MS Office Suite
Margaret Kessler
San Francisco,California
Summary
Accomplished Executive Director recognized for leveraging strong team leadership and development to drive forward progress. Highly organized, detail-oriented leader skilled in directing high-performing teams to develop solutions and solve operational and technical problems. Success implementing systems across multiple operations with superior organizational and communication skills.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Executive Director of Business Operations
IDEO LP
San Francisco, CA
01.2023 - Current
- Advocated for policy changes at both local and national levels to further support the organization''s goals and objectives.
- Initiated strategy to drive company growth and increase market share and profitability.
- Established and maintained strong relationships with customers, vendors and strategic partners.
- Negotiated contracts with vendors, securing favorable terms while adhering to budgetary constraints.
- Aligned department vision, goals, and objectives with company strategy to achieve consistently high results.
- Optimized operational workflows, reducing overhead costs and maximizing resource allocation.
- Managed financial, operational and human resources to optimize business performance.
- Promoted a culture of continuous improvement by encouraging professional development opportunities for staff members.
North America Leadership Team
IDEO LP
San Francisco, CA
04.2021 - 01.2023
- Organized and led strategic priorities with Directors and interacted with community to increase sales volume.
- Streamlined operations and reduced costs by implementing best practices across a creative consulting business.
- Built relationships with key stakeholders and community to establish long-term business growth.
- Compiled and analyzed data to determine approaches to improve sales and performance.
- Conducted regular reviews of sales performance data to identify trends and areas for improvement.
- Implemented new systems and procedures to increase sales potential.
- Established annual sales targets that aligned with overall company goals and ensured their achievement.
- Optimized pricing strategies based on competitive analysis to maximize profitability without compromising value.
- Collaborated with C-Level management to implement continuous improvements to exceed performance goals.
San Francisco Head of Business Operations
IDEO LP
San Francisco, CA
03.2008 - 04.2021
- Managed and continuously streamlined all financial aspects of the San Francisco consulting business.
- Hired, developed and led a team of 6, as well as managed the extended infrastructure teams.
- Championed ongoing professional development for team members by providing access to training opportunities and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
- Led annual global financial planning for 9 consulting studios, multiple global departments, and
- Provided professional services and support in a dynamic work environment.
- Spearheaded projects by coordinating with Global Department Heads to support successful launch of new enterprise systems (Workday, PowerBI as core examples).
- Reviewed company's strategic plans and developed departmental goals and standards to support vision.
- Increased overall business efficiency by streamlining operational processes and implementing cost-saving measures.
- Participated in team projects, demonstrating an ability to work collaboratively and effectively.
- Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
Director of Operations
Ammunition
San Francisco, CA
07.2007 - 03.2008
- Managed budgets and resources, optimizing allocation for maximum impact on business objectives.
- Implemented data-driven decision-making processes to enhance operational performance and achieve targets.
- Analyzed business operations and implemented strategies to improve operational cohesiveness.
- Improved operational efficiency by streamlining processes and implementing innovative solutions.
- Delivered exceptional customer experiences by implementing strategies focused on meeting evolving needs and expectations.
- Negotiated with vendors, suppliers and other stakeholders to acquire mutually beneficial contracts and agreement.
- Developed systems and procedures to improve operational quality and team efficiency.
- Oversaw daily operations across multiple departments, ensuring seamless coordination and efficient execution of tasks.
Project Manager
Pentagram Design
San Francisco, CA
11.2004 - 07.2007
- Developed and initiated projects, managed costs, and monitored performance.
- Managed risk assessments and implemented mitigation strategies to minimize potential issues during project execution.
- Collaborated closely with senior management to align project objectives with strategic company initiatives, ensuring that efforts contributed to overall business growth.
- Met project deadlines without sacrificing build quality or workplace safety.
- Analyzed project performance data to identify areas of improvement.
- Developed strong relationships with stakeholders through regular communication updates, fostering trust and confidence in the team's ability to deliver results.
- Developed and implemented project plans and budgets to ensure successful execution.
- Prepared detailed reports on project status for stakeholders, ensuring transparency and alignment with objectives.
Education
Master of Arts - Bookarts/Printmaking
The University of The Arts
Philadelphia, PA05.1999
Bachelor of Arts - Fine Art & Arts Education
San Francisco State University
San Francisco, CA05.1995
Skills
- Program Management
- Stakeholder Relations
- Strategic business planning
- Change Management
- Budgeting and financial management
- Process Improvements
- Client Services
- Contract Negotiation
- Profit and Loss Management
- Program Leadership
- People and Culture
- Cross-Functional Collaboration
Certification
- Completed IDEO U Designing Strategy Course - 2020
- Completed IDEO U Designing for Change Course - 2018
- Completed IDEO U Leading for Creativity Course - 2016
Additional Information
Passionate art lover, experimental chef, and avid reader
Software
G-Suite
FigJam
Miro
HubSpot
PowerBI
Workday
Adobe (Adobesign, InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop)
Interests
Literature
Art (viewing and making)
Cooking
Rowing
Languages
Weaving
Exploring the outdoors
Traveling
Timeline
Executive Director of Business Operations
IDEO LP
01.2023 - Current
North America Leadership Team
IDEO LP
04.2021 - 01.2023
San Francisco Head of Business Operations
IDEO LP
03.2008 - 04.2021
Director of Operations
Ammunition
07.2007 - 03.2008
Project Manager
Pentagram Design
11.2004 - 07.2007
Master of Arts - Bookarts/Printmaking
The University of The Arts
Bachelor of Arts - Fine Art & Arts Education
San Francisco State University