Michael Wessel
Blaine,Mn
Summary
Hands-on Regional Operations Manager with exceptional gifts in budgetary and cost control. Adaptable and versatile to oversee multiple locations. Exceptionally skilled at motivating location managers to perform duties and achieve highest potential.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Area Operations Manager
Veritiv
09.2018 - Current
- Assist the Territory in exceeding their financial and strategic goals by playing an active role as a key member of the lead team
- Provide oversight, supervision, direction, and leadership to raise the standard of performance in meeting the goals of our internal and external customers in all Territory locations
- Plan, direct and monitor operation of the warehouse and delivery system (including shipping, receiving, and inventory control) to ensure a competitive service advantage by maintaining a high degree of accuracy and customer service at a minimal cost
- Oversight and responsibility of 6 locations (now 3 due to consolidations)
- Plans and coordinates work activities of warehouse functions (directly and through supervisors), including receiving, picking, shipping, delivery, security, and inventory control
- Develops and implements specific objectives and performance measures for each functional area and individual to improve performance
- Ensures all fleet delivery (XRS) performance metrics are met according to company guidelines
- Interprets, understands, and acts on individual and collective performance and quality data
- Leads selection and hiring of new warehouse and delivery employees and supervisors; evaluates employee performance according to specific company guidelines; develops and implements action plans for improving all employees
- Ensures that all warehouse and delivery employees receive proper training and skills development
- Maintains and manages a fair and equitable employee recognition program
- Ensures regular and productive meetings to improve warehouse performance
- Makes recommendations for and implements improvements in efficiency and effectiveness of warehouse and delivery operations
- Oversees the preparation and loading of trucks for shipments and delivery of orders in conformance with company procedures and customer instructions
- Oversees scheduling and dispatching of leased and company-owned vehicles
- Maintains and controls the physical condition of the warehouse and delivery equipment, supplies, security, facilities, grounds, etc
- Manages and controls warehouse, delivery, and capital expenses
- Ensures compliance with company and government policies and regulations (e.g., Safety, OSHA, HazMat, DOT)
- Oversees and is responsible for physical inventory in the warehouse including damage, missing, etc
- Participates in state, group, and regional distribution projects
- Participate in national projects or teams as needed
- Implement company policies and procedures according to company guidelines for assigned areas of responsibility
- Is knowledgeable of all safety work practices and performs all duties in a safe manner
- Supports division safety committee
- Ensures regular safety meetings; completes and reviews safety incident reports as necessary; recommends changes to assist in maintaining a safe working environment.
- Maximized profits through thorough financial analysis, identifying areas for cost savings without compromising service quality or employee satisfaction.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction through focused staff training and regular performance evaluations.
- Boosted team morale and productivity by fostering a positive work environment and offering regular feedback.
- Managed multiple projects simultaneously while adhering to strict deadlines and budget constraints.
- Established effective communication channels between departments, improving collaboration and information sharing across the organization.
- Improved overall operational efficiency by streamlining processes and implementing new systems.
- Spearheaded the implementation of innovative technology solutions to optimize workflows and improve communication among team members.
- Coordinated cross-functional teams to achieve alignment on goals, objectives, and overall business strategy.
- Implemented best practices for sustainability within area operations, resulting in significant reductions in energy consumption and waste generation.
- Ensured compliance with safety regulations, leading to a decrease in workplace accidents and injuries.
- Provided ongoing support to team members during times of organizational change or restructuring efforts.
- Continuously enhanced skillset as an Area Operations Manager through professional development courses, industry seminars, and networking events.
- Developed successful strategies for inventory control, reducing waste, and minimizing stock discrepancies.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to align operations with corporate objectives.
- Monitored and analyzed performance data, identifying areas of improvement and developing corrective action plans.
- Led weekly meetings with regional staff to review progress, address challenges and drive timely task completion.
- Trained and guided team members to maintain high productivity and performance metrics.
- Assisted in recruiting, hiring and training of team members.
Warehouse Operations Manager
Bunzl
09.2017 - 09.2018
- Manage the warehouse operations to successfully service our redistribution; processing, 3PL warehousing, and pick n pack programs
- Analyze and proposed methods of sustained productivity increases
- Maximize cube fill rate on delivery vehicles and minimize delivery costs
- Deployed Roadnet routing software (route optimization/dynamic routing)
- Took on 32.75% sales growth operationally by adding only 9.3% labor and 16.6% MHE assets
- Managed D&W budget to target
- Increased backhaul revenue by 32%
- Facilitate facility preparation and execution of annual inventory
- Implemented ELD mandate
- Managed all new store and remodel kits nationally for Target
- Utilized heat mapping & segmentation tools to increase productivity
- Identified and implemented supply chain improvement opportunities such as 3PL verse company fleet
- Applied continuous improvement to operations
- Maintained facility, equipment, and personnel compliant with OSHA, DOT, and EPA at local, state, and federal regulations.
- Managed daily warehouse operations, resulting in reduced waste and optimized space utilization.
- Successfully managed high-volume periods by allocating resources efficiently and maintaining a smooth workflow, ensuring timely delivery of products.
- Organized storage layouts, resulting in increased accessibility of items and improved worker efficiency during retrieval tasks.
- Conducted regular performance evaluations for staff members, fostering a culture of growth and continuous improvement.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to ensure timely delivery of products and customer satisfaction.
- Ensured compliance with federal regulations regarding hazardous materials handling procedures when applicable within the warehouse setting.
- Monitored inventory levels closely, preventing stockouts and overstock situations that could negatively impact business operations.
- Directed the recruitment process for new hires, building a strong team committed to operational excellence in the warehouse environment.
- Boosted warehouse operations performance by overseeing dispatching and setting optimal employee schedules.
- Improved delivery plans with strong scheduling knowledge, organizational skills, and route development expertise.
Director of DC Operations
Slumberland Furniture
03.2014 - 09.2017
- Manage multi-sites (3) located in three state region employing 200+ workers
- Established operational objectives and work plans and delegated assignments to subordinate managers
- Led corporate initiatives such as One Inventory (3 DC's) – Reduction in overall inventory
- Forecasted manpower requirements based on daily workload and company targets
- Drafted budgets, monitoring warehouse costs and reduced expenses when possible
- Led warehouse improvement initiatives to advance operational efficiencies (waste walks)
- Maintained the warehouse in compliance with OSHA safety standards (Qtrly 5S)
- Added 12 more store locations being serviced out of DC (Qtrly route optimization, daily dynamic routing)
- Implemented Next Day Ship to Store process (increased inventory flow)
- Expanded DC days and hours of operations to improve flow and utilization of resources
- Translated business needs and priorities into actionable logistics strategies
- Identified and implemented supply chain improvement opportunities such as 3PL verse company fleet
- Utilized Lean tools to identify gaps, opportunities, and promote continuous improvement.
- Enhanced team collaboration through regular communication, goal setting, and performance evaluations.
- Developed high-performing teams by providing mentorship, guidance, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Established a culture of continuous improvement by fostering open communication channels and empowering employees to voice their ideas.
- Monitored office workflow and administrative processes to keep operations running smoothly.
- Managed budgets effectively to ensure optimal use of resources while maintaining financial stability.
- Facilitated cross-functional collaboration for improved decision-making processes within the organization.
- Oversaw operations and provided corrective feedback to achieve daily and long-term goals.
- Managed daily operations while overseeing multiple locations to foster increased productivity.
- Championed corporate social responsibility initiatives that enhanced the company''s reputation in the community and industry at large.
Warehouse Manager
Martin-Brower
05.2010 - 03.2014
- Manage all facility activities and daily operations
- Prepare budget and forecast as well as monthly and annual goals
- Ensure facility remains in compliance with all city, state, and federal regulations and laws (OSHA, USDA, EPA, MDA)
- Facilitate all random and scheduled audits
- Authorize and approve contracts for the purchase, lease, and repair of all equipment and interior/exterior facility maintenance
- Facilitate all employee grievances and hearings between management and union representation
- Facilitate facility preparation and execution of quarterly inventory
- Assist and support all US and Global operations (US Ops Team member)
- Voccollect (voice direct) implementation and process development
- Frozen buns (product change) implementation and process development
- Electronic load diagrams (Syntellic) implementation and training
- Office expansion ($1.3 mil) project manager and budget
- Cool dock expansion ($550k) project manager and budget
- JDE upgrade implementation and training
- Engineered labor standards (Syntellic) implementation and development
- BBR (McD's green initiative) pilot roll out
- Same day ship to store initiative and implementation
- Centralized purchasing and customer service
- Six Sigma (delivery reliability) order accuracy improvement $250k annual cost avoidance.
- Conducted periodic audits of inventory levels to ensure accuracy, identifying discrepancies for swift resolution.
- Cleaned and maintained warehouse in compliance with OSHA safety standards.
- Oversaw upkeep of equipment and physical condition of warehouse, identifying and ordering needed repairs, renovations, and replacements.
- Enhanced employee productivity, implementing effective scheduling and task delegation strategies.
- Boosted warehouse operations performance by overseeing dispatching and setting optimal employee schedules.
- Facilitated smooth expansion of warehouse space to accommodate business growth, overseeing construction projects and integration of new systems.
Transportation Manager
Holiday Companies
06.2007 - 05.2010
- Responsible for the overall operations of three departments (multi-facilities): Bakeshop logistics, Fresh/Frozen logistics, fulfillment (production)
- Prepare budget and forecast as well as monthly and annual goals
- Develop and mentor department leadership
- Ensure facility, vehicles, and personnel remain in compliance with all city, state, and federal regulations and laws
- Develop and sustain procedures to ensure the efficient, safe, and accurate delivery of all perishable product and tobacco
- Take corrective disciplinary measures via progressive and well-documented discipline program
- Authorize and approve contracts for the purchase, lease, and repairs of equipment and vehicles
- Communicate with stations store stores and district managers to resolve receiving issues
- Manage and plan all work schedules and labor hours
- Schedule and plan for delivery or backhaul of all inbound product
- Fresh Bakery (new dept) development, implementation, and process.
- Managed a team of drivers, providing support and guidance to improve performance and productivity.
- Maintained compliance with all regulations, avoiding fines and penalties for the organization.
- Supervised department personnel by assigning and directing daily tasks as well as evaluating performance to enhance productivity and resolve problems.
- Researched distance, traffic patterns and other aspects to determine cost-effective and productive routes for deliveries.
- Conducted regular evaluations of transportation procedures for continuous improvement opportunities.
- Planned and supervised shipments from production to end-user and scheduled daily and weekly routes.
- Enhanced equipment usage by establishing proper maintenance schedules, reducing downtime and repair costs.
- Increased transportation efficiency by optimizing routing and scheduling processes.
- Oversaw team of 20 drivers by reviewing performance to promote timely and efficient deliveries and operations.
- Oversaw warehouse staff and maintained efficiency in fast-paced environment.
Distribution Leader
PSS World Medical
10.2003 - 06.2007
- Prepare budget and forecast as well as monthly and annual goals
- Develop and maintain procedures to ensure the efficient operation and utilization of all warehouse and delivery equipment
- Ensure facility remains in compliance with all city, state and federal regulations
- Oversee all equipment/set ups, and fill and hold functions
- Resolve receiving discrepancies by communicating with receiver, supplier and planner/buyer
- Communicate with suppliers to obtain return authorizations or credit memos to resolve receiving issues
- Work with accounts payable to resolve discrepancies
- Assist the daily processes of all departments as necessary
- Ensure that all items are received and stocked properly following SOP
- Submit vendor charge back forms for items that have been short-shipped and incorrectly billed
- Run the daily open orders report to account for orders printed and not invoiced
- Take corrective disciplinary measures via progressive and well-documented discipline program
- Facilitate branch preparation and execution of quarterly inventory
- Act as a liaison between customer service, purchasing, and warehouse operations
- Best practices development and implementation.
- Identified team weak points and implemented corrective actions to resolve concerns.
- Overcame challenging deadlines and resource limitations by reallocating personnel and focusing on priority tasks.
- Managed budgets and resources, ensuring optimal allocation towards achieving organizational objectives.
- Conducted regular reviews of operations and identified areas for improvement.
Education
Bachelor's Degree - Business Administration & Management
Metropolitan State University
Saint Paul, MN01.2008
Intercultural/Multicultural And Diversity Studies -
Century College
White Bear Lake, MN01.2001
Mass Communications -
Saint Cloud State University
01.1998
Skills
- Lean Six Sigma operations
- 3PL
- P&L statements
- Analytical thinker
- Logistics management
- Shipping & Receiving
- Inventory management
- Project management
- Statistical analysis
- Mathematical aptitude
- Risk management
- Staff development
- Expense control
- Team leader
- Warehouse management systems
- Supply Chain
- Transportation
- Performance Analysis
- Excellent interpersonal skills
- Operational Efficiency
- Knowledge of performance tracking
- Outstanding communication skills
- Employee Relations
- Cost analysis and savings
- Organizational Structuring
- KPI Tracking
- Process Improvements
- Management Team Building
- Goal Setting
Certification
- OpEx – Green Belt Certification
- Six Sigma Lean – Green Belt Certification
Timeline
Area Operations Manager
Veritiv
09.2018 - Current
Warehouse Operations Manager
Bunzl
09.2017 - 09.2018
Director of DC Operations
Slumberland Furniture
03.2014 - 09.2017
Warehouse Manager
Martin-Brower
05.2010 - 03.2014
Transportation Manager
Holiday Companies
06.2007 - 05.2010
Distribution Leader
PSS World Medical
10.2003 - 06.2007
Bachelor's Degree - Business Administration & Management
Metropolitan State University
Intercultural/Multicultural And Diversity Studies -
Century College
Mass Communications -
Saint Cloud State University