Kawena Kapule-Hams
Kailua Kona,HI
Summary
I am a goal oriented encouraging manager and analytical problem-solver with talents for team building, leading and motivating, as well as excellent customer relations aptitude and relationship-building skills. Proficient in using independent decision-making skills and sound judgment to positively impact company success. Dedicated to applying training, monitoring and morale-building abilities to enhance employee engagement and boost performance with data driven decisions. I have dedicated 13 years to aquaculture with a primary focus in operations and production/processing.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of Operational Expansion
Blue Ocean Barns
02.2024 - Current
- Developed high-performing teams by providing mentorship, guidance, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Cultivated a positive work environment that fosters collaboration, constructive feedback, and boosted overall team morale.
- Collaborate with the leadership of each enterprise function to create and implement essential workflows, processes, procedures, planning tools, technologies, and communications for each enterprise function (Algae Operations, Operations Analytics, People Operations, Procurement, Safety, Design, Engineering & Construction, Data and IT, Post-Harvest Processing, QA, and Logistics), at new and future company locations. Create and manage a timeline and key milestones for implementation of the package.
- Manage the “implementation package” and timeline by (a) coordinating and, as necessary, providing an effective communication channel between the leadership of each enterprise function and the corresponding personnel at new and future locations who hold site-specific managerial responsibility for such functions and by (b) providing leadership and on-demand support to all personnel.
- Provide timely feedback to the leadership of each enterprise function about challenges and opportunities associated with existing essential workflows, processes, procedures, planning tools, technologies, and communications, as observed or experienced once implemented and in daily operation. Work with the interim COO to prioritize, create and implement solutions.
- Co-lead with the interim COO the management team to review plans and progress, set priorities, discuss and resolve problems, and institutionalize the work culture of the company.
- Create and review plans and progress, set priorities, discuss and resolve problems, and institutionalize the work culture of the company.
- Review and approve all CAD designs and building plans for all new and future builds of the company.
- Discharge the above responsibilities as (a) new farms and facilities are developed and (b) as new SOPs and technologies are developed and ready for implementation.
- Create and Maintain company functions and operational expansion in alignment with company safety standards.
- Managed budgets effectively to ensure optimal use of resources while maintaining financial stability.
- Strengthened internal controls by reviewing existing policies and procedures, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.
- Optimized staff performance by designing comprehensive training programs tailored to individual needs.
- Proactively identified potential risks and implemented mitigation strategies to minimize negative impacts on projects or business operations.
Sr. Manager of Algae Operations
Blue Ocean Barns
11.2023 - Current
- Accomplished multiple tasks within established timeframes.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by resolving disputes promptly, maintaining open lines of communication, and ensuring high-quality service delivery.
- Resolved staff member conflicts, actively listening to concerns and finding appropriate middle ground.
- Cross-trained existing employees to maximize team agility and performance.
- Communicated clearly with employees, suppliers and stakeholders to keep everyone on same page and working toward established business goals.
- Developed and maintained relationships with customers and suppliers through account development.
- Monitored and analyzed business performance to identify areas of improvement and make necessary adjustments.
- Developed a strong company culture focused on employee engagement, collaboration, and continuous learning opportunities.
- Achieved departmental goals by developing and executing strategic plans and performance metrics.
- Built high-performing teams through effective recruitment, onboarding, and talent development initiatives.
- Managed budgets effectively, ensuring optimal financial performance while investing in necessary resources for business growth.
- Reduced operational costs through comprehensive process improvement initiatives and resource management.
- Mentored junior team members for career advancement, fostering a pipeline of future leaders within the organization.
- Streamlined workflows by identifying bottlenecks in existing systems and implementing appropriate solutions.
- Optimized resource allocation by conducting regular performance evaluations and providing personalized coaching for staff development.
- Led change management initiatives to drive organizational transformation without compromising employee morale or productivity levels.
- Drove operational efficiency through data-driven decision-making processes, leveraging analytics tools for informed strategy development.
- Established team priorities, maintained schedules and monitored performance.
- Evaluated employee performance and conveyed constructive feedback to improve skills.
- Opened and closed location and monitored shift changes to uphold successful operations strategies and maximize business success.
- Planned, created, tested and deployed system life cycle methodology to produce high quality systems to meet and exceed customer expectations.
- Launched quality assurance practices for each phase of development
- Leveraged data and analytics to make informed decisions and drive business improvements.
- Trained personnel in equipment maintenance and enforced participation in exercises focused on developing key skills.
- Successfully managed budgets and allocated resources to maximize productivity and profitability.
Manager of Algae Operations
Blue Ocean Barns Inc.
01.2023 - Current
- Create monthly, weekly, daily, and hourly production and personnel plans, ensure ideal environmental conditions, lead Farm Ops planning process, collaborate with Operations Excellence Manager, manage budget, inventory planning and procurement, train and ensure adherence to SOPs, manage biosecurity practices, define goals for Direct Reports, collaborate with Director of Operations for personnel needs, conduct interviews, collaborate with Algae Operations Supervisor for improvement and inoculum needs, collaborate with Ops R&D for in-production experimentation, collaborate with Design, Construction, Transition/Implementation, and Operations Improvement teams for process and equipment improvements
Algae Technician Level 1-4
Blue Ocean Barns
10.2021 - Current
- Inspect algae samples, manage data, supply and maintain lab inventory, communicate data, perform algae-related duties, maintain records, prepare vessels and water, maintain workspace, conduct research and experiments, maintain filtration systems and equipment, update protocols, assist with inventory, respect confidentiality, contribute as a team member
Nursery Production Supervisor
Blue Ocean Barns
05.2022 - 01.2023
- Assist Manager of Algae Operation in monitoring production targets, coordinate and direct Algae Ops team, manage supply inventory and distribution, collect and record data, schedule and execute algae movements, train new team members, collaborate with Assistant Manager of Algae Operations, COI, Operational R&D, and Analytical team, ensure planned algae production, act as point of contact for Algae Technician team, provide support and leadership, collaborate for continuous improvement
Algae Field, Clam Hatchery Manager, Algae Lab Technician, Manager of Shrimp R&D Project
Pacific Seafood
05.2019 - 04.2020
- Performed various roles including algae field tech, hatchery manager, lab technician, and manager of shrimp R&D project
Permitting Specialist
Sunrun
04.2015 - 11.2015
- Worked with HELCO and COUNTY permitting, application filling, data entry, answered phones, database entry, office organization
Office admin
Vivint Solar
10.2014 - 03.2015
- Performed office admin duties including permitting, net metering, data entry, answered phones, database entry, office organization
Banquet Server
Sheraton Kona Resort-Spa
07.2014 - 08.2014
- Served as a banquet server, took orders, assisted with liquor orders
Quality Supervisor
Shrimp Improvement Systems Hi
11.2011 - 01.2014
- Supervised animal quality, managed client accounts, managed 30 employees, handled database management, scheduling, organization, training, and decision making
Customer service
Harley Davidson
10.2011 - 11.2011
- Provided customer service, cashier duties, store management, and organization
Customer Service Rep
Wells Fargo
01.2010 - 10.2010
- Worked as a Customer Service Rep, assisted in closing accounts, filing, answered phones, organized office and meetings, online filing
Cashier
Target, Kona
07.2009 - 11.2009
- Worked as a cashier and provided customer service on the sales floor
Cashier
Taco Bell, Kona
04.2009 - 07.2009
- Worked as a cashier, took orders at the drive-thru window, and managed cash control
Receptionist
Kiosk Information Systems
06.2008 - 12.2008
- Worked as a receptionist, answered phones, greeted customers, provided customer service, filing, administrative assistant, data entry, assisted accounting department
Education
1 Year of College Or A Technical Or Vocational School - business/ Hawaiian Studies
Hawaii Community College Palamanui
High School Diploma - General
Centaurus High
05.2008
Skills
- Aquaculture biologist by trade, running hatcheries (shrimp and clams), working with algae (Macroalgae and Microalgae), Extensive knowledge of shrimp and bivalves, Aquaculture production organizing and implementing, creating protocols/ SOP’s, biosecurity, various databases (Google, Airtable Labguru), Running R&D project (for shrimp), Supervising, Managing and Directing personnel Creating aquaculture systems, production and R&D integration, Microscope knowledge, training large teams, organizing daily plans, customer relations, meeting company targets, operation procurement, problem solving skills, flexible availability, Answering Phone, Typing, 10-Key, Microsoft Office, excel, Zoom meeting facilitator, filing and operational management
Personal Information
Title: Sr. Manager of Operational Expansion
References
- Nicholas Ciccirelli, 8082297572 Safety Specialist (Blue Ocean Barns)
- Keelee Martin, 8089903461, Continuous Operations Manager (Blue Ocean Barns)
- Terry Campbell, 8082258837 Director of Operations (Blue Ocean Barns)
- Carl Yoshida, 8083450204, Marine Biologist and Lab Specialist (Pacific Seafood)
- Hanna Readman, 7605606314, Lab and Analytical Specialist (Blue Ocean Barns)
Languages
Hawaiian
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Director of Operational Expansion
Blue Ocean Barns
02.2024 - Current
Sr. Manager of Algae Operations
Blue Ocean Barns
11.2023 - Current
Manager of Algae Operations
Blue Ocean Barns Inc.
01.2023 - Current
Nursery Production Supervisor
Blue Ocean Barns
05.2022 - 01.2023
Algae Technician Level 1-4
Blue Ocean Barns
10.2021 - Current
Algae Field, Clam Hatchery Manager, Algae Lab Technician, Manager of Shrimp R&D Project
Pacific Seafood
05.2019 - 04.2020
Permitting Specialist
Sunrun
04.2015 - 11.2015
Office admin
Vivint Solar
10.2014 - 03.2015
Banquet Server
Sheraton Kona Resort-Spa
07.2014 - 08.2014
Quality Supervisor
Shrimp Improvement Systems Hi
11.2011 - 01.2014
Customer service
Harley Davidson
10.2011 - 11.2011
Customer Service Rep
Wells Fargo
01.2010 - 10.2010
Cashier
Target, Kona
07.2009 - 11.2009
Cashier
Taco Bell, Kona
04.2009 - 07.2009
Receptionist
Kiosk Information Systems
06.2008 - 12.2008
1 Year of College Or A Technical Or Vocational School - business/ Hawaiian Studies
Hawaii Community College Palamanui
High School Diploma - General
Centaurus High
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