Wesley Chen
Glendale,CA
Summary
Operations professional prepared to leverage extensive experience in operational management to enhance business performance. Expertise in developing and implementing process improvements while fostering collaborative environment to meet organizational goals. Reliable team player with focus on adaptability and achieving targeted results. Proficient in strategic planning and operational efficiency.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Program Operations Manager
Case Western Reserve University
10.2022 - 01.2025
- Guided in total of 25 PhD students and researchers in transforming lab research into commercial ventures through the Translational Fellows Program and the NSF Innovation Corps (I-Corps) program
- Designed and implemented university-wide skills development initiatives, equipping researchers with tools to transform innovative ideas into viable businesses
- Coordinated multiple events and seminars for the Case-Coulter Translational Research Partnership and Translational Fellows Program, ensuring seamless execution and fostering collaboration among participants
- Managed budgets and monitored performance for translational research projects across institutions including Cleveland Clinic, University Hospitals, and MetroHealth Medical Center
- Conducted data analysis and prepared detailed reports for leadership and external oversight committees, driving informed decision-making
Clinical and Translational Research Pilot Grant Coordinator
Case Western Reserve University
10.2022 - 01.2025
- Managed the end-to-end lifecycle of federal grant applications, distributing over $1M annually in funding while ensuring strict compliance with National Institutes of Health (NIH) and institutional policies
- Collaborated with Principal Investigators from the School of Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, University Hospitals, MetroHealth Medical Center, and other affiliated institutions to craft compelling, tailored grant proposals that secured funding opportunities
- Ensured all federal grant applications complied with regulatory requirements and prepared detailed progress reports for NIH and other funding bodies, while streamlining submission workflows to enhance efficiency and reduce processing time for Principal Investigators across multiple institutions
General Manager
Panda Restaurant Group
10.2018 - 10.2022
- Directed daily operations of a $1.6 - 2 million business, achieving profitability through strategic leadership, team growth, operational excellence, and exceptional guest service
- Implemented cross-training programs to ensure FOH/BOH staff competency across all positions, enhancing team versatility and operational efficiency
- Recruited, trained, and coached employees on customer service, food safety, and operational standards, achieving a 90% score on Ecosure inspections
- Optimized inventory systems by improving stock rotation and supplier negotiations, reducing food costs to 26 - 28% through weekly analysis and P&L management
- Improved operational KPIs and reduced losses from food waste by implementing strategic inventory controls and ordering techniques
Import Export Coordinator
ACF Global Logistics
03.2018 - 10.2018
- Coordinated international air and ocean cargo shipments, ensuring regulatory compliance, accurate import/export documentation and processing freight payments
- Resolved client shipment issues, providing operational support in Mandarin for China-region clients
- Enhanced efficiency in import processes, improving documentation accuracy and shipment tracking
Logistics Material Analyst
Daimay North America Automotive, Inc.
09.2017 - 03.2018
- Managed from purchasing, material planning to shipping, resulting in an 80% improvement in delivery times
- Reduced excess inventory by 90% through data analysis and forecasting
- Coordinated international shipments, ensuring on-time delivery for 95% of ocean imports, by working closely with forwarding agencies and trucking companies
- Utilized EDI (830 and 862) to analyze customer forecasts and processed ASN documentation to ensure efficient operations
K-5th Lead Classroom Teacher (Mandarin Immersion)
Faxon Language Immersion Academy
08.2016 - 08.2017
- Used language immersion teaching techniques to teach Mandarin, social studies, and science to K-5th graders
- Designed and implemented a comprehensive curriculum emphasizing Chinese culture and phonetics
- Engaged students in active learning through cultural projects and activities, promoting language fluency and cultural awareness
Graduate Assistant
Eastern Michigan University
09.2014 - 08.2016
- Performed administrative tasks, including data entry, data analysis, preparation of instructional materials, and presentation support
- Independently delivered Chinese language and cultural lectures to undergraduate students
- Assisted the professor with event planning and supervised undergraduate coursework
- Supported the professor in research projects by conducting literature reviews and analysis
Education
Master of Arts - TESOL
Eastern Michigan University
Ypsilanti, MI08-2016
Skills
- Problem-solving
- MS office
- Team leadership
- Operations management and oversight
- Event planning
- Customer relationship management (CRM)
- Power BI
- Inventory management
- Project management
- KPI tracking
- Cost reduction
- P&L management
- FLUENT IN English, Mandarin and Taiwanese
- Budgeting and forecasting
- Inventory control
- Schedule management
Certification
- First Aid Certification
- ServSafe Manager Certification
- Basic Life Support Certification (BLS)
- PWC Power BI
- Project Management Essential Certification
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
Mandarin
Native or Bilingual
Taiwanese
Native or Bilingual
Interests
Sculpt Yoga, Pilates, Fitness, Travel Blogging, Volunteering
Timeline
Program Operations Manager
Case Western Reserve University
10.2022 - 01.2025
Clinical and Translational Research Pilot Grant Coordinator
Case Western Reserve University
10.2022 - 01.2025
General Manager
Panda Restaurant Group
10.2018 - 10.2022
Import Export Coordinator
ACF Global Logistics
03.2018 - 10.2018
Logistics Material Analyst
Daimay North America Automotive, Inc.
09.2017 - 03.2018
K-5th Lead Classroom Teacher (Mandarin Immersion)
Faxon Language Immersion Academy
08.2016 - 08.2017
Graduate Assistant
Eastern Michigan University
09.2014 - 08.2016
- First Aid Certification
- ServSafe Manager Certification
- Basic Life Support Certification (BLS)
- PWC Power BI
- Project Management Essential Certification
Master of Arts - TESOL
Eastern Michigan University
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