James Akins
Summary
Results-oriented Senior Program Manager with expertise in leading enterprise initiatives that enhance operational performance and align with strategic goals. Delivered significant reductions in vehicle groundings, achieving multi-million-dollar savings through effective cost optimization and vendor management. Skilled in strategic planning, team leadership, and fostering cross-functional collaboration to achieve program objectives.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
SENIOR PROGRAM MANAGER
AMAZON
01.2019 - 01.2026
- Directed enterprise-level programs spanning operations, engineering, and business functions, driving strategic alignment, execution, and measurable outcomes.
FIELD TRANSPORTATION LEAD
AMAZON
01.2017 - 01.2019
MC17 INBOUND DOCK PA
AMAZON
01.2017 - 12.2017
PRODUCTION MANAGER
ADESA AUTO AUCTION
Belton
01.2015 - 12.2016
- Architected and scaled vehicle inspection and maintenance programs, enhancing operational visibility, turnaround time, and decision-making through integrated systems (Asana/Smartsheet).
- Led data-driven cost optimization initiatives, identifying key maintenance drivers and delivering multi-million-dollar savings.
- Established governance frameworks, performance metrics, and reporting structures to ensure accountability and scalability across programs.
- Resolved a critical operational failure by leading cross-functional and vendor collaboration, reducing daily vehicle groundings from 1,500 to 5.
- Designed and implemented standardized assessments and inspection protocols, preventing deployment defects and mitigating significant cost exposure.
- Optimized fleet maintenance strategy, reducing overdue preventative maintenance by 28% and transitioning to more cost-efficient service models.
- Led rapid operational expansion, launching and standardizing 18 mechanical shops within an 18-month period.
- Oversaw a high production detail and body shop with administrative attention to hiring and onboarding all technicians and managers.
SENIOR MANAGER OF VEHICLE OPERATIONS
COX FLEET/MANHEIM/COX ENTERPRISES, INC.
Kansas City
01.2011 - 12.2015
- Realized 45% growth in Detail Shop profitability while simultaneously reducing employee turnover.
- Managed 40 team members to enhance service quality, resulting in a consistent customer base across operations.
- Developed vehicle standards and processes, establishing 18 mechanical shop startups within 18 months while reducing operational expenses.
- Grew vehicle-remarketing revenues by 40% throughout tenure and maximized profitability by researching auction details and sending vehicles accordingly.
- Generated a 30% reduction in overdue PMs and initiated the use of internal maintenance functions to both reduce cost and increase service.
- Effectively maintained the highest operations net profits from the lowest organization gross profits.
- Received Top Shop award for highest shop profit margins after transitioning shops from hourly to flat rates, optimizing performance and profitability.
- Directly implemented key processes which boosted quality, profitability, and safety compliance.
Education
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE - HUMAN SERVICES
UNIVERSITY OF SIOUX FALLS
Sioux Falls, SD01-2026
Skills
- Project Management Tools
- Performance metrics
- Cost Management
- Risk Management
- Procurement & Purchasing
- Contract negotiation
- Vendor management
- Supply Planning
- Process improvements
- Data Analytics
Timeline
SENIOR PROGRAM MANAGER
AMAZON
01.2019 - 01.2026
FIELD TRANSPORTATION LEAD
AMAZON
01.2017 - 01.2019
MC17 INBOUND DOCK PA
AMAZON
01.2017 - 12.2017
PRODUCTION MANAGER
ADESA AUTO AUCTION
01.2015 - 12.2016
SENIOR MANAGER OF VEHICLE OPERATIONS
COX FLEET/MANHEIM/COX ENTERPRISES, INC.
01.2011 - 12.2015
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE - HUMAN SERVICES
UNIVERSITY OF SIOUX FALLS