Kara McEathron
Summary
Experienced Lab Operations Specialist with a proven track record of overseeing and streamlining lab operations. Skilled in project management, process improvement, and fostering strong vendor relationships. Thrives in areas where no road was paved before, turning chaos into clarity by adding structure and process. Currently working in the Nike Apparel Lab, very familiar with test methods, following procedures, and equipment maintenance.
Background in sports medicine with 12+ years of experience preventing and rehabilitating injuries. Highly knowledgeable in anatomy, physiology, and kinesiology.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
Work History
LAB OPERATIONS SPECIALIST
NIKE APPAREL LAB
07.2018 - Current
- Oversee lab operations, ensuring alignment with business needs and delivering measurable project results.
- Collaborate with quality managers to address risks and enhance project support.
- Implemented shared email system, reducing response time and improving customer service.
- Streamlined project intake using SharePoint and Smartsheet, improving efficiency.
- Overhauled equipment calibration process, maintaining vendor relationships.
- Assist in creating and maintaining process documents and Smartsheet dashboards.
- Managed lab relocation from Michael Jordan to Pegasus building.
- Oversaw day-to-day operations, delegating tasks appropriately to ensure smooth workflow and timely completion of projects.
APPAREL QUALITY ENGINEER
APPAREL PRODUCT INTEGRITY
01.2023 - 07.2023
- Developed inspection plans based on design specifications, ensuring all critical dimensions and performance criteria were verified throughout the manufacturing process.
- Performed quality inspections and drafted reports to detail non-conforming material issues.
- Contributed to root cause analysis to determine core reason for failures and errors.
- Supported quality team members during corrective action updates.
SUPERVISOR ACCOUNT SERVICES & OPERATIONS ANALYST
NA MARKETPLACE OPERATIONS
09.2017 - 07.2018
- Managed Footlocker & Six:02 order books, ensuring timely outbound & inbound deliveries.
- Collaborated with Sales & vendors, fostering strong account relationships.
- Oversaw daily operations of the department, ensuring smooth workflow and timely completion of tasks.
- Applied strong leadership talents and problem-solving skills to maintain team efficiency and organize workflows.
- Improved customer satisfaction with timely response to inquiries, addressing concerns, and finding effective solutions.
- Collaborated with Sales & vendors, fostering strong account relationships.
LOGISTICS ANALYST
NA INBOUND LOGISTICS
11.2015 - 08.2017
- Supported inbound deliveries for Footlocker Canada, Territory accounts, and Dick's Sporting Goods.
- Built strong relationships with Nike Canada and logistics companies.
- Coordinated with Sales and Marketplace Operations to meet monthly and yearly goals.
- Managed vendor relationships to ensure timely delivery of goods and services while maintaining cost effectiveness.
- Coordinated resolution of issues with warehouses, sales brokers and carriers.
- Conducted thorough data analysis, providing valuable insights for strategic decision-making in logistics operations.
Education
Master of Science - Athletic Training
Texas Tech University
Bachelor of Science - Exercise And Movement Science
University of Oregon
Skills
- Agile & Scrum
- Project Management
- Process Improvement
- Leadership
- Problem solving
- Customer Service
- Organization
- Operational Efficiency
- Planning and coordination
- Analytics
- Metrics / KPI's
- Cross-Functional Communication
Timeline
APPAREL QUALITY ENGINEER
APPAREL PRODUCT INTEGRITY
01.2023 - 07.2023
LAB OPERATIONS SPECIALIST
NIKE APPAREL LAB
07.2018 - Current
SUPERVISOR ACCOUNT SERVICES & OPERATIONS ANALYST
NA MARKETPLACE OPERATIONS
09.2017 - 07.2018
LOGISTICS ANALYST
NA INBOUND LOGISTICS
11.2015 - 08.2017
Master of Science - Athletic Training
Texas Tech University
Bachelor of Science - Exercise And Movement Science
University of Oregon
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