Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Qualifications Summary
Certification
Timeline
Generic
Donnell Elam

Donnell Elam

Houston ,TX

Summary

Dynamic Global Key Account Manager with proven success at Deugro in driving customer growth and enhancing operational efficiency. Expert in market penetration strategies and cross-functional team leadership, I excel in data analysis and regulatory compliance. Recognized for exceptional problem-solving abilities and fostering strong client relationships, I consistently deliver results that exceed expectations.

Overview

12
12
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Global Key Account Manager Import and Export / Key User & On-Board Trainer

Deugro
01.2022 - Current
  • Successfully managed global accounts with a focus on developing customer relationships and increasing sales.
  • Developed innovative strategies to penetrate new markets and maximize customer growth.
  • Expertly managed and overseeing cross-functional teams to ensure smooth operations of global accounts.
  • Implemented Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to maximize efficiency and performance.
  • Worked closely with compliance and accounting teams in addition to creating reports for data quality, open wips / accruals and profit/ revenue per shipment.
  • Customer escalation point of contact and operational problem solving for the team to mitigate additional costs outside of the normal scope of work.
  • Level 3 certified Cargo Wise user, conduit between the global CW team and Houston branch.
  • Held monthly meetings to implement new processes, in addition to troubleshooting user computers, and on-board training of new hires.

Account Lead

Intermodal Tank Transport
01.2021 - 01.2022
  • Liquid bulk (chemicals) account management.
  • Key responsibilities were to book and secure space with steam ship lines.
  • Request Tanks based on size and type using the chemical product’s specific gravity using the product’s MSDS.
  • In addition to the tank’s load volume and loading plant’s requirements.
  • Reserve and schedule loading dates with trucking company.
  • Each chemical product has a specific tank prep that needed to be completed prior to loading of the tanks.
  • These specifics were sent to the tank depo prior to collection date set by the trucking company.
  • Created hazardous declarations for steamship line for hazardous preapproval.
  • In addition, if Houston is the port of origin final declaration was submitted to port of Houston for pre advisement.
  • Track deliveries to the port and confirmation of being loaded on board the vessel.
  • Created MBL/ HBL for custom clearance at destination.
  • Responsible for running reports on all active orders’ status and tank locations.

Sr. Global Project Agent

BNSF International Logistics
01.2017 - 01.2020
  • Import /Export project management breakbulk pieces air and ocean.
  • Import Project responsibilities included the confirmation final shipment weights, seals and other details were a match with the commercial documents received prior to the arrival of the cargo.
  • Once confirmed, all documentation was submitted to our in-house writer for clearance through customs.
  • Fives International Project: which consisted of import clearance and delivery.
  • These deliveries consisted of out of gage machinery, automobiles, and containers.
  • Every shipment’s information was notated on an excel spreadsheet for transparency.
  • Quoted different carriers and provided rates back to the customer.
  • This was to move each piece the most cost-effective way possible to maintain project budget.
  • Array Project- Domestic Project Managed 6 warehouse’s inventory.
  • A running report on all quantities in each warehouse was shared at the end of each week with the customer.
  • The report kept the tally of all materials inbound and outbound in addition to what was shipped.
  • My responsibilities also included coordination of all outbound shipments for each location and arranging carriers based on the most cost effective.
  • Air exports were also arranged for this account.
  • Airfreight shipments were collected and depending on if packing was required the shipment was brought directly to the airport or to the warehouse for packing.
  • If packing was done at our warehouse commercial docs were created for clearance.
  • AES was submitted via ACE for AES number.

Air and Ocean Account Executive

Agility Project Logistics
01.2013 - 01.2017
  • Key responsibilities were to prioritize first class customer service in meeting clients’ shipping needs, through air and ocean exports.
  • Files were managed from start to finish.
  • Receive an order from the customer and book according to mode of transportation.
  • Requested bookings with airlines and steam ship lines.
  • Air freight cargo was brought to our warehouse and consolidated along with other cargo going to the same consignee.
  • Airlines used was Latam, United, Singapore Airlines, Lufthansa and others that had space available at the time we needed to ship.
  • Ocean freight was breakbulk, and ocean carriers used were Intermarine, Seaboard, MSC, and Shipco.
  • Created invoices, packing lists and certificates of origin in addition to HBL / MBL for custom clearance.
  • All Charges in accordance with coordination and services rendered were documented and used to create the customer’s invoice.
  • Customer billed in timely matter under KPI.

Education

Some College (No Degree) - International Business

Lane College
Jackson, TN

Skills

  • Customer relationship management

Data analysis

  • Regulatory compliance
  • Cross-functional leadership
  • Operational problem solving
  • Project management
  • CargoWise proficiency
  • Contract negotiation
  • Inventory oversight
  • Effective communication
  • Training and onboarding
  • Customer service excellence
  • Problem solving
  • Professional demeanor
  • Task prioritization
  • Adaptability and teamwork
  • Attendance management
  • Client needs assessment
  • Time management

Qualifications Summary

  • Accomplished Account Manager with a proven track record in managing international accounts, driving logistical excellence, and fostering strong client partnerships.
  • Skilled in contract negotiation, process optimization, and achieving consistent profitability, aligning organizational goals with elevated success.
  • Expertly managed the export and import of international and domestic goods, ensuring full compliance with Department of Transportation and U.S. Customs policies and regulations, and optimizing logistical efficiency across operations.
  • Leveraged expertise in price quoting, contract negotiations, and letters of credit delivering innovative shipping solutions tailored to client needs, ensuring seamless domestic and international logistics operations.
  • Achieved a consistent profit margin of 25-35% per shipment through strategic cost management and negotiation expertise, ensuring optimal financial outcomes for each export and import transaction.
  • Demonstrated leadership and account management excellence by directing cross-functional teams, building strong client relationships, and implementing strategies that drove client retention and satisfaction.
  • Demonstrated advanced technical proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, HAL, SAP, Rosa, Ventura, World Port, Class, OTM, Cargo Wise, and Insight to streamline logistical operations, improve data accuracy, and support efficient decision-making.

Certification

  • Cargowise level 3 professional certified
  • Hazardous Certified
  • IATA Certified
  • Notary

Timeline

Global Key Account Manager Import and Export / Key User & On-Board Trainer

Deugro
01.2022 - Current

Account Lead

Intermodal Tank Transport
01.2021 - 01.2022

Sr. Global Project Agent

BNSF International Logistics
01.2017 - 01.2020

Air and Ocean Account Executive

Agility Project Logistics
01.2013 - 01.2017

Some College (No Degree) - International Business

Lane College