Raquel Zapata

I oversee corporate programs, ensure contract and quality compliance, and grow key business relationships. I ensure timely and consistent delivery of services and products. I manage teams through smooth project execution and seamless operations.

• Managed Corporate Operations and High-Priority Projects, with a team that is 100% remote.
• Ensured timely completion of projects through diligent monitoring of progress, proactive risk mitigation, and decisive action when necessary.
• Led the transition from waterfall to agile methodologies for greater flexibility in responding to changing business needs during project execution.
• Developed comprehensive project plans with clearly defined objectives, milestones, timelines, and resource allocations for successful execution.
• Applied industry best practices to enhance the quality of deliverables while adhering to strict compliance standards.
• Fostered a collaborative work environment by facilitating open communication among cross-functional teams and stakeholders.
• Contributed to revenue growth by delivering high-quality projects that exceeded client expectations and led to repeat business or referrals.
• Promoted a culture of continuous improvement by establishing performance metrics for regular evaluation and identifying areas for further enhancement.
• Elevated team productivity levels with regular training sessions focused on enhancing technical skills as well as soft skills like collaboration or problem-solving techniques.
• Coached team members for improved performance through constructive feedback, skill development opportunities, and ongoing support.
• Increased overall project success rates by providing expert guidance to team members and ensuring alignment with organizational goals.
• Managed vendor relationships to ensure timely delivery of services while negotiating favorable contract terms that supported budgetary requirements.
• Coordinated with cross-functional teams to resolve project issues and mitigate risks.

Directed all Operations for the start-up business, with a 100% remote staff. As the Director of Operations, I designed all Operation systems, cadence, and policies. Collaborating with departments and senior leadership, I established a scalable structure for growth.

• Oversaw daily operations across multiple departments, ensuring seamless coordination and efficient execution of tasks.
• Developed systems and procedures to improve operational quality and team efficiency.
• Implemented data-driven decision-making processes to enhance operational performance and achieve targets.
• Conducted regular performance reviews to assess team progress, providing constructive feedback and guidance for continuous improvement.
• Collaborated with senior management to develop and execute long-term corporate goals and objectives.
• Managed budgets and resources, optimizing allocation for maximum impact on business objectives.
• Developed and executed strategic plans to achieve organizational goals and drive sustainable growth.
• Worked collaboratively with functional leaders to implement new procedures and corrective actions to improve quality.
• Optimized supply chain management through the implementation of best practices, reducing lead times and improving inventory control.
• Reduced operational risks while organizing data to forecast performance trends.
• Recruited, hired, and trained team members.
• Mentored and coached team members to foster a productive and engaging work environment.
• Championed corporate social responsibility initiatives, engaging employees in community outreach events and fostering a positive company image.
• Observed each employee's individual strengths and initiated mentoring program to improve areas of weakness.
• Launched staff engagement, gender diversity and cultural programs in addition to robust reporting tool that increased operational quality.

Oversaw the development of the corporate Training division. Served as lead SME on each proposal effort with a training component. I also managed strategic training business relationships to foster business growth.

• Wrote approximately 50 proposals annually and provided financial bids for training delivery.
• Developed a sales plan to identify leads and capture an average of 6 new contracts quarterly.
• Improved project efficiency with strategic planning, resource allocation, and time management practices.
• Secured key partnerships that contributed to the company's overall growth strategy and market reach.
• Drove business expansion by identifying new markets, conducting research, and developing targeted marketing campaigns.
• Leveraged data analytics insights for informed decision-making in critical areas such as sales forecasting, budgeting, or personnel management.
• Created and implemented a multi-year Corporate Learning Plan.
• Spearheaded successful product launches that resulted in increased brand visibility and customer acquisition.
• Leveraged professional networks and industry knowledge to strengthen client relationships.
• Formed strategic partnerships and connected with potential clients to drive business development.
• Recruited, hired, and trained personnel, working to establish key internal functions and outline scope of positions for the organization.
• Observed each employee's individual strengths and initiated mentoring program to improve areas of weakness.
• Developed high-performing teams by providing mentorship, guidance, and opportunities for professional growth.
• Manage team designing, developing, and delivering corporate training programs.
• Championed corporate social responsibility initiatives that enhanced the company's reputation in the community and industry at large.
• Trained and guided team members to maintain high productivity and performance metrics.

Responsible are increasing division sales, managing operations, building client accounts, and assisting in the growth and development of staff. I formulated and implemented the strategic plan that guides the direction of the Consulting, Learning, and Technology (CLT) Division.

• Implemented the organization’s vision, mission, and overall direction within the CLT division.
• Supported Executive Team in reviewing, identifying, and prioritizing strategic initiatives.
• Managed 6 cross-functional teams for effective project delivery, fostering a culture of collaboration and teamwork.
• Identified opportunities to improve business process flows and productivity.
• Orchestrated positive media coverage and stakeholder relations as public face of company.
• Evaluated product development strategies and prepared alternative approaches to goal achievement.
• Developed strategic plans for operational growth, contributing to the overall success of the organization.
• Increased company profits through performance optimization strategies and efficiency improvements.
• Increased overall organizational efficiency by streamlining workflows and eliminating redundancies in day-to-day operations.
• Oversaw budget planning and financial management, ensuring fiscal responsibility and accountability throughout the organization.
• Spearheaded product development initiatives, resulting in innovative solutions that met market demands.
• Collaborated with sales teams to develop strategies for increasing revenue opportunities through improved operational capabilities.
• Enhanced customer satisfaction by implementing quality control measures and addressing customer concerns promptly.
• Cultivated and strengthened lasting client relationships using strong issue resolution and dynamic communication skills.
• Assisted in recruiting, hiring and training of team members.
• Mentored junior team members in their career development, providing guidance and support to cultivate future leaders within the organization.
• Facilitated employee training programs, enhancing staff skills and performance levels for optimal results.

I was responsible for the day-to-day operations of all MTS training and services projects. I developed and managed complex portfolios, resulting in achieved profit margins. I oversaw product quality and contractual compliance.

• Supported Executive Team in reviewing, identifying, and prioritizing strategic initiatives.
• Applied excellent problem-solving, process development, and strategic implementation skills to lead and support all areas of operations.
• Led mergers and acquisitions efforts that resulted in successful integrations of acquire entities while maintaining productivity levels.
• Streamlined operations by identifying inefficiencies and implementing process improvements.
• Facilitated timely decision-making through accurate data analysis and insightful reporting on key operational metrics.
• Managed 6 cross-functional teams to ensure seamless collaboration for optimal business outcomes.
• Strategically coordinated operations according to objectives and capabilities, effectively allocating resources to meet demands
• Drove expansion into new markets by researching opportunities, evaluating risks, and executing successful entry strategies.
• Drove sustainable growth and profitability by staying current with industry trends and adapting operational strategies accordingly.
• Enhanced customer satisfaction by developing and implementing strategies to improve service quality.
• Established performance goals for the department and outlined processes for achievement.
• Improved overall company reputation through effective public relations campaigns and corporate social responsibility initiatives.
• Championed employee development programs to enhance skills, increase retention rates, and build a high-performance workforce.
• Implemented innovative programs to increase employee loyalty and reduce turnover to less than 2% annually

I was the Manager of the corporate Program Management Office. I oversaw the operations of all projects for our DoD, Federal, and commercial clients.

• Providing support in areas of program management and oversight, new business development and acquisition, financial management, strategic planning and development, and performance management.
• Responsible for the development, update, and maintenance of PM tools, templates, standard forms, SOPs, guidelines, and reports used for all projects. Developed tools to follow the PMBOK standards and the Agile development standards.
• Facilitated cross-functional collaboration for improved decision-making processes within the organization.
• Improved project efficiency with strategic planning, resource allocation, and time management practices.
• Formed strategic partnerships and connected with potential clients to drive business development.
• Leveraged professional networks and industry knowledge to strengthen client relationships.
• Secured key partnerships that contributed to the company''s overall growth strategy and market reach.
• Provide business consultation to clients, executives, and project teams on portfolio/program management and corporate operations management.
• Developed high-performing teams by providing mentorship, guidance, and opportunities for professional growth.
• Assisted in recruiting, hiring and training of team members.
• Enhanced team collaboration through regular communication, goal setting, and performance evaluations.
• Established a culture of continuous improvement by fostering open communication channels and empowering employees to voice their ideas.
• Cultivated a positive work environment that fostered employee engagement, increased retention rates, and boosted overall team morale.