SANDRA PATELIS
Velera, Advisors Plus
Scottsdale,AZ
Work Preference
Desired Job Title
ConsultantContinuous Improvement SpecialistOperations SpecialistProcess Excellence Manager
Work Type
Full Time
Location Preference
Remote
Minimum Desired Compensation
$145000/yr
Important To Me
Work-life balanceCompany CulturePersonal development programsCareer advancementWork from home option
1
Certification
22
Years of experience
Operational Excellence Leader specializing in Lean methodologies and change management. Successfully drove a 52% increase in product capacity utilization and $50K in annual savings through targeted process improvements. Committed to fostering high-performing cultures that prioritize sustainable efficiency and continuous improvement.
Work History
Strategic Consultant
7 Years 3 Months- Lead enterprise transformation, card program operations consulting, and business process improvement initiatives, aligning cross-functional teams to improve operational efficiency and scalable growth; delivered a 52% average increase in product capacity utilization and institutionalizing continuous improvement principles.
- Optimizing portfolio performance by identifying critical process gaps and implementing targeted solutions that improve workforce effectiveness by more than 50% and deliver an average $50K in annual savings.
- Conduct in-depth operational analyses to identify risk and waste; applied Lean principles to streamline workflows, and boosting Lean principles to streamline workflows, boosting efficiency by 45%.
- Built and nurtured strategic relationships with cross-functional stakeholders to identify and present opportunities for operational enhancements, achieving 30% increase in efficiency and $25K in cost reductions.
- Managed full project life cycle for client-facing projects, ensuring deliverables improved operational capabilities and met key performance indicators for client satisfaction, from initial planning through post-project stabilization.
- Translated complex data into actionable insights. Specialized in operational analysis and strategic planning across multiple channels, leveraging data insights and collaborative execution for measurable improvements.
- Spearheaded the consultative redesign and operational transformation of key advisory offerings.
Learning Professional
8 Years 4 Months- Led enterprise learning initiatives for card program conversions, boosting operational efficiency nationwide.
- Transformed an intricate system overhauls into scalable learning strategies to enhance user adaptation.
- Directed cross-functional teams through high-stakes card conversions, streamlining delivery timelines and reducing waste.
- Championed continuous improvement methodologies across 55+ credit unions, embedding lean principles in training to foster operational excellence.
- Implemented operational programs that improved client satisfaction by facilitating effective knowledge transfer.
- Designed and executed comprehensive operational readiness and change management frameworks for complex client initiatives.
- Mentored cross-functional peers to strengthen internal capabilities and support professional development through certifications.
Training Specialist
2 Years- Facilitated training sessions, workshops, and coaching that led to measurable performance improvements.
- Executed learning programs for new hires and existing employees, enhancing operational readiness.
- Developed career pathways for new hires, promoted, and seasoned employees to strengthen competencies.
- Collaborated with stakeholders to identify capability gaps and align learning initiatives with organizational standards.
Learning and Development Training Manager
1 Year 8 Months- Led development of enterprise-wide learning strategy, fostering talent growth and operational excellence throughout franchise operations.
- Developed structured learning pathways to ensure brand consistency and support career advancement across multiple franchises.
- Collaborated with franchise owners to assess training needs and implement scalable interventions that improved business results.
- Conducted field training with live facilitation and interactive workshops to elevate employee performance.
HR Analyst/Consultant
8 Months- Served as HR Business Analyst and internal consultant for North American ACES Operations Department Program, facilitating large-scale global restructuring and aligning human capital strategy with international banking objectives.
- Partnered with cross-functional leadership across North American and European banking operations to align HR initiatives, compliance standards, and resource allocations with global business objectives.
- Facilitated North America Offshore Transition Project through change management, organizational design, workforce alignment, knowledge transfer, and ensured operational continuity.
- Evaluated organizational structures and workflow dependencies to support risk mitigation and successful workforce transition.
- Evaluated human capital data and operational metrics to assess change readiness and optimize workforce transitions, supporting successful organizational change.
Human Resources & Training Specialist
1 Year 11 Months- Developed and delivered effective sales training materials that improved salesforce capabilities.
- Facilitated instructional classes for sales teams across 160 North American markets, enhancing team capabilities and knowledge.
- Assessed training outcomes and sales performance to optimize learning modules for revenue enhancement.
- Collaborated with divisional leaders in HR to strengthen cross-functional relationships and drive employee engagement initiatives.
- Managed employee initiatives and addressed workplace challenges, ensuring alignment with corporate policies and enhancing workplace culture.
Education
Master of Human Resources
Bachelor of Business - Marketing
Skills
Business transformation
Strategic execution
Process optimization
Continuous improvement
Lean Six Sigma
KPI and performance improvement
Operational cost optimization
Operational data insights
Change management
Cross-functional leadership
Project management
Certification
Project Management Professional (PMP) In Progress, Expected Q4 2026, Yellow Belt Certification 2026, Change Management | Change Management for Project Managers 2025
Timeline
Strategic Consultant
Velera, Advisors Plus
07.2019 - CurrentRead More
Learning Professional
Velera
02.2011 - 06.2019Read More
Training Specialist
Velera
02.2009 - 02.2011Read More
Learning and Development Training Manager
Allegra Network
02.2007 - 10.2008Read More
HR Analyst/Consultant
ABN AMRO
03.2006 - 11.2006Read More
Human Resources & Training Specialist
Entertainment Publications
04.2004 - 03.2006Read More
Central Michigan University
Master of Human Resources
Read More
Eastern Michigan University
Bachelor of Business from Marketing
Read More