Michael H. Willan
Portage
Summary
Dedicated and highly experienced distribution and logistics professional with 36 years at the Walgreens Distribution Center. Proven leadership progression from Hourly Team Member to Shipping Distribution Supervisor. Strong background in shipping operations, team leadership, safety, Lean continuous improvement, workflow optimization, and cross-department collaboration.
Overview
37
37
years of professional experience
Work History
Lean Champion
Walgreens Distribution Center
Windsor
01.2024 - Current
- Led Lean/CI projects to reduce waste and improve workflow.
- Facilitated Kaizen events and led improvement workshops.
- Trained supervisors and associates in Lean methodology.
- Standardized work processes and improved efficiency.
Shipping Distribution Supervisor
Walgreens Distribution Center
Windsor
01.2022 - 01.2026
- Led daily outbound shipping operations.
- Supervised and coached shipping team members.
- Coordinated staffing, workflow, and labor planning.
- Ensured compliance with all safety policies.
- Collaborated with Inbound, Inventory, and Transportation teams.
- Oversaw equipment usage.
- Tracked performance metrics.
Function Manager
Walgreens Distribution Center
Windsor
01.2019 - 01.2022
- Managed operations and workflow for assigned functions.
- Oversaw supervisors and team leads.
- Coordinated labor resources and scheduling.
- Conducted performance reviews.
- Ensured safety compliance.
- Implemented process improvements.
Group Supervisor — Shipping
Walgreens Distribution Center
Windsor
01.2017 - 01.2019
- Supervised hourly associates in Shipping.
- Oversaw carton flow, trailer loading, and order accuracy.
- Coordinated staffing and workflow.
- Ensured safety compliance.
- Reported KPIs.
- Trained and coached associates.
Function Lead
Walgreens Distribution Center
Windsor
01.2015 - 01.2017
- Supervised warehouse associates.
- Maintained safety, accuracy, and quality.
- Tracked productivity.
- Provided coaching and mentoring.
Safety Action Team Member
Walgreens Distribution Center
Windsor
01.2010 - 01.2015
- Identified workplace hazards and supported corrective action.
- Participated in safety audits and incident reviews.
- Promoted safety culture across departments.
Hourly Team Member
Walgreens Distribution Center
Windsor
01.1989 - 01.2012
- Picked, packed, and processed store orders to ensure timely fulfillment.
- Operated warehouse equipment: forklifts, pallet jacks, reach trucks.
- Loaded/unloaded trailers and maintained productivity.
- Sorted, scanned, and organized freight for efficient inventory management.
- Assisted in conducting inventory cycle counts to ensure accuracy of stock levels.
- Cross-trained across multiple departments to enhance team flexibility.
Education
Some College (No Degree) -
Sun Prairie Highschool
Sun Prairie, WISkills
- Lean / Continuous Improvement
- Workflow Optimization
- Process mapping
- KPI Tracking
- Shipping & Warehouse Operations
- Safety Compliance
- Equipment Operation
- Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Leadership & Coaching
Timeline
Lean Champion
Walgreens Distribution Center
01.2024 - Current
Shipping Distribution Supervisor
Walgreens Distribution Center
01.2022 - 01.2026
Function Manager
Walgreens Distribution Center
01.2019 - 01.2022
Group Supervisor — Shipping
Walgreens Distribution Center
01.2017 - 01.2019
Function Lead
Walgreens Distribution Center
01.2015 - 01.2017
Safety Action Team Member
Walgreens Distribution Center
01.2010 - 01.2015
Hourly Team Member
Walgreens Distribution Center
01.1989 - 01.2012
Some College (No Degree) -
Sun Prairie Highschool