DeAndre Taylor
Columbia,SC
Summary
Collaborative leader with dedication to partnering with coworkers to promote engaged, empowering work culture. Documented strengths in building and maintaining relationships with diverse range of stakeholders in dynamic, fast-paced settings.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
Sales and Service Specialist
Gordon Food Service
Columbia SC
08.2022 - Current
- Increased sales revenue by consistently meeting and exceeding sales targets through effective product presentation and client relationship management.
- Delivered exceptional customer service, resulting in increased repeat business and client referrals.
- Developed strong rapport with customers, fostering loyalty and trust for sustained business growth.
- Implemented successful sales strategies to identify new leads and expand market presence.
- Provided expert product knowledge, demonstrating the value proposition of offered services or products to prospective clients.
- Streamlined internal processes for better efficiency in client follow-ups, leading to increased customer satisfaction rates.
- Managed a diverse portfolio of accounts by maintaining strong relationships with key decision-makers and stakeholders, leading to increased revenue generation.
Business Impact Specialist
Coca Cola Consolidated
Blythewood, SC
11.2022 - 05.2023
- Responsible for covering staffing gaps competently to maintain established route standards and sales and to prevent missing important opportunities, ensuring a high level of customer service is maintained
- Developed strong client relationships through consistent communication and attentive service.
- Enhanced team productivity by streamlining processes and implementing time-saving strategies.
- Conducted thorough research to identify trends and inform decision-making for business growth initiatives.
- Negotiated favorable contracts with vendors, securing high-quality products at competitive prices.
- Led successful sales presentations to prospective clients, resulting in increased partnerships and collaboration opportunities.
Senior Field Service Engineer
Salient CRGT
Shaw AFB, SC
03.2021 - 09.2021
- Responsible for establishing networks by evaluating network performance issues including availability, utilization, throughput, and latency; planning and executing the selection, installation, configuration, and testing of equipment; defining network policies and procedures; establishing connections and firewalls.
- Streamlined maintenance processes for increased efficiency in providing timely and quality service to clients.
- Enhanced equipment performance by conducting thorough diagnostics and implementing effective repair solutions.
- Managed inventory of spare parts, ensuring availability of components for efficient repair operations while minimizing costs.
- Mentored junior engineers, fostering a collaborative learning environment that facilitated skill development and knowledge sharing.
Field Site Manager
Sierra Nevada Corporation
Kandahar, Afghanistan
09.2019 - 09.2020
- Managed 50+ direct/indirect reports to include System Administrators, IMO, SSO, Technicians and logistics personnel on Large Scale program for 24/7 operations
- Managed subcontractors, ensuring quality workmanship and adherence to project timelines and specifications.
- Collaborated with stakeholders to develop comprehensive project plans outlining goals, timelines, and deliverables.
- Implemented cost-saving measures, identifying areas for improvement in material procurement and labor utilization.
- Coordinated training programs for new hires, ensuring all team members were knowledgeable about company policies, safety practices, and job-specific skills.
- Enhanced project efficiency by implementing streamlined processes and procedures for site management tasks.
- Reduced safety incidents by conducting regular site inspections and enforcing strict adherence to safety protocols.
Lead Technical Service Engineer
Leidos Corporation
Kandahar, Afghanistan
10.2016 - 09.2019
- Managed 25+ direct/indirect reports to include Senior Telecom Technicians for day-to-day operations on Manned ISR platforms for 24/7 operations
- Reduced equipment downtime by performing regular maintenance checks and implementing preventive measures.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by promptly addressing service requests and providing technical solutions.
- Streamlined workflow processes for faster issue resolution, collaborating effectively with cross-functional teams.
- Expedited repair times through accurate diagnosis of complex malfunctions, utilizing specialized diagnostic tools.
- Developed strong relationships with vendors, negotiating favorable terms for equipment purchases and service contracts.
- Collaborated with product development teams to share field insights that contributed towards design improvements and better user experiences.
- Conducted detailed failure analysis reports for critical incidents, contributing towards continuous improvement initiatives within the organization.
- Boosted service quality by continually updating technical knowledge and staying current with industry trends.
Lead Technical Service Engineer
KBR-Wyle
McAllen, TX
01.2016 - 10.2016
- Maintains 107ft towers and operating systems ensuring uninterruptible service for Border Patrol Agents
- Conducts installation and de-installations of raid towers, aerostats, and operating systems.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by promptly addressing service requests and providing technical solutions.
- Streamlined workflow processes for faster issue resolution, collaborating effectively with cross-functional teams.
- Collaborated with product development teams to share field insights that contributed towards design improvements and better user experiences.
- Worked cross-functionally within organization and external partners, integrators and vendors.
- Engaged in first-level support for customers requiring routine support and troubleshooting.
- Educated prospects on product implementation and usage and answered technical and security questions.
Quality Assurance Supervisor
Nephron Pharmaceuticals Corporation
West Columbia, SC
04.2015 - 12.2015
- Manage day-to-day quality assurance operations and supervise 10+ direct/indirect reports to include Senior and Junior Quality Specialists.
- Reduced defect rates through meticulous inspection and proactive identification of potential issues.
- Improved product quality by implementing rigorous testing procedures and identifying areas for improvement.
- Enhanced team performance by providing regular training, feedback, and guidance to Quality Assurance staff.
- Achieved consistent compliance with industry regulations by conducting thorough audits and ensuring adherence to standards.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to drive continuous improvement initiatives throughout the organization.
- Maintained comprehensive documentation of QA activities, supporting effective communication between departments and facilitating process improvements.
- Analyzed data from quality metrics to identify trends and opportunities for improvement, driving targeted action plans based on findings.
- Optimized workflows by regularly reviewing processes for inefficiencies or redundancies, implementing changes that improved overall productivity.
- Led regular meetings with staff to review performance metrics, address any concerns or challenges, and provide updates on organizational initiatives related to quality assurance.
- Provided technical support for troubleshooting equipment issues or other production challenges that impacted product quality levels.
Technical Service Engineer
R4 Incorporated
Bagram, Afghanistan
08.2013 - 09.2014
- Responsible for the accurate and timely collection of HEADS sensors worn by service members in deployed locations across Afghanistan, to include Full Life Cycle Support for analysis.
- Reduced downtime for clients by effectively managing service requests and providing timely solutions.
- Enhanced system performance by troubleshooting and resolving technical issues promptly.
- Mentored junior engineers, fostering a positive learning environment and enhancing team productivity.
- Provided on-site support during critical installations, ensuring smooth transitions for clients.
- Developed comprehensive documentation for all completed tasks, contributing to an organized knowledge base for the team.
Technical Flight Engineer
Engility Corporation
07.2012 - 03.2013
- Led an ISR effort to support for over 1500 personnel in Afghanistan assigned to my locations using the Aerostat system FLIR technology, and other ISR assets.
- Maintained accurate records of aircraft maintenance, repairs, and component lifecycles for regulatory compliance purposes.
- Contributed to operational cost savings by identifying areas for process improvement within the maintenance department.
- Collaborated with engineering teams to design modifications that improved overall aircraft performance and reliability.
- Planned and conducted experimental, environmental, operational and stress tests on models and prototypes of aircraft, systems and equipment.
Senior Field Engineer
ManTech International
Victory Base, Iraq
08.2010 - 11.2011
- Led a team of 6-8 entry to mid-level engineers while supporting the BETSS-C and Raid systems in war zones
- Improved project efficiency by streamlining communication and collaboration between team members.
- Reduced equipment downtime with proactive maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair of field devices.
- Streamlined reporting processes to provide accurate, concise documentation for all stakeholders involved in a project.
- Presented technical findings to clients in a clear, accessible manner, fostering trust in our expertise as Senior Field Engineers.
- Led training sessions for internal staff members on relevant topics such as troubleshooting techniques or specific software applications related to field engineering tasks.
Financial Management Specialist
United States Army
Fort Campbell, KY
03.2006 - 06.2008
- Improved financial management processes by implementing new software and automation tools.
- Enhanced the accuracy of financial reporting through regular data analysis and reconciliation efforts.
- Streamlined budget development procedures, resulting in more efficient resource allocation.
- Provided strategic guidance on financial matters for senior management to support decisionmaking.
- Managed a team of finance professionals, fostering collaboration and professional growth.
- Created comprehensive financial reports for stakeholders, presenting key insights into company performance.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Exercise Physiology
College of Charleston
Charleston, SCMaster of Science - Management Leadership
Webster University
Columbia, SC12.2024
Skills
- Project Management
- Problem-Solving
- Inventory Management
- Team Leadership
- Quality Assurance
- Technical Knowledge
- Business Development
- Conflict Resolution
- Relationship Building
- Operations Management
- Financial Management
- Management
Veteran Status
True
Timeline
Business Impact Specialist
Coca Cola Consolidated
11.2022 - 05.2023
Sales and Service Specialist
Gordon Food Service
08.2022 - Current
Senior Field Service Engineer
Salient CRGT
03.2021 - 09.2021
Field Site Manager
Sierra Nevada Corporation
09.2019 - 09.2020
Lead Technical Service Engineer
Leidos Corporation
10.2016 - 09.2019
Lead Technical Service Engineer
KBR-Wyle
01.2016 - 10.2016
Quality Assurance Supervisor
Nephron Pharmaceuticals Corporation
04.2015 - 12.2015
Technical Service Engineer
R4 Incorporated
08.2013 - 09.2014
Technical Flight Engineer
Engility Corporation
07.2012 - 03.2013
Senior Field Engineer
ManTech International
08.2010 - 11.2011
Financial Management Specialist
United States Army
03.2006 - 06.2008
Bachelor of Science - Exercise Physiology
College of Charleston
Master of Science - Management Leadership
Webster University