Stephan mcnulty

Harbor Freight Tools Distribution Center | Current

• Lead end-to-end receiving operations in a high-volume distribution center, overseeing dock operations, labor planning, and inbound flow.
• Manage daily unloading, breakdown, palletization, and putaway preparation for mixed-SKU and single-SKU inbound freight.
• Own labor allocation, staffing plans, and shift execution to meet inbound volume, productivity, and safety targets.
• Drive throughput improvements by optimizing dock utilization, conveyor usage, and material handling methods.
• Partner with transportation, inventory control, and warehouse operations to ensure accurate, timely inbound processing.
• Conduct root cause analysis on inbound delays, damage, and inefficiencies; implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence.
• Enforce safety standards, dock discipline, and equipment usage to reduce risk and maintain compliance.
• Coach and develop frontline supervisors and hourly associates to improve performance, engagement, and accountability.
• Track and report inbound KPIs including cartons/hour, pallets/hour, labor hours, and dock utilization.

Jupiter Aluminum – Hammond, IN | Jul 2021 – Jul 2023

• Lead end-to-end operations supporting production, warehouse, shipping, and customer fulfillment functions.
• Own daily and long-term operational planning to align labor, equipment, and resources with forecasted demand.
• Drive safety, quality, and productivity performance across teams through KPI tracking and accountability.
• Implement process improvements and quality controls to reduce waste, improve throughput, and protect assets.
• Manage and develop frontline leaders through coaching, performance reviews, and succession planning.
• Partner cross-functionally with vendors, maintenance, and supply chain teams to resolve operational constraints.

IKEA Customer Distribution Center – Joliet, IL | Jun 2020 – Jul 2021

• Managed high-volume DC operations supporting national retail distribution.
• Developed workforce plans, staffing strategies, and labor models to meet service-level and cost targets.
• Analyzed operational data to improve flow, productivity, and dock-to-stock performance.
• Led continuous improvement initiatives focused on safety, engagement, and operational efficiency.
• Conducted root cause analysis on service failures and operational disruptions to prevent recurrence.

United States Steel – Gary, IN | Apr 2016 – Feb 2020

• Led union production teams in a heavy manufacturing environment with strict safety and quality standards.
• Administered U.S. Steel Safety Program, ensuring compliance, housekeeping, and safe work practices.
• Reduced equipment downtime by improving coordination between operations and maintenance teams.
• Oversaw scheduling, staffing, and cross-training to maintain productivity and operational continuity.
• Supervised vendors and contractors while enforcing SOPs and quality guidelines.

Improved team performance by providing direction and hands-on support. Optimized stock levels and coordinated resources to support employee needs. Set staffing schedules, administered payroll, and coordinated equipment maintenance. Adjusted staff methods to achieve new objectives based on company demands. Drew on front-line expertise to assist with major organizational improvements. Monitored numerous employee activities and assigned tasks to cover demands. Tracked employee performance to determine areas of strength and improvement. Protected team members from unnecessary risks through regular safety training. Oversaw employee training and staff management tasks.

Increased employee performance with motivational strategies, hands-on coaching, and fair discipline. Planned projects and activities working closely with team managers. Kept team operations consistent with well-established and clear departmental requirements. Met daily business demands by coordinating team operations and logistics. Protected workers by verifying safe working practices, documenting accidents, and revamping deficient procedures to eliminate recurrence. Created environment of teamwork, collaboration, and open communication by empowering employees with relevant training. Managed inventory cycle counts and high-volume SKU auditing. Spearheaded continuous improvement strategies and optimized approaches through production metrics tracking and data analysis. Resolved escalated customer concerns and complaints using positive attitude, excellent judgment, and focused solutions.

Increased employee performance with motivational strategies, hands-on coaching, and fair discipline. Planned projects and activities working closely with team managers. Built highly skilled team through recruiting, hiring guidance, and decision-making. Met daily business demands by coordinating team operations and logistics. Planned and oversaw operations with focus on safety, quality, and performance.EDUCATION Maintained optimal employee coverage for business needs with well-prepared team schedules. Managed customer experiences with a close eye on customer and team member interactions, touchpoints, and methods of engagement. Built a strong, resilient team by identifying and onboarding highly qualified candidates for key front-line and senior management positions.