Joel Knife
GREENSBORO,GA
Summary
With 20+ years of dedicated experience in Distribution and Supply Chain management, I'm recognized as a visionary leader committed to growth and innovation. My career showcases a relentless pursuit of excellence through strategic vision, analytics-driven transformations, and empathetic leadership. I've successfully overseen global operations, managing P&L with a focus on innovation and continuous improvement, resulting in heightened efficiency and surpassing customer expectations. My leadership style emphasizes empowerment, fostering collaboration, and nurturing talent to achieve their fullest potential. Adept in project and expense management, I've consistently optimized processes, exceeding KPIs. I thrive on strategic thinking, leveraging data for informed decisions and forward-looking strategies.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior General Manager Distribution Center
Bluestem Brands
05.2021 - Current
- Engineered and executed a remarkable DC transformation/turnaround, steering a failing facility to emerge as a best-in-class operation, characterized by unparalleled efficiency, productivity, and performance benchmarks.
- Successfully created and deployed KPI benchmarks to assess and improve various operational aspects within the DC, fostering a culture of accountability and performance-driven results.
- Held comprehensive Full DC (Distribution Center) P&L responsibilities encompassing labor expenses, supply expenses, fixed costs, G&A (General and Administrative), depreciation, and capital expenditures, showcasing adeptness in managing diverse financial aspects and driving profitability.
- Orchestrated recruitment, selection, and development of high-performing leadership team, handpicking top-tier talent to drive the Distribution Center's success.
- Achieved remarkable 41% reduction in variable cost per unit over a span of three years, contributing significantly to improved operational efficiency and cost savings.
- Successfully slashed associate turnover rates from an unsustainable 162% to much-improved 80% year over year, demonstrating effective leadership and fostering a conducive work environment.
- Elevated the Ship in Full metric from 82% to an exceptional over 99.2% within a 12-month period, ensuring a significant enhancement in order fulfillment and customer satisfaction.
- Spearheaded a remarkable improvement in inventory unit accuracy rates, elevating them from 78% to over 98%, resulting in optimized inventory management and minimized discrepancies.
- Revamped the returns process, doubling Units Per Hour (UPH) from 10.1 to over 20 units per hour, streamlining operations and enhancing productivity.
- Successfully championed the adoption of automated packing solutions, resulting in streamlined operations, reduced manual intervention, and improved order accuracy, ensuring enhanced customer satisfaction.
Senior Manager, Distribution Operations
Chico's FAS
01.2018 - 05.2021
- Manage 42$M budget, and implement forecasts utilizing Servant Leadership and Lean methodologies resulting in YOY reduction of 4-day aging tail from 16% to 1%; Ecommerce accuracy rate of 99.9%; and overall retail accuracy rate of 99.65%.
- Direct responsibility for 350k square foot Distribution Center with 4 salaried reports and 100+ indirect hourly associates, processing 60 Million units per annum across multiple channels.
- Created and Managed newly established Production Control Department – Removed silos across shifts and departments by establishing building and campus wide strategies utilizing consistent tools and planning approach. Outlined expectations for success to improve operational flow and maximize DC throughput. Supported in backfill for open Operations Sr Manager position.
- Lead On-Site 3PL (SIMOS) relationship through daily, weekly and monthly review – Changed the culture with the relationship by setting clear expectations, establishing relevant reporting, providing constructive feedback, and outlining vision for success. Results have since been consistent in meeting SLA, coming in under Budget, and ability to take on additional projects.
- Established wholesale department and developed effective processes for quickly developing OMNI channel fulfillment - Built Amazon processes from scratch, evolving from manual processing to semi-automated processing allowing for both cost reduction and efficiency gains. Rolled out additional channels including Airports, QVC, Cruise, Navy, Marines, and other Franchise enhancements
- Developed Transportation relationship with carriers- Integral lead in establishing outbound transportation provider processes and development of day to day product shipment hand-off. Established inbound transportation reporting and tracking utilizing ASN data and yard management software. Helped to improve overall DC turn time and trailer management both on the inbound and outbound operations through partnership with outside vendors and internal stakeholders.
Senior Manager - Production Control
Abercrombie & Fitch
12.2015 - 01.2018
- Managed highly technical Production Control department across three shifts to ensure consistency in meeting building performance objectives
- Managed 3 salaried direct reports and 27 indirect reports.
- Maximized efficiency of product flow, supported four wall processing and operating levels, established Standard, Process, Audits (SPA) procedures for supply chain flow, while improving speed to customer and building UPH.
- Enhanced associate engagement initiatives to build a fun working environment. Managed to Lean and 5S principals. Increased building daily throughput capacity by 24% to 410k unit output through collaborative approach with cross-functional team.
- Key driver to a 62.5% decrease in “Click to Delivery” time during the 2017 Holiday Peak Season while earning KSA’s Most Improved Retailer Award through review of 2016 Peak opportunities, partnering with key stakeholders to conduct PDCA and other continuous improvement activities
Project Manager / International Operations Manager
Abercrombie & Fitch
11.2008 - 12.2015
- Spearheaded Multiple 3PL Selection Processes, launching international DC’s in Netherlands, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Tokyo and Dubai, shipping 32+ million units per annum
- Led selection process from RFI to 3PL contract negotiation to implementation with three separate providers.
- Established short and long-range planning for multimillion-dollar operations, while focusing on bolstering service, cost savings, and inventory performance.
- Continually evaluated KPI’s, identified opportunities for improvement and established realistic yet aggressive financial benchmarks, objectives and strategic initiatives.
- Developed 3PL management team and processes to ensure both internal and external customer’s expectations were met and exceeded.
- Project Portfolio Manager who acquired project justification and approval through cross departmental partnership. Determined ROI, resource requirements, timing, dependencies, capital investments, vendor selection, and business requirements.
Distribution Center Operations Supervisor
Abercrombie & Fitch
08.2006 - 12.2008
- Supervised teams up of 70+ associates in every department within the Distribution Center. Departments include; Receiving, Central Storage, Packing, Shipping, and Inventory Control.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Information Systems / Operations Management
University of Toledo
Toledo, OH2021
Skills
- Operations Strategy & Leadership
- Supply Chain Optimization
- Budgeting and Forecasting
Inventory & Logistics Planning - Corporate Communications
- E-Commerce
Multi-Channel Distribution - Business Process Improvement
- Staff Development
Cross-Functional Team Leadership - Global Operations
- Third Party Logistics (3PL) Management
- Analytical and Critical Thinking
- Project Planning
- Relationship Building
Timeline
Senior General Manager Distribution Center
Bluestem Brands
05.2021 - Current
Senior Manager, Distribution Operations
Chico's FAS
01.2018 - 05.2021
Senior Manager - Production Control
Abercrombie & Fitch
12.2015 - 01.2018
Project Manager / International Operations Manager
Abercrombie & Fitch
11.2008 - 12.2015
Distribution Center Operations Supervisor
Abercrombie & Fitch
08.2006 - 12.2008
Bachelor of Arts - Information Systems / Operations Management
University of Toledo
Similar Profiles
Tharanga PeirisTharanga Peiris
Business Analyst at Bluestem BrandsBusiness Analyst at Bluestem Brands
TODD KOTTKETODD KOTTKE
Sr. Director, Shared Services at Bluestem BrandsSr. Director, Shared Services at Bluestem Brands
Jonathon GargaroJonathon Gargaro
Sr Project Manager at Bluestem BrandsSr Project Manager at Bluestem Brands
Devin VachaDevin Vacha
Email Marketing Specialist at Bluestem BrandsEmail Marketing Specialist at Bluestem Brands
Chakira BrownChakira Brown
Food Runner at Reynolds Lake OconeeFood Runner at Reynolds Lake Oconee