James Melton

• Oversaw logistics operations, ensuring timely delivery and adherence to safety regulations. Provided Team Leadership across several departments in accomplishing highest customer service.
• Designed and prepared budgets for annual cost for improvements and new locations
• Streamlined inventory management processes, reducing excess stock and improving order accuracy. Managed 13 distribution centers in my territories from Maine to Texas.
• Developed transportation strategies to optimize routes and minimize shipping costs.
• Mentored junior staff in best practices for supply chain management and operational efficiency with employee engagement being paramount.
• Performance management was accomplished by close contact by phone and in-person visits. I implemented review processes, provided employee evaluations and skill development.
• Prepared service agreements for contract services and negotiated rates and scope of work.
• Performed duties by engaging with sales, customers, operations, EHS, legal, HR and upper management.

Oversee all logistics for six warehouses in VA and NC transporting manufactured bedroom furniture. Direct staff of 60 and managed $180 million logistics budget for freight spending, salaries and expenses. Comprehensive leadership encompassing routing, warehousing, inventory and freight rates; developed logistics strategy based on sales projections and business goals. Perform research and analyze moderately complex information to identify support needs and complete strategies for implementation of special and ongoing projects.

Key Contributions:

• Gather information and prepare required documents to manage productivity, interact and provide support for our sales force across the United States.
• Effectively provide input for packaging, quality assurance, and assign warehouse locations for storage and shipping.
• Introduced manufacturing processes, developed and monitored a quick delivery program, resulting in a dealer savings of 5 to 20% on freight costs.
• Crafted and implemented control and accountability practices and procedures slashing inventory discrepancies by 40% and recovering over $200K in inventory.
• Reducing shipping errors by 80% saving over 300K a year by identifying personnel performances that documented and produced performance reports to measure productivity and accountability.
• E-Commerce Project: Identified and analyzed product strategies, including trends, competition, promotion, and pricing for e-commerce sales, resulting in the development of successful action plans and increased sales.

Accountable for overall management of privately owned furniture company; managed a budget of $12 million including profit and loss, shipping and planning to ensure orders and deliveries were completed in a timely manner; directly responsible for overall resource management of 30 employees and drivers.

• Established and maintained interdepartmental communications to provide on-going business support to monitor traffic and transportation of inbound and outbound finish specialized products.
• Spearheaded scope of work involving daily planning fo current orders and future needs.
• Successfully negotiated pricing, terms and conditions for backhaul contracts, resulting in increased company revenue.

• Assisted clients in understanding insurance products and coverage options.
• Developed tailored insurance solutions based on client needs and risk assessments, including long term care, health insurance, disability and annuities.
• Provided information in filing claims and the processes involved.
• Maintained accurate records of client interactions and policy details.
• Successfully secured an Association Marketing Endorsement with a membership of more than 33,000 members.

• Purchased this privately held trucking company with nine trucks in 1985; rebuilt customer base and restored to profitability. Analyzed and evaluated company processes, continuously adapting practices to ensure maximum efficiency and profitability.
• Managed daily logistics and transportation operations to ensure timely deliveries.
• Managed operation of business including bill payment, bookkeeping and accounting, sales, service, payroll and human resources.
• Negotiated real estate purchase that provided offices, parking for the trucks, and maintenance facilities.
• Expanded trucking fleet from nine to 23 trucks, employing 55 people.
• Developed strategic plans for multiple years in order to grow a profitable business.
• Developed and implemented safety protocols to enhance operational efficiency.
• Trained staff on equipment usage and compliance with industry regulations.
• Oversaw vehicle maintenance schedules to minimize downtime and enhance reliability.