Robert Ference
Simpsonville,SC
Summary
Analytical professional with strong background in branch management and distribution. Skilled in enhancing operational efficiency, driving growth, and fostering team collaboration. Known for adaptability to changing needs and effective problem-solving. Expertise in strategic planning, customer service, and financial oversight. Reliable leader focused on achieving results and empowering teams.
Overview
4
4
years of professional experience
Work History
Branch Manager
Colony Hardware
01.2024 - Current
- Team Management and Leadership: Led a team of 6 direct reports including drivers, inside/counter sales, fabricators, and warehouse staff
- Oversaw all aspects of team performance, including training, scheduling, and performance evaluations
- Plan for and execute the transition from a longstanding inside sales person by redefining internal processes, hiring a replacement, and personally managing key accounts
- Managed upskilling/upgrading of 40% of my team within the first 90 days, handling performance issues, retirement, and new roles
- Inventory Management and Procurement: Managed inventory levels to ensure adequate stock for customer demands while minimizing excess inventory to reduce carrying costs
- Conducted regularly scheduled cycle counts to ensure inventory accuracy
- Financial Oversight(P&L Review): Conducted monthly reviews of the profit & loss statement, analyzing expenses, revenue streams, and operational costs
- Provided recommendations to senior leadership for improving profitability through cost reduction and process optimization
- Facility Safety and Maintenance: Enforce safety protocols and conduct regular safety inspections to maintain a safe working environment
- Oversee maintenance activities to ensure the facility is clean and well-maintained
- Sales and Customer Service: Manage branch deposits and counter sales operations
- Develop and maintain relationships with customers to promote repeat business
- Provide excellent customer service and address customer inquiries and concerns
Supply Planner
Colony Hardware
04.2023 - 01.2024
- Inventory Management: Effectively monitor and maintain optimal inventory levels for nine branches, ensuring that stock availability meets customer demand while minimizing carrying costs and inventory obsolescence
- Vendor Relationship Management: Collaborate with vendors for branded goods such as power tools, leveraging promotional items and special offers to maximize the value of our inventory
- This approach contributes to improved stock diversity and customer satisfaction
- Strategic Purchasing: Take the lead in procuring commodity goods such as rebar, poly sheeting, and lumber
- Negotiate favorable pricing by obtaining quotes from multiple sources, optimizing costs, and aligning procurement with organizational objectives
- Project Management: Successfully managed various projects alongside daily and weekly tasks
- Notable projects include reviewing and setting min/max levels for 15,000 SKUs in our ERP system, managing the buyback of Makita tools with Milwaukee Tools to generate over $150,000 of free Milwaukee inventory, and assisting with ERP system integration following acquisitions
Distribution Leadership Program
Colony Hardware
09.2022 - 04.2023
- Participated in a comprehensive 30-week leadership development program encompassing rotational assignments in Inventory Control/Warehousing/Distribution, Operations, Purchasing, and Sales
Project Management Intern
FN America
08.2021 - 12.2021
- Working in support of senior project directors on a first ever project to create standard work process documents for 100+ critical business processes across all major departments (operations, engineering, product management, etc.)
- Tasked to develop a training document and coordinate the collection of information to document critical processes into a work breakdown structure dictionary
- Coordinating the build-out of a new RASIC chart (Responsible, Approve, Support, Inform, Consult) as a part of the new Velocity Improvement initiative
Product Management Intern
FN America
05.2021 - 08.2021
- Created the first-ever database that integrates data from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms and the US International Trade Commission
- Leveraged this database to create Power BI dashboards to enable product managers to visualize firearms manufacturing and imports in the US and improve their analysis of markets for better product strategies
- Contributed ideas to the product management team helping to identify gaps in the firearms industry that would be advantageous for FN to penetrate
Education
Bachelor of Science - Operations and Supply Chain
Darla Moore School of Business, University of South Carolina
05.2022
Skills
- Distribution Management
- Problem Solving
- Communication
- Leadership
- Branch Operations Management
- Business Development & B2C Sales
- Excellent Time Management Skills
- Client Care & Customer Support
- Team Supervision
- Employee Development
Timeline
Branch Manager
Colony Hardware
01.2024 - Current
Supply Planner
Colony Hardware
04.2023 - 01.2024
Distribution Leadership Program
Colony Hardware
09.2022 - 04.2023
Project Management Intern
FN America
08.2021 - 12.2021
Product Management Intern
FN America
05.2021 - 08.2021
Bachelor of Science - Operations and Supply Chain
Darla Moore School of Business, University of South Carolina
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