Fernando Palestina
Round Lake,IL
Summary
Learning & Development professional with deep, hands-on experience across warehouse, fulfillment, quality, and production operations. Currently supporting onboarding, equipment certification, leadership development, and continuous improvement initiatives at HelloFresh while collaborating closely with Operations, Quality, and Safety teams to close skill and compliance gaps. Brings 8+ years of frontline and leadership experience, with proven ability to translate real-world warehouse knowledge into effective training programs, safer workflows, and stronger team performance.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
Work History
Learning & Development Associate
HelloFresh
Lake Zurich, IL
04.2024 - Current
- Support onboarding and continuous training programs for new hires and existing team members in a fast-paced fulfillment environment.
- Facilitate hands-on training sessions to ensure compliance with quality, safety, and operational standards.
- Facilitated quarterly soft skills training for managers and supervisors across all departments, strengthening leadership, communication, and team engagement.
- Trained associates on PIT (Powered Industrial Trucks) and PE (Powered Equipment) in accordance with company playbooks, safety standards, and operational guidelines.
- Evaluated trainee performance, provided coaching, and delivered actionable feedback to improve productivity and accuracy.
- Collaborate with operations, quality, and safety teams to identify skill and compliance gaps and implement targeted learning solutions to close gaps.
- Maintain accurate training records and documentation to support audits and compliance requirements.
Quality Assurance Associate
HelloFresh
Lake Zurich, IL
01.2023 - 04.2024
- Enforced quality control procedures and verified compliance with production work orders to ensure product integrity.
- Conducted visual inspections and grading of finished goods, identifying non-conforming products and initiating corrective actions.
- Documented and entered quality data into internal systems to maintain accurate records and traceability.
- Collaborated with manufacturing and field teams to diagnose issues and implement solutions.
- Maintained organized file management systems to protect data integrity and accessibility.
Fulfillment Lead
Amazon
Kenosha, WI
02.2022 - 01.2023
- Led fulfillment operations to meet daily shipping goals and customer delivery deadlines.
- Organized and maintained accurate documentation, order records, and inventory data.
- Operated material handling equipment to move, stage, and sort goods efficiently.
- Ensured accuracy in order picking, packing, and sorting through strong attention to detail.
Warehouse Lead
Medline
Grayslake, IL
08.2021 - 02.2022
- Supervised warehouse operations, coordinating schedules and assignments to maximize productivity.
- Transported inventory using forklifts and other equipment while following safety procedures.
- Monitored warehouse conditions and enforced OSHA guidelines to maintain a safe work environment.
- Improved trailer utilization and delivery efficiency through strategic organization.
Operations Lead
PeaPod
Lake Zurich, IL
02.2019 - 02.2020
- Fostered a collaborative team environment through effective training and communication.
- Ensured daily operations aligned with departmental policies and performance standards.
- Supported operational goals through accurate reporting, data entry, and administrative oversight.
- Assisted leadership in meeting deadlines and long-term objectives.
Warehouse Associate
Amazon
Mundelein, IL
10.2018 - 01.2019
- Supported fulfillment operations by moving products via conveyor systems and staging areas.
- Conducted cycle counts and inventory checks to maintain stock accuracy.
- Inspected incoming and outgoing goods for quality, quantity, and accuracy.
Production Scheduler
Ruprecht Company
Mundelein, IL
11.2015 - 10.2018
- Developed and communicated production schedules to meet customer demand and deadlines.
- Monitored production output versus plans, identifying gaps and implementing solutions.
- Resolved inventory issues to ensure uninterrupted operations.
- Optimized production plans using data on output volume, raw materials, and quality findings.
Education
High School Diploma -
Wauconda High School
Wauconda, IL05.2014
Skills
- Learning & Development (Onboarding, Leadership Training)
- Training Facilitation & Coaching (Hourly to Leadership Level)
- Soft Skills & Leadership Development
- PIT & Powered Equipment Training
- Safety Compliance & OSHA Awareness
- Warehouse & Fulfillment Operations
- Team Leadership & Performance Feedback
- Cross-Functional Collaboration (Ops, QA, Safety, HR)
- Documentation, Audits & Training Records
Languages
Spanish
Native or Bilingual
English
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Learning & Development Associate
HelloFresh
04.2024 - Current
Quality Assurance Associate
HelloFresh
01.2023 - 04.2024
Fulfillment Lead
Amazon
02.2022 - 01.2023
Warehouse Lead
Medline
08.2021 - 02.2022
Operations Lead
PeaPod
02.2019 - 02.2020
Warehouse Associate
Amazon
10.2018 - 01.2019
Production Scheduler
Ruprecht Company
11.2015 - 10.2018
High School Diploma -
Wauconda High School