Donald Preble
Operations
San Jose,CA
Summary
Versatile Senior Manager offering 30 years of specializing in Operations, Project Management and Logistics, skilled at planning, implementing and overseeing key improvements to drive business growth and efficiency. History of cultivating an open culture with free exchange of information. Pursuing new professional challenges with a growth-oriented company.
Having spent the past 10 years working for a start up, my skills in all things operations allowed me to fulfill a number of unique rolls with company, including the creation and management of our Field Services Team, overseeing the operation of 4 offices including one in Canada and working with our Marketing Team managing offsite events and our trade show booth.
Prior to Bluescape, I spent 13 years as a project manager for Wright Line and 7 years working for WorldPac doing both Sales and eventually becoming the Distribution Center Manager.
Early in my career, I did sales for Automotive Importers EAP (no longer is business), H&H (no longer in business) and I was a remolding manager for Kragen auto, now known as O'Rielly Auto Parts.
Overview
31
31
years of professional experience
Work History
Sr. Manager Operations & Logistics
Bluescape
10.2013 - 12.2023
- Provided strong leadership to enhance team productivity and morale.
- Implemented and developed operational standards, policies and procedures.
- Created and managed company Field Services team.
- Managed large-scale projects and introduced new systems, tools, and processes to achieve challenging objectives.
- Conducted performance evaluations, compensations and hiring to maintain appropriate staffing requirements.
- Achieved operational excellence by streamlining processes and implementing best practices.
- Developed and implemented company Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery plans
- Mentored junior staff members for skill development and career progression within the organization.
- Demonstrated exceptional adaptability in navigating complex situations or rapidly changing environments with ease.
- Recruited, interviewed and hired employees and implemented mentoring program to promote positive feedback and engagement.
- Successfully managed budgets and allocated resources to maximize productivity and profitability.
- Designed trade show booth and managed all booth installations at shows including contracting, logistics and 3rd party services on behalf of company Marketing team.
- Oversaw all facilities management for all company office locations
Western Region Installation Manager
Wright Line
08.2000 - 10.2013
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by efficiently managing installation projects and ensuring timely completion.
- Streamlined installation processes for increased productivity and reduced project timelines.
- Worked directly with Sales Engineers to design and implement data center heat containment systems
- Worked directly with Sales Engineers to design and implement data center best practices retrofits with customers
- Coordinated with vendors and suppliers to ensure seamless delivery of materials and equipment for installations.
- Developed strong relationships with clients, resulting in repeat business and referrals.
- Managed a team of technicians, providing guidance and support to ensure high-quality workmanship.
- Implemented safety protocols for all installation projects, reducing workplace accidents and injuries.
- Analyzed project requirements to establish accurate budgets and resource allocations.
- Communicated effectively with stakeholders, maintaining transparency throughout the project lifecycle.
- Devised innovative solutions for complex installation challenges, resulting in successful project outcomes.
- Conducted regular progress meetings with team members to track performance against project milestones.
- Provided ongoing training for technicians, ensuring up-to-date knowledge on industry best practices and technical skills.
- Negotiated contracts with subcontractors, securing favorable terms that benefited both parties.
- Collaborated with sales teams to develop competitive quotes for prospective clients, leading to increased revenue generation opportunities.
- Coordinated all aspects of installations including labor allocation, material procurement, permitting approvals, site preparation work.
- Improved overall efficiency within the department by implementing standardized procedures that streamlined workflows across multiple projects.
- Maintained detailed records of completed installations for future reference or troubleshooting needs as well as warranty purposes.
- Performed regular job site observations to provide direction for general contractor personnel and subcontractor laborers.
- Tracked project costs and other financial metrics to maximize profitability.
- Negotiated labor contracts with general contractors and subcontractors.
- Conducted critical pre-installation conferences with general contractors, subcontractors, consultants, and manufacturer's representatives.
- Oversaw effective disposal of construction waste and implemented programs to increase use of recycled materials.
Distribution Center Manager
WorldPac
04.1993 - 06.2000
- Increased distribution center efficiency by streamlining workflows and optimizing staff scheduling
- Managed daily operations, ensuring accuracy and timeliness of all shipments to customers.
- Developed strong relationships with transportation partners to ensure on-time delivery and cost-effective shipping solutions.
- Mentored team members, leading to increased productivity and job satisfaction among staff.
- Consistently met or exceeded key performance indicators through effective resource allocation and process improvement initiatives.
- Oversaw budget planning, achieving cost savings while maintaining high service standards for customers.
- Directed facility maintenance efforts, ensuring equipment was properly serviced and operational at all times.
- Conducted regular audits of inventory, identifying discrepancies and implementing corrective actions as needed.
- Collaborated with sales teams to support promotional activities, ensuring adequate product availability during peak periods.
- Established cross-training programs for employees, fostering a flexible workforce able to adapt to changing business needs quickly.
- Managed capital projects within the distribution center, such as equipment upgrades or expansions, ensuring timely completion without disruption to daily operations.
- Optimized space utilization within the warehouse using data-driven analysis techniques for efficient storage of inventory items.
- Implemented continuous improvement initiatives that led to streamlined processes and increased overall productivity.
- Spearheaded recruitment efforts for the Distribution Center team, selecting highly skilled candidates who contributed positively towards achieving company goals.
- Created and maintained a positive work environment, promoting strong teamwork and employee engagement.
- Managed both inbound and outbound deliveries to verify orders were picked and shipped on time or swiftly and correctly placed into inventory.
- Immediately addressed logistical issues and applied remediation techniques.
- Supervised team of 7 supervisors overseeing 230 employees and oversaw all activities for 250,000 square foot warehouse with 66,000 SKUs and an average working inventory of $32,000,000.
- Trained new staff on job duties, company policies, and safety procedures for rapid onboarding.
Education
History
California State Polytechnic University, SLO
San Luis Obispo, CAAssociate of Arts - General Studies
De Anza College
Cupertino, CASkills
- Resource Allocation
- Strategic Planning
- Partnership Development
- Organizational Improvement
- Material Processing
- Logistics Operations Management
- Warehousing Functions
- Team Leadership
- Process Improvement
- Project Planning
- Exceptional Attention to Detail
Accomplishments
Board Chairman and Secretary for Friends of Oceano Dunes, a California 502c3 non-profit organization I have been Board Chairman for 7 years and have been on the board since 2002.
Awarded Eaton's Community Volunteer award in 2012 for my work with Friends of Oceano Dunes, a California 501c3 non profit.
Elected President of Almanden Pop Warner in 2009 and held that office until I retired from Pop Warner in 2013.
Coached both football and cheerleading for Pop Warner from 1999 to 2013. I took 3 cheerleading teams as head coach to the national championships in 2011, 2012 and 2013.
Additional Information
I have been managing people and process my entire career. Having been in 3 entirely different industries (Automotive, Commerical Furniture, and Software), I have had opportunity to experience all aspects of operations and logistics. The experiences I had with WorldPac and Wright Line allowed me to adapt to the everchanging environment of a start up that was Bluescape.
Timeline
Sr. Manager Operations & Logistics
Bluescape
10.2013 - 12.2023
Western Region Installation Manager
Wright Line
08.2000 - 10.2013
Distribution Center Manager
WorldPac
04.1993 - 06.2000
History
California State Polytechnic University, SLO
Associate of Arts - General Studies
De Anza College
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