Lester Rodgers

• Oversee shipping operations for a diverse range of customers, including international military installations, commercial enterprises, and government entities. Manage logistics across various shipping methods, including Less Than Truckload (LTL), Full Truckload (FTL), and air freight, ensuring efficient and timely delivery.
• Ensured that all incoming and outgoing shipments were properly documented and tracked.
• Monitored inventory levels to ensure accurate stock counts and reorder points.
• Coordinated with vendors, suppliers, customers, and other departments to resolve shipping issues in a timely manner.
• Supervised the daily activities of warehouse staff including assigning tasks and monitoring performance.
• Developed processes for efficient receiving operations, including unloading, sorting, storing, labeling, and tracking of goods.
• Prepared detailed reports on inventory control activities such as delivery times, transportation costs, damage claims.
• Provided guidance to warehouse personnel regarding proper handling procedures for fragile items during shipment preparation.
• Conducted regular inspections of loading docks to ensure compliance with safety regulations.

Responsibilities:

• Oversee operations at a facility where fruit is received, inventoried, processed, and ripened, ensuring adherence to quality specifications.
• Verify that inbound fruit meets customer quality standards and manage ethylene inventory to maintain optimal ripening conditions.
• Operate and monitor climate-controlled ripening rooms to achieve quality and color standards in line with company and customer guidelines.
• Generate sales reports, forecasts, and manage imports from host fruit countries, including coordinating transportation and dispatch from the port to the warehouse.
• Initiate and oversee the ripening process for Chiquita’s Long-Term Ripening Systems (LTRs), including monitoring and adjusting O2/CO2 parameters and performing equipment maintenance.
• Enter container data into Chiquita’s C2DACS system and manage ethylene inventory effectively.
• Collaborate with Chiquita’s vessel LTR Coordinators to exchange information and ensure smooth operations.
• Continuously monitor and adjust ripening parameters, including O2/CO2 levels, to ensure optimal fruit quality.

Strong basic computer skills in the areas, but not limited to: Time & Attendance, HRIS/UKG, Microsoft Excel with basic formulas, Word, Outlook Scheduling, etc.

• Production Planning and Coordination: Review production orders and schedules to determine product types, quantities, specifications, and delivery dates, ensuring departmental operations align with these requirements.
  Plan and prioritize production operations in accordance with approved schedules, establishing sequences for manufacturing.
  Coordinate manufacturing activities to ensure products meet specifications and quality standards.
  
• Performed daily shipping and receiving duties, including verifying items received against invoices or packing slips.
• Operational Management:Analyze production and operating reports to resolve operational, manufacturing, and maintenance issues, minimizing costs and preventing delays.
  Develop and revise work instructions, observing workers to ensure adherence to ISO standards and providing coaching for compliance.
  
• Staffing and Training:Review staffing needs and make recommendations to the Production Manager. Address performance issues through coaching and development.
  Lead recruitment, selection, and hiring of production personnel in collaboration with Human Resources.
  Ensure safety and job-related orientation training is provided to new and reassigned employees. Monitor ongoing training needs and coordinate with relevant departments to enhance skills.
  
• Equipment and Safety Management:Inspect machines and equipment to ensure safe and effective operation, scheduling preventive maintenance (PM) for optimal performance. Work with the Production Manager to plan downtime for maintenance.
  Enforce safety rules and requirements, promoting good safety practices, housekeeping, and workplace organization.
  
• Conflict Resolution and Inventory Control:Address worker disputes or escalate unresolved issues to the Production Manager and, if necessary, involve Human Resources.
  Ensure accurate control, accounting, and preservation of raw materials, work-in-progress (WIP), and finished goods inventory. Review production data to maintain inventory accuracy and compliance with standards.
  
• Team Leadership and Communication:Lead and communicate essential information to teams, ensuring they have the resources and knowledge needed to perform their roles effectively. Develop and implement communication tools, such as visual aids and shift updates.
  Monitor and support shift/team development, recommending promotions or new assignments to foster skill growth and retention.
  
• Continuous Improvement and Data Management:Submit and discuss new ideas for continuous improvement and safety enhancements. Encourage employee contributions for operational and safety improvements.
  Maintain accurate department records and ensure timely submission of paperwork for status changes to Human Resources.
  
• Technical Skills:Utilize basic computer skills, including proficiency in Time & Attendance systems, HRIS/UKG, Microsoft Excel (basic formulas), Word, and Outlook for scheduling and communication.
  

• Responsibilities:
• Order Selection and Verification:Selected 1,240 cases per hour, ensuring accurate loading and unloading of inbound and outbound trailers. Proficient in Warehouse Management Systems (WMS).
  Verified order accuracy before loading onto delivery trucks, checking shipments against purchase orders for item correctness, quantity, and quality.
  Utilized RF scanner guns to retrieve and record item numbers and quantities from storage locations.
  
• Product Handling and Transportation:Operated electric pallet jacks and forklifts to transport products between warehouse aisles efficiently.
  Inspected products for damage or defects prior to container placement and ensured compliance with company standards.
  
• Stock Management:Organized stock on shelves according to a predetermined sequence, checked inventory levels, and restocked shelves as needed.
  Monitored expiration dates and performed regular cycle counts of inventory to ensure accurate stock levels.
  
• Shipping and Receiving:Executed picking, packing, shipping, and unloading of goods in an efficient manner, preparing documents such as bills of lading and invoices accurately.
  Weighed merchandise as required and followed established procedures for hazardous materials handling and packaging.
  
• Work Area Maintenance and Safety:Maintained cleanliness of the work area by sweeping floors and removing debris from racks and shelves.
  Operated warehouse equipment with caution, following manufacturer instructions and safety protocols to minimize accidents and malfunctions.
  
• Assistance and Collaboration:Provided assistance in the loading and unloading process during peak periods and supported other personnel as needed.
  Stayed updated on new developments in warehouse operations technologies and processes.
  
• Data Management and Reporting:Recorded item numbers and quantities on pick sheets or computer terminals, using handheld scanners to input data for packages.
  Reported discrepancies with order fulfillment immediately to supervisors and managers.
  
• Physical Handling and Efficiency:Selected products from shelves and pallets for customer orders using proper lifting techniques to avoid injury.
  Fulfilled orders quickly and efficiently to meet daily objectives, ensuring products were prepared for packaging and shipping according to company specifications.