Michael Whittaker
Buffalo,MN
Summary
I am a seasoned professional with exceptional leadership and project management skills. Well-organized, systematic, and diplomatic in building consensus and spearheading teams. Specializes in planning and implementation. Results-focused, professional with several years of proven success in developing and leading cross-functional teams to execute and deliver major technology initiatives. I am a highly-effective communication facilitator and contributor to key stakeholders, projects and collective teams across the EPRF space. Achieving positive impact on business and function projects and initiatives. I have an innovative mindset with a passion for furthering the organization's vision.
Overview
27
27
years of professional experience
Work History
Design Thinking Advisor
Cargill
Wayzata, MN
12.2022 - Current
- Increased efficiency of product design by leading design review meetings and encouraging collaborative discussions and feedback for refined results.
- Advised on SAP Fiori Platform and capabilities in end-to-end related business and function processes.
- Worked with stake holders to implement and develop design thinking and agile approaches to meet defined problems from business and functions.
- Identified discrepancies between existing processes and optimal practices in the organizations clean core approach
- Guided project methodology and execution as the Lead UX Workstream in CFB Transformation initiative, providing advice to Solution Leads on approach.
- Advised on UX strategy and governance processes for the EPRF UX team.
Senior Solution Integrity Analyst
Cargill
Wayzata, MN
05.2011 - 12.2022
- Managed template governance for Cargill SAP Instances
- Collaborated on design discussions, solution definition, and solution implementation by leveraging digital technology and data resources.
- Aligned the efforts of consultants, business stakeholders, and Digital Technology and Data resources as the leader of the UX Team.
- Offered leadership in process and governance direction for the team.
- Led the effort in managing resource workload by working alongside leadership to optimize productivity and ensure efficient allocation of resources
Supervisor of Warehouse Operation
Upsher-Smith Laboratories, LLC.
Maple, MN
01.1998 - 05.2011
- Recruited, hired, trained, mentored, coached, evaluated, and terminated staff as necessary.
- Evaluated employee performance through periodic reviews and documented results accordingly.
- Developed and implemented operational policies and procedures to ensure efficiency and accuracy of workflows.
- Managed team of 20 employees across multiple locations and shifts, ensuring high productivity and quality standards were met.
- Managed budget for department, ensuring all expenses stayed within allocated funds.
- Identified opportunities for process improvements, leading to cost reductions and increased productivity.
- Collaborated with other departments to coordinate workflow processes between teams.
- Provided guidance and direction to subordinates regarding job duties and responsibilities.
Education
Some College (No Degree) - Business Administration
Metropolitan State University
Saint Paul, MNSkills
- Deep business process knowledge
- Good written and verbal communication skills
- Able to operate in a constantly changing environment
- Experienced in requirements gather and solution definition
- Experience with training, guiding, and mentoring a diverse staff in a highly evolving industry
Timeline
Design Thinking Advisor
Cargill
12.2022 - Current
Senior Solution Integrity Analyst
Cargill
05.2011 - 12.2022
Supervisor of Warehouse Operation
Upsher-Smith Laboratories, LLC.
01.1998 - 05.2011
Some College (No Degree) - Business Administration
Metropolitan State University