Sara Lewis
Baltimore,MD
Summary
Senior-level Supply Chain and Operations leader with extensive experience in creating strategies and leading execution of all global supply chain activities, including procurement, manufacturing, and distribution management. Manages and leads cross-functional teams to drive product supply and productivity improvements. Leads risk mitigation, while driving supply chain strategies for end-to-end pipeline management and supply planning. Skilled in negotiation and strategic decision making, perfected by 21 years of experience in leading organizational business units.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Trade Analyst & Supply Chain Planner
Coty Prestige
01.2023 - Current
- Assisted in the development of strategic initiatives by analyzing international trade regulations and policies.
- Optimized data management systems, ensuring accuracy and accessibility of critical trade information.
- Mentored new team members, sharing knowledge and insights to ensure a seamless integration into the Trade Analyst role and contribute to overall team success.
- Evaluated the effectiveness of implemented policies by tracking key performance metrics over time.
- Advised clients on best practices for navigating complex import/export regulations to minimize potential risks.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to identify market opportunities and address potential trade barriers.
- Streamlined workflow processes for increased efficiency in analyzing trade patterns and trends.
- Consistently met deadlines for delivering high-quality analyses that informed critical business decisions related to international trading operations.
- Monitored supplier performance for compliance with contract terms and quality standards.
- Devised and maintained an up-to-date database of supplier and vendor performance metrics.
- Increased global supply chain efficiency and development by leading cross-functional teams and enabling supplier integration and management technology tools, upgrades.
- Created and implemented comprehensive supply chain management strategies.
- Coordinated supply orders to meet consumer demand and minimize costs of storing and transporting goods.
- Teamed with sales and marketing teams to confirm that product availability meets customer demand.
- Built exceptional rapport with suppliers and transportation companies to create seamless operations.
- Improved, standardized and documented planning and scheduling processes.
- Developed and enforced policies and procedures in compliance with local and federal regulations.
- Monitored and tracked supplier performance to enforce adherence to quality standards and established timelines.
- Streamlined shipping and receiving operations to reduce errors and improve customer satisfaction.
- Formulated demand planning and generated supply chain management metrics.
- Tracked and monitored purchase orders, deliveries and invoicing to verify accuracy and compliance.
- Collaborated with internal teams to improve outputs to meet demand and supply requirements, ensuring inventory integrity targets for finished goods.
- Conducted thorough risk assessments to mitigate potential supply chain disruptions.
- Actively participated in industry conferences and workshops, staying current on best practices and emerging trends within the field.
- Enhanced collaboration between internal stakeholders by facilitating regular communication meetings related to supply chain topics.
- Improved supply chain efficiency by streamlining processes and implementing cost-saving measures.
- Reduced lead times by establishing strong relationships with suppliers and improving communication channels.
- Collaborated with sales and marketing teams to align supply chain strategies with customer needs and expectations.
- Coordinated cross-functional teams to ensure timely delivery of products and materials to customers.
- Supported negotiation efforts through detailed analysis of tariff schedules, quotas, and other trade-related factors.
- Increased client satisfaction, providing timely and accurate trade insights to support decision-making processes.
Senior Customs Specialist
Dartrans Inc
02.2021 - 01.2023
- Conducted thorough audits of import/export documents, ensuring accuracy and adherence to regulatory requirements.
- Implemented continuous improvement initiatives in customs processes, leading to increased efficiency and cost savings for the organization.
- Managed complex customs projects involving multiple departments, ensuring successful completion within designated timelines and budget constraints.
- Supported company growth by successfully navigating complex customs requirements during international mergers or acquisitions.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge of customs regulations, facilitating efficient processing of shipments.
- Streamlined customs clearance processes by implementing effective documentation and filing systems.
- Played a critical role in risk management by maintaining awareness of potential changes to customs regulations and proactively adapting company strategies accordingly.
- Identified opportunities for duty drawback claims, leading to significant cost savings for the organization.
- Reduced duty costs through diligent analysis of product classifications and application of applicable trade agreements or exemptions.
- Handled sensitive communications with regulatory agencies regarding investigations or inquiries into the organization''s compliance practices, maintaining a positive relationship throughout any disputes or negotiations that arose.
- Assisted in the development of company-wide training programs on customs procedures, contributing to improved staff performance and understanding of compliance obligations.
- Ensured accurate tariff classifications for various imported goods, resulting in reduced delays and penalties.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to identify potential compliance risks and develop strategies to mitigate them.
- Coordinated with freight forwarders and carriers to ensure timely delivery of shipments while adhering to all relevant regulations and procedures.
- Provided expert guidance to internal teams on customs-related matters, enhancing the organization''s ability to navigate complex international trade environments.
- Lawfully cleared merchandise through customs per client and government requirements.
- Stayed abreast of regulatory changes impacting customs enforcement and other import-impacted agencies.
- Determined harmonized tariff classifications by referencing tariff schedules outlined by national and international government officials.
- Calculated daily exchange rates and taxes due for goods and commodities.
- Tracked and monitored incoming transportation weight and volume forecast data for accuracy.
- Maintained customer bond and power of attorney records in case of emergencies.
- Prepared and processed import and export documentation according to customs regulations, laws or procedures.
- Developed and maintained relationships with customs brokers, freight forwarders and customers.
- Coordinated with shipping and transport companies on behalf of clients.
- Obtained necessary import and export licenses and permits for shipments.
- Followed SOPs with all customer account actions and data management to keep consistent service levels.
- Prepared and submitted Harmonized Tariff Schedules (HTS) codes to US Customs.
- Applied standard tables and knowledge of law to calculate duty and tariff payments of each shipment.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge of US customs regulations and international trade laws.
- Advised customers on transportation options, types of carriers or shipping routes.
- Tracked shipments processing through customs and other agencies and obtained clearances.
- Maintained open communication with customers and overseas partners to update all parties on order and shipping changes.
- Provided colleagues and direct reports with management and performance reviews.
- Identified and gathered commercial and international data, documents and rulings upon clients' requests.
- Verified rejected cargo and advised on steps to take for avoiding repeat denial.
- Lead facilitator for customer issue resolution related to service performance and cargo issues.
Administrative Operations Manager
Red Hawk LLC
08.2014 - 10.2018
- Implemented effective communication strategies within the organization, ensuring information was shared efficiently between departments.
- Supervised cross-functional teams, fostering a collaborative work environment that drove positive results.
- Managed budget planning and forecasting, leading to better financial decision-making and resource allocation.
- Improved employee morale with regular team building activities, resulting in increased productivity.
- Implemented performance management systems to track employee progress and set clear expectations for success.
- Provided ongoing professional development opportunities for staff members through training programs or workshops.
- Reduced operational costs by identifying wasteful spending and reallocating resources for maximum impact.
- Streamlined administrative processes by implementing new software and training staff to improve efficiency.
- Negotiated advantageous contracts with vendors, securing cost-effective services for the organization.
- Established positive and effective communication among unit staff and organization leadership, reducing miscommunications, and missed deadlines.
- Led hiring, onboarding and training of new hires to fulfill business requirements.
- Developed and maintained relationships with external vendors and suppliers.
- Analyzed and reported on key performance metrics to senior management.
- Increased profit by streamlining operations.
- Developed and implemented strategies to maximize customer satisfaction.
- Negotiated contracts with vendors and suppliers to obtain best pricing and terms.
- Assisted in recruiting, hiring and training of team members.
- Cultivated and strengthened lasting client relationships using strong issue resolution and dynamic communication skills.
- Reduced operational risks while organizing data to forecast performance trends.
- Successfully managed tracking and maintenance of inbound containers as well as LTL shipments.
- Handled preparation of international shipment paperwork for forwarders.
- Designed and implemented streamlined processes for improved workflow
- Handled payroll operations by preparing and approving timecards while analyzing timekeeping reports related to points occurrences, accruals, and exceptions. Assisted in annual benefit enrollment processes and conducted employee performance evaluations. Ensured compliance with disciplinary actions while maintaining current employee files.
- Ensured accurate preparation and maintenance of freight audits and billing disputes.
Billing Department Manager
Cowan Systems
09.2010 - 08.2014
- Proactively identified potential risks related to billing operations and implemented contingency plans to mitigate potential negative outcomes.
- Enforced strict adherence to company credit policies, minimizing financial risk associated with delinquent accounts.
- Devised strategies for reducing accounts receivable aging balances while maintaining positive relationships with clients.
- Facilitated cross-functional meetings with stakeholders to discuss ongoing projects and address any potential bottlenecks or challenges.
- Streamlined billing processes by implementing efficient systems, resulting in reduced errors and improved cash flow.
- Established clear performance metrics for the billing team, leading to increased accountability and performance improvement.
- Maintained open communication lines between the billing department and other internal teams, fostering a collaborative work environment.
- Conducted regular audits of billing records to ensure accuracy and compliance with company policies and industry regulations.
- Updated existing procedures as needed in response to changing regulatory requirements or business needs.
- Implemented periodic reporting protocols for upper management to monitor departmental performance against established goals.
- Managed a team of billing specialists, ensuring timely and accurate invoicing for clients.
- Reviewed billing problems, researched issues, and resolved concerns.
- Trained and mentored staff on procedures, compliance requirements, and collections techniques.
- Managed monthly billing process to complete billings and returns to meet company revenue recognition policies.
- Conducted performance reviews and implemented improvement plans.
- Analyzed and solved multi-faceted problems that effected executive leaders and business initiatives.
- Created organized filing system to manage department documents.
- Created reports, presentations and other materials for executive staff.
- Maintained primary relationship accountability for clients, overall servicing responsibility and client satisfaction to maximize profitability of client relationships.
- Hired, managed, developed and trained staff, established and monitored goals, conducted performance reviews and administered salaries for staff.
- Negotiated and executed contracts on behalf of department.
- Built highly-efficient administrative team through ongoing coaching and professional development opportunities.
Data Entry Clerk
Various
06.2004 - 09.2011
- Completed data entry tasks with accuracy and efficiency.
- Followed established procedures to enter and process data correctly.
- Organized, sorted, and checked input data against original documents.
- Scanned documents and saved in database to keep records of essential organizational information.
- Entered data into various computer systems accurately using Microsoft Office Suite.
- Verified accuracy of data entered into system to produce error-free reports.
- Sorted documents and maintained organized filing process.
- Prioritized tasks effectively to ensure timely completion of all assigned projects without sacrificing attention to detail.
- Communicated with supervisors and colleagues to process data quickly and resolve discrepancies.
- Streamlined data entry processes, reducing entry time and minimizing errors.
Education
High School Diploma -
Sparrows Point High School
Baltimore, Maryland05.2005
Skills
- International Trade Regulations
- Import-Export Compliance
- Microsoft Excel proficiency
- Data Visualization Tools
- Industry trends analysis
- Teamwork and Collaboration
- Problem-Solving
- Attention to Detail
- Multitasking
- Reliability
- Excellent Communication
- Organizational Skills
Timeline
Senior Trade Analyst & Supply Chain Planner
Coty Prestige
01.2023 - Current
Senior Customs Specialist
Dartrans Inc
02.2021 - 01.2023
Administrative Operations Manager
Red Hawk LLC
08.2014 - 10.2018
Billing Department Manager
Cowan Systems
09.2010 - 08.2014
Data Entry Clerk
Various
06.2004 - 09.2011
High School Diploma -
Sparrows Point High School
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