Robert Barnes
Louisville,KY
Summary
Empathetic, resilient and self-aware logistics / supply chain leader with 25+ years experience in supply chain management, employee development and cost containment. Proven track record of managing multimillion-dollar supply chains for world-class organizations. Strong background leading cross-functional teams, supplier management and collaborating with C-level executives.
Overview
33
33
years of professional experience
Work History
Director Aftermarket Operations & Transportation
CLARK Material Handling Company
05.2012 - Current
- Provide leadership to cross functional team consisting of 6 direct reports and 50 indirect employees located in Lexington KY, Louisville KY, Dallas TX and remote / work from home locations. Highly engaged team delivers top-tier customer experience and industry leading KPI's such as 99% on time delivery, 98.5% inventory availability, 99.5% accurate order processing. People like doing business with CLARK.
- Spearhead major projects including relocating Mexico factory operations to Lexington KY. Installed new WMS / ERP system (Manhattan SCALE) including updated RF application, developed standardized work process, improve workflow through 5S workplace organization methodology.
- Secured $400,000 in capital expenditure improvements. Installed Kardex vertical storage units and modular fast pick shelving to optimize picking process. Return on investment is continual $250,000 annual labor savings since project completion in 2022.
- Organize 5,000+ time sensitive domestic / international factory direct shipments. Manage 3 NVOCC / Freight Forwarding companies and multiple domestic freight carriers. Negotiation and consolidation initiatives produced ongoing freight savings exceeding $1.0m
- Researched Section 301 Tariff exclusions in conjunction with customs broker to file refund requests with USTR (US government). Successfully received $4.0m in tariff refunds for 175 customs entries.
- Cultivate culture to challenge status quo thinking. Encourage staff to think inside and outside the box. Embrace simplification to make onboarding, training, & knowledge transfer easier. Partner with IT team to implement technology improvements (software & hardware). Conceptualized Salesforce dashboards to provide employees and customers quick access to order and tracking information.
- Emphasis on employee development and engagement. Promoted multiple team members to higher positions within the organization. Teams under my leadership reward CLARK with industry leading engagement scores. CLARK is a 6-time winner of Best Places to Work in Kentucky (2013, 2019, 2020, 2022, 2023 & 2024).
- Promoted to multiple leadership roles due to exceptional ability to manage projects and foster team collaboration. Skilled in strategic planning, team management, and customer / supplier relationship building. Director of Aftermarket Operations & Transportation (2017 – Present) Director of Facilities & Distribution (2014 – 2017) Director of Distribution Center (2012 - 2014)
Facility Operations Manager
Michaels Stores Inc.
02.2007 - 04.2012
- Delegated duties of 5 direct reports and 100+ indirect employees to ensure operational & financial metrics were attained for state of the art 750,000 square foot distribution facility supporting 230 Michaels stores located in the US and Canada.
- Developed and executed labor strategies to guarantee timely and accurate POS fulfillment, exceeding 100,000 daily case picks, and bi-weekly planogram resets for "seasonal merchandise".
- Produced “Best in Class” results for accuracy (99.5%), productivity and employee engagement by promoting a culture of continuous improvement and employee development. Regarded as flagship operation due to high productivity standards and associate engagement.
- Primary liaison to Ports of Seattle and Tacoma. Coordinated with steamship terminals and drayage operations to ensure delivery of 3,000+ time sensitive containers. Managed 4,000+ full truck load shipments for timely delivery to stores.
- Managed facility P&L to realize financial goals and recommend countermeasures to deal with unforeseen circumstances. Principal participant in monthly P&L conference call with corporate CFO in Irving TX.
- Created and deployed manager of the future expectations with members of the Distribution Center Management Task Force committee. This program was developed to redefine and standardize role of Operations Manager for six regional distribution centers.
- Increased responsibilities and job knowledge through job advancements: interim General Manager, Facilities Operations Manager and Inbound / Inventory Control Manager.
Distribution Center Manager
Outdoor Cap Company
05.1994 - 02.2007
- Strategically plan daily operations for three distribution centers (over 275,000 square feet) located in Arkansas, California and Texas.
- Spearheaded two facility openings, two relocations and expansions exceeding 275,000 square feet.
- Developed product-packaging standards for factories in Bangladesh, China, Korea and Sri Lanka.
- Implemented WMS upgrades including RF utilization. Increased shipping capabilities and same day service. Reduced labor expense by 50%.
- Certified compliance standards were achieved for Wal Mart, Bass Pro, Cabela's, Meijer's, and other prominent retailers throughout the United States.
Warehouse Manager
Team Leader Inc.
08.1991 - 05.1994
- Managed daily shipping and receiving operation for licensed headwear (MLB, NBA and NFL) supplier. Ensured customer packaging compliance requirements were achieved.
- Led improvement initiatives to advance operational efficiencies and increase revenue.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Organizational Leadership & Learning
University of Louisville
Louisville, KY05.2018
Skills
- Business Planning
- Operations Management
- Budget Control
- Contract Negotiation
- People Management
- Facilities Management
- Logistics Management
- Strategic Planning
Timeline
Director Aftermarket Operations & Transportation
CLARK Material Handling Company
05.2012 - Current
Facility Operations Manager
Michaels Stores Inc.
02.2007 - 04.2012
Distribution Center Manager
Outdoor Cap Company
05.1994 - 02.2007
Warehouse Manager
Team Leader Inc.
08.1991 - 05.1994
Bachelor of Science - Organizational Leadership & Learning
University of Louisville
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