Grace Handy

• Support operational set-ups between transport service providers and IKEA business units spanning 2 dense markets and 25 routes.
• Develop and secure high performance of 4 transport service providers for middle mile.
• Monitor carrier performance and identify improvement opportunities.
• Negotiate transportation rates to support spot solutions.
• Contribute to negotiate cost development of middle mile with Sourcing Development.
• Collaborate with internal and external partners to secure excellence in operations and quality.
• Review established business practices and improve processes to reduce expenses.
• Provide training to team members and internal partners, contributing with knowledge and expertise to transportation, multichannel development, ad tendering activities.

• Secured logistical operational performance from end-to-end perspective including but not limited to On-time Delivery (OTD), Equipment Utilization and DES Schedule Utilization
• Aligned with supply chain stakeholders to secure operational performance, act on deviations with partners and maintain communication flow.
• Oversaw Market South, Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico which included 2 distribution terminals, 3 customer distribution centers, and 14 stores.
• Identified and defined constraints with execution of market-relevant plans in connection with Market Operations Forum.
• Validated and optimized sending and receiving capabilities.
• Acted upon fluctuations to avoid performance disruptions and increased total costs.
• Led implementation of new replenishment solutions in close cooperation with internal and external stakeholders with follow up and adjustment to lead-times
• Contributed to Market Operational Forums and supported in constraint situations and Emergency Response Protocols in case of corrective actions need.

• Developed and led newly developed team of 5 co-workers to secure excellence in logistical operational performance with close cooperation and alignment between multi functions within organization and IKEA franchisees in the Americas.
• Managed operational set-ups for North America consisting of 7 distribution terminals, 11 customer distribution centers, over 50 local service centers, and over 60 stores that fulfilled service levels agreed within service contracts.
• Focused on reaching customer perceived availability at lowest total cost with consideration to quality, safety, service performance, sustainability and other supply chain costs.
• Evaluated and implemented replenishment solutions for routes and followed up on supply chain performance in collaboration with all relevant stakeholders.
• Identified and proposed volume consolidation opportunities to optimize landed costs.
• Secured compliance of my team and supported continued improvement of global working methods and transport operating frame.
• Represented department on area level, represented Area Operations Manager in regional operations forums and contributed to Emergency Response teams.

• Secured transport solutions for North America and ensured all ran accordingly to contractual demands set with transport service providers.
• Ensured solutions were continuously improved to secure availability.
• Planned and developed operational set-ups for North America consisting of 7 distribution terminals, 11 customer distribution centers, and over 60 stores that fulfilled service levels agreed within service contracts.
• Monitored carrier performance and prepared performance reports for IKEA stakeholders and service providers.
• Supported distribution centers with slot availability and trailer pool needs.
• Identified transport constraints and worked with stakeholders to create most optimal preconditions for transport service.
• Updated delivery lead-times in Supply Chain Management (SCM) to maintain or improve on-time delivery.
• Met with stakeholders to actively communicate and solicit expectations and needs to/from them.
• Prepared delivery plans for all major US and Canada holidays.
• Established drop set-ups at receiving locations.
• Maintained data quality in transport booking system, Cargo Network Services (CNS).
• Participated in field testing of database system (Logistics Base Data (LBD)) and identified issues to solution owners to make necessary modifications.
• Coordinated deployment of LBD to North American and trained users.

• Prepared ocean inbound shipments for customs clearance for North American market prior to entry into U.S. and Canada.
• Managed ocean exports to Dominican Republic.
• Processed customs declarations and maintained records of customs documents.
• Readied shipping documentation, maintaining compliance with US Customs and international regulations.
• Verified commercial documents, ensuring timely transmission of shipment information to broker, resolving impending problems such as customs examinations and demurrage.
• Investigated discrepancies in shipping documents and resolved issues with urgency.
• Led duty drawback and reconciliation.

• Assisted customers in meeting their exporting needs with ocean freight, brokerage, haulage, ground transportation and warehousing services with special focus on Non Vessel Operating Common Carrier (NVOCC) services.
• Obtained competitive rates and space with airlines, steamship lines, railways and trucking companies.
• Coordinated bids, booked shipping requests.
• Prepared all pertinent shipping documents, examined shipping manifests for accuracy, and ensured timely invoicing and issuance of credit notes.
• Followed requirements and regulations for dangerous goods handling.
• Completed AES filings for U.S. Customs exports requirements, prepared letters of credit and put together export declarations.
• Tracked shipments processing through customs and other agencies and obtained clearances.
• Advised customers on transportation options, types of carriers or shipping routes.
• Followed SOPs with all customer account actions and data management to keep consistent service levels.
• Managed 5 key accounts: IKEA, FMC Corporation, Johnson Matthey, TEVA Pharmaceuticals, Remington Outdoor Company

• Outsourced and purchased pet products for all divisions of company including pet wholesale division (United K9's) and retail division (Doggie Style).
• Managed and directed China sales team to ensure clear communication with overseas vendors.
• Coordinate freight and delivery.
• Prepared shipping documentation, maintaining compliance with US Customs and international regulations.
• Processed customs declarations and maintained records of customs documents.
• Coordinated with internal teams to enable timely ordering, shipping and receipt of goods.

• Purchaser and importer of products focused on trade show and event production industry.
• Consult with customers to assess needs and propose optimal solutions.
• Maintain and strengthen current accounts by providing competitive pricing, quality products and services.
• Negotiate quotations and terms with manufacturers.
• Coordinate shipments from small parcels to containers.
• Process company finances.

• Outsourced custom, industrial parts for North American and European customers.
• Liaised between customer and production facilities.
• Negotiated costs and payment terms with overseas manufacturers, and coordinated delivery of goods.
• Maintained complete documentation and records of all purchasing activities.
• Conducted research, identifying potential vendors and better pricing options.

• Taught essentials of English language including speaking, reading, writing, listening and grammar in addition to American culture to intermediate level students aged 12-19.
• Developed innovative lesson plans to engage students in English language learning.
• Assessed student progress and provided feedback to improve performance and establish academic success.
• Led weekly lessons to Chinese colleagues within English department.

April 2004 - June 2004

• Developed and taught educational lessons to multi-lingual pre-school and kindergarten students.
• Led extra-curricular activities aimed at improving students' motor and speaking skills.
• Tutored elementary school aged students during after-school program.
• Worked cooperatively with other teachers, administrators, and parents to help students reach learning objectives.
• Kept students on-task with proactive behavior modification and positive reinforcement strategies.