MELISSA DIBRIENZA-ESPOSITO
Manalapan,NJ
Summary
Results-driven, self-motivated, exceptionally organized executive leader with over 25 years of experience in optimizing operational efficiency, driving sustainable growth, and leading high-performing teams across multiple industries. Adept at scaling businesses, reducing costs, and implementing innovative solutions to enhance productivity and profitability. Known for building strong cross-functional partnerships and cultivating a culture of excellence. Eager to leverage deep operational expertise and strategic vision to step into the role of Chief Operating Officer –COO–, driving company-wide operational success and supporting long-term organizational goals. Exceptional communicator with a data-driven approach to decision-making, process improvement, and stakeholder management. Core competencies include:
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
Work History
Founder/CEO
Efficient Edge Solutions, LLC
06.2024 - Current
- Leveraged 28 years of industry expertise to launch and scale startup operations in the alcohol, wine & spirits sector, overseeing supply chain, compliance, logistics, and go-to-market strategies with enterprise-level precision.
- Built operations from the ground up—from entity formation to national distribution—streamlining vendor onboarding, inventory controls, and regulatory pathways to enable full-market readiness.
- Developed and implemented a proprietary "Concept-to-Consumer" model, translating founder vision into actionable roadmaps that fast-tracked new product launches and secured early-stage shelf space and distributor buy-in.
- Directed multimillion-dollar product lifecycles across domestic and global markets, integrating lean operations, packaging innovation, and demand planning to reduce waste, increase margins, and ensure launch success.
- Acted as fractional COO and strategic advisor to emerging brands, bringing structure, scalability, and commercial clarity to founder-led teams navigating complex, regulated environments.
Vice President Of Operations
Sweet Amber Distilling, LLC
01.2018 - 01.2025
- Revamped the company's operational processes, cutting lead times by 25% and reducing operational costs by $1 million annually by optimizing supply chain processes.
- Improved efficiency by 20% through the implementation of a new CRM system.
- Managed operations for global locations, overseeing a budget of $150 million.
- Boosted production efficiency by 30% by implementing lean manufacturing principles in all facilities.
- Achieved a 25% decrease in delivery times by overhauling logistics strategies and supplier relationships.
Director of Operations & Administration
Alba Wine & Spirits Warehousing and Distribution LLC
01.2014 - 01.2017
- Created and continuously build CSR, Finance, IT and warehouse teams for a startup venture.
- Attracted and hired staff and set salaries.
- Ensured compliance with local, state and federal employment requirements.
- Played a key role in developing and maintaining vendor relationships.
- Successfully developed and instituted best practices and developmental SOP's (receiving, shipping, finance, inventory management and customer care).
- Improved performance and employee satisfaction by developing performance expectations, writing employee handbooks, and designing performance review process.
- Manage daily payroll reporting and processing. Oversee equipment leasing and purchasing, Inventory Control, Project planning, process improvement, client and vendor relationships.
Director of Finance: Consultant
SmartRevenue Inc
01.2010 - 01.2014
- Created, implemented and managed the accounting operations policies and related procedures for departmental, interdepartmental and inter-company use.
- Monthly, quarterly, and annual reporting which included borrowing base reports, bad debt analysis and aging reports.
- Managed Client invoicing, daily cash flow and sales forecast reports.
- Liaison with factor bank, administration, sales and operations departments.
- Developed and implemented an effective credit/collection system which cleared $700k.
Operations Consultant
Mystique Brands
01.2008 - 01.2009
- Created a strong operations foundation to maximize business opportunities across the US & Global supply chain by instituting a Demand-Lead forecasting process, compliance structure, and strong communication procedures.
- Improved brand listing preparation efficiency by 80%, resulting in on-time kickoff for 100 projects.
- Assisted with the preparation of cash flow projections; reviewed and planned cash outflow as well as investment activities.
- Identified inventory issues by managing account reconciliation and analyzing inventory levels.
Operations Manager
The Absolut Spirits Company
01.2005 - 01.2008
- Reduced COGS by 28% through development of New Product Introduction Process enhancing product launch efficiency.
- Completed monthly inventory and financial warehouse reconciliations for 100% accuracy of audits and senior management reports.
- Oversee 20 daily truck routes to optimize third-party logistics and replenishment operations.
- Created and managed the distribution planning process of 13 new products/value-added-packs in 2007, which included the ordering of raw materials, tracking of production, and scheduling of shipments to retail/wholesale centers.
- Reduced approval process downtime by 30% by systemizing guideline review with ASCI's legal department.
- Enhanced supply chain effectiveness by providing immediate sales support, resulting in 60% faster communication, solutions and lowering of inventories which contributed to reducing $14 million of working capital.
- Improved operational transparency by 20% through effective VAP allocation, sample distribution, and tracking new launches.
Logistics Manager
William Grant & Sons
01.1999 - 01.2005
- Managed inventory and shipments for entire portfolio in NJ, CA and Italy warehouses.
- Decreased inventory levels from 5 to 1.5 months by conducting ABC inventory analysis and introducing more efficient inventory management techniques.
- Reviewed wholesale/retail truck and bulk shipment schedules and reinforced safety regulations daily to ensure smooth operations of all warehouse functions.
- Reviewed stock to sales ratios, planned and forecasted future merchandise purchases on cased inventory, caps, labels, and other dry goods, saving $680K in unused materials.
- Scheduled production planning and managed inventory for in house production facility, ensuring FIFO demands were on track.
- Negotiated new contracts for raw materials, saving over $1 million in overall costs and increasing availability with local vendors.
- Monitored packaging in stage development.
- Assisted in house customs broker with customs clearance on all shipments (qualified AMS/Theta).
- Achieved and grew within the organization, promoted to Logistics Manager after successfully managing U.S. distributor imports for 3 years.
- Served as the liaison with W. Grant Inc., state representatives, warehouse staff, brokers, and carriers.
- Conducted bailment warehouse inventory audits to ensure all warehouse standards were within W.Grant's policy and/or auditor's requests throughout the U.S.
Education
BBA - Operations Management
University of Phoenix
06.2000
Skills
- Continuous Process Improvement
- Business Analysis
- Client Partnership Management
- Finance & Contract Negotiation
- Adaptability
- Revenue Cycle Forecasting
- Strategic Leadership & Design
- Team Motivation Engagement & Mentorship
Hobbies and Interests
- Relentless Learner
- Exercising
- Adventures with family
- Travel
- Writing
Timeline
Founder/CEO
Efficient Edge Solutions, LLC
06.2024 - Current
Vice President Of Operations
Sweet Amber Distilling, LLC
01.2018 - 01.2025
Director of Operations & Administration
Alba Wine & Spirits Warehousing and Distribution LLC
01.2014 - 01.2017
Director of Finance: Consultant
SmartRevenue Inc
01.2010 - 01.2014
Operations Consultant
Mystique Brands
01.2008 - 01.2009
Operations Manager
The Absolut Spirits Company
01.2005 - 01.2008
Logistics Manager
William Grant & Sons
01.1999 - 01.2005
BBA - Operations Management
University of Phoenix
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