and more.
  • Reporting to the Division Manager and Corporate Vice-President to manage impending projects including budget creation and reconciliation and addressing project concerns and challenges.
  • Further to which, round-tabling initiatives, as well as concepts and proposals for future business growth through new product development, process improvement and system enhancement.
  • Member of Irving Oil, J.D. Irving, Irving Tissue, Irving Pulp & Paper, Cavendish Farms, RST & Sunbury Transportation, Midland Logistics & Transportation of Burlington, MA, Portsmouth, NH, and Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada

Education

Master of Science - INTERNATIONAL LOGISTICS MANAGEMENT

MAINE MARITIME ACADEMY
Castine, ME
01.2018

Bachelor of Science - INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS and LOGISTICS

MAINE MARITIME ACADEMY
Castine, ME
01.2001

Skills

  • Operational efficiency management
  • Project execution management
  • Strategic business growth
  • Transportation logistics oversight
  • Supplier relationship management
  • Fleet operations management
  • Client account management
  • Sales team leadership
  • Engineering leadership
  • Risk assessment expertise
  • Regulatory compliance oversight
  • Employee relations management
  • Heavy equipment oversight
  • Mechanical Systems – Hydraulics, Conveyors, Pumps etc
  • Project take-offs and estimates
  • Calendar management
  • Proposal development skills
  • Effective presentation skills
  • Proficient in negotiation strategies
  • Vendor negotiation skills
  • Supply chain procurement
  • Inventory management expertise
  • APICS certification
  • Proficient in MS Office Suite
  • ERP system management
  • Lean production techniques
  • US customs compliance

Accomplishments

    2024 recipient of the Non-Resident Exporter of the Year award

Timeline

MANAGER – SUPPLY-CHAIN, PRODUCTION & INTERNATIONAL LOGISTICS

ST. CROIX TISSUE INC., WOODLAND PULP LLC & ST. CROIX CHIPPING LLC
11.2022 - Current

U.S. Operations Manager – Production, Logistics & U.S. Business Development

IRVING GROUP, STRESCON LIMITED, OSCO GROUP, OCEAN CAPITAL LIMITED
08.2002 - 11.2022

Bachelor of Science - INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS and LOGISTICS

MAINE MARITIME ACADEMY

Master of Science - INTERNATIONAL LOGISTICS MANAGEMENT

MAINE MARITIME ACADEMY

Professional Designations

  • Certified Maritime Port Manager (MPM), International Association of Maritime and Port Executives (IAMPE)
  • Certified in Transportation and Logistics (CTL), American Society of Transportation and Logistics (AST&L)(APICS)
  • Certified in Production & Inventory Management (CPIM), American Production and Inventory Control Society (APICS)
  • Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP), American Production and Inventory Control Society (APICS)

Continuing Education

Preparing to sit for the Customs Broker License (CBLE), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)

Achievements And Special Interests

  • Chairman - Board of Directors, Regional School Unit #19, Newport, ME
  • Nationally Registered Emergency Medical Technician (NREMT), County Ambulance Service of Ellsworth, Maine
  • State of Maine, Firefighter I/II Certifications, Operator/Rescue/EMS Medical Operations
  • Commercial Driver’s License, Maine, A

Personal Information

Driving License: Commercial Driver’s License – Maine - Class “A”

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