Peter M. Cullen
Chicago,Illinois
Summary
Operations Management Leader experienced in high-volume food production facilities and e-commerce operations. Delivered improvements in team dynamics, problem-solving processes, and operational efficiencies through strong communication and multi-site management. Committed to maintaining high standards in manufacturing practices and skilled in utilizing various software solutions for inventory and warehouse management.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Warehouse Manager
Lifeway Foods
Waukesha, WI
10.2025 - Current
- Oversaw daily warehouse operations, ensuring compliance with safety standards and procedures.
- Coordinated logistics for inbound and outbound shipments, optimizing delivery schedules.
- Developed and implemented process improvements to enhance workflow efficiency.
- Trained and mentored new staff on inventory management systems and best practices.
Fulfillment Manager
Purple Carrot
Denver, CO
02.2021 - 10.2025
- Leads team of two Fulfillment Specialists managing weekly assembly of up to 50K meal kits, stock for 1200 SKUs, shipping of 15K cases
- Provided technical guidance and support for order fulfillment and production across two food production/co-packer facilities in two states, enhancing operational efficiency.
- Collaborated with Culinary, Marketing, Finance, and Procurement to drive NPI, perform financial analysis, and implement process improvements.
- Prepares standard/ad-hoc reporting and analysis to senior leaders for internal and external Daily, Weekly, and Monthly Business Reviews
- Served as Operations SME on projects including network consolidation, contract manufacturer onboarding, and facility transitions, ensuring project alignment with operational goals.
- Recognized as “Employee of the Month” on three separate occasions within first 18 months and as Q2 2024 “Employee of the Quarter”
- Assumed interim Director of Operations responsibilities for a four-month period during organizational restructure and employee leave
Fulfillment and Warehouse Manager
MegaFood
Londonderry, New Hampshire
04.2013 - 10.2020
- Supervised 28 hourly full-time and temporary warehouse operators across all departments in a three-shift, 24/5 operation to ensure smooth daily operations
- Supported contract negotiations with 3PL providers for less-than-truckload (LTL) and over-the-road (OTR) shipments, enhancing service agreements and delivery efficiency
- Upskilled team via regimented cross-training plans and job-sharing initiatives; decreased turnover, labor spend, and improved productivity
- Collaborated with cross-functional technology team to implement ERP system and proprietary Warehouse Management System (WMS), improving operational accuracy and data management
- Supported contract negotiations (rates, terms, etc.) with 3PL providers for less-than-truckload (LTL) and over the road (OTR) shipments
Operations Manager
Budd Foods
Manchester, New Hampshire
08.2011 - 04.2013
- People management: led team of four to achieve operational goals
- Manufacturing support: coordinated daily production floor set-up to optimize workflow
- Carrier scheduling: truckload (TL) and less-than-truckload (LTL)
- Carrier scheduling: managed truckload (TL) and less-than-truckload (LTL) schedules to ensure timely deliveries
- Managed inventory levels to ensure product availability
Operations Manager
Emerson Ecologics
Redlands, California
05.2009 - 08.2011
- Promoted to (and relocated as) Operations Manager after successes in prior role to manage growth and expansion of struggling sister site
- Managed direct staff of two salaried Operations Supervisors and indirect staff of 36 hourly FT/PT employees in 24/5 distribution center
- Established first inventory control team to implement a structured inventory cycle counting process, improving accuracy and accountability
- Improved physical inventory accuracy through targeted processes.
- Utilized sales history and picking velocity data to optimize bin location and pick-path layout, reducing pick time and error rate by over 20%
Bedford
Assistant Warehouse Manager
Bedford, New Hampshire
06.2007 - 05.2009
- Oversaw growth and scale of two distribution centers, achieving 100% SKU expansion from 9,500 to 19,000 within 24 months
- Increased employee productivity amidst 50% sales growth while managing facility expansion by 40% to 240,000 sq ft
- Developed new hire Standard Operating Procedures, Standard Work Instructions, and training manuals for warehouse associates to streamline onboarding
- Achieved compliance certification after multiple successful FDA Good Manufacturing Practices reviews and subsequent scheduled audits
- Supported the implementation of facility-wide recycling program, resulted in reduced supply costs, and minimized environmental impact
Bedford
Receiving and Returns Clerk
Bedford, New Hampshire
06.2006 - 06.2007
- Managed incoming freight to enhance workflow efficiency through cross-docking, backorder filling, and dynamic pick locations
- Developed stock level and demand reports to facilitate expedited stock rotation, lean inventory, and improved purchasing
- Redesigned pick locations by adjusting size and sequence for a more efficient layout and smoother order picking process
Education
Associate of Applied Business - Communications
Southern New Hampshire University
Manchester01-1993
Skills
Logistics Coordination
KPI development
MRP
Inventory Management
3PL management
Performance Metrics
ERP implementation
Timeline
Senior Warehouse Manager
Lifeway Foods
10.2025 - Current
Fulfillment Manager
Purple Carrot
02.2021 - 10.2025
Fulfillment and Warehouse Manager
MegaFood
04.2013 - 10.2020
Operations Manager
Budd Foods
08.2011 - 04.2013
Operations Manager
Emerson Ecologics
05.2009 - 08.2011
Bedford
Assistant Warehouse Manager
06.2007 - 05.2009
Bedford
Receiving and Returns Clerk
06.2006 - 06.2007
Associate of Applied Business - Communications
Southern New Hampshire University