Leah Ward

Lead cross-functional teams to improve operational efficiencies and drive cost reductions.

• Manage P&L, budgets, and performance metrics to drive
  continuous improvement and profitability.
• Increased employee engagement by promoting a positive work environment that valued communication, teamwork, and recognition of achievements.
• Enhance interdepartmental coordination by organizing regular cross-functional meetings, improving communication channels between teams.
• Mentor team members, fostering culture of professional growth and development.
• Develop and execute operational plans to achieve organizational goals.
• Ensure compliance with industry regulations and company policies through rigorous audits and evaluations.
• Improve overall productivity by identifying areas for improvement and implementing necessary changes.
• Streamline operations by implementing efficient processes and workflow strategies.
• Define, implement, and revise operational policies and guidelines.
• Create, review, and approve proposals and contracts.
• Designed invoicing process which increased efficiency by three business days.

• Led Project Management and Account Teams
• Optimized project timelines by effectively delegating tasks and prioritizing workload among team members.
• Cultivated culture of innovation by promoting creative thinking and encouraging employees to take calculated risks in pursuit of solutions.
• Managed risk effectively by identifying potential threats, developing contingency plans, and implementing mitigation strategies in line with overall business objectives.
• Established data-driven decision-making processes and implemented best practices in analytics to optimize performance across organization.
• Increased employee satisfaction, providing regular coaching and feedback sessions.
• Collaborated with functional areas in the supervision of project personnel, which included work allocation, training, and problem resolution; evaluated performance and made recommendations for personnel actions.
• Ensured all projects proceeded according to timelines, met targets and expectations, and adhered to established operating parameters; negotiated changes in project resources as necessary to achieve objectives and timelines.
• Advised leadership and/or business executives at highest levels about project portfolio, status, and resource planning.
• Initiated and implemented new methodologies, processes, and procedures that supported company goals.
• Assisted in project profitability, timing expectations, and revenue reporting.
• Developed and delivered client presentations that highlighted practice methodologies, operations, and potential projects.
• Addressed client concerns, questions, and conflicts surrounding projects and operations.

• Planned projects to accomplish goals within constraints of time, cost, and agreed quality standards.
• Intimately understood requirements of projects and ensured that work proceeded on-spec.
• Evaluated deliverables prepared by team to ensure work met requirements and maintained a high level of quality.
• Analyzed project profitability.
• Built and fostered business relationships vital to success of project.
• Articulated design rationale and function strategy throughout life of project to external stakeholders.
• Developed best practices and tools for project execution and management.
• Coached, mentored, motivated, and supervised project team members and contractors, and influenced them to take positive action and accountability for their assigned work.