Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Certification
Timeline
Generic

MELISSA R. TRAGESSER

Waterloo,IL

Summary

Highly motivated Logistics leader with over a decade experience overseeing operations, transportation and logistics for high-profile retail customers. Offering exceptional analytical, problem-solving and interpersonal skills. Adapts quickly to the changing needs of fast-paced and growing organizations. Possess high level of competency and demonstrable skills in Microsoft Access, Excel, Project, and Power Point and Business Objects. Working knowledge of Transportation Management Systems. Assisted in the training of new and existing employees in all aspects of the position.

Overview

18
18
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Transportation Operations Supervisor

BJC HealthCare
11.2020 - Current
  • Motivated and trained employees to maximize team productivity.
  • Enforced regulatory and company policy compliance to improve workplace and employee safety and readiness.
  • Enhanced operational performance and reduced labor expenses by developing and optimizing standard practices.
  • Encouraged and promoted ideas aligned to business needs and benefits.
  • Processed inbound and outbound shipments with high accuracy by directing associate teams and managing inventory processes.
  • Developed and deepened relationships with customers, vendors and internal stakeholders.
  • Led associate focus groups and meetings to obtain suggestions, address concerns or issues and foster positive relations among team members and management.
  • Monitored supply chain and managed logistics functions for company.
  • Conducted root cause analysis in deficient areas to identify and resolve central issues.
  • Streamlined operations by outsourcing services, resulting in savings on labor, supplies and maintenance.
  • Trained new employees on proper protocols and customer service standards.
  • Tracked employee attendance and punctuality, addressing repeat problems quickly to prevent long-term habits.
  • Handled problematic customers and clients to assist lower-level employees and maintain excellent customer service.
  • Observed each employee's individual strengths and initiated mentoring program to improve areas of weakness.
  • Reduced financial inconsistencies while assessing and verifying billing invoices and expense reports.
  • Created and implemented aggressive action plan to address pressing cost control needs.
  • Enhanced transportation efficiency by optimizing route planning and scheduling
  • Identified $300K in savings in 2023 through courier route optimizations, invoice auditing, mode optimizations
  • Developed strong relationships with vendors and negotiated favorable contracts for improved service quality.
  • Streamlined communication between departments to facilitate smooth operations and timely deliveries.
  • Analyzed data trends to identify opportunities for process improvements, contributing to increased efficiency and cost savings.
  • Established a positive work culture that promoted teamwork, accountability, and open communication among employees at all levels within the organization.
  • Collaborated with planner to schedule and implement backhaul processes to meet third-party backhaul goals.
  • Assisted in recruiting, hiring and training of team members.
  • Troubleshot and resolved escalated issues pertaining to vendor disputes, payment discrepancies or delays in a timely manner, maintaining positive relationships with suppliers.
  • Participated in software implementation projects designed to automate manual tasks within the Accounts Payable department.
  • Identified areas for improvement in existing processes, leading to increased productivity and reduced costs within the accounts payable department.
  • Reviewed vendor invoices for appropriate documentation and validity prior to payment.
  • Collaborated with other departments to resolve discrepancies in invoices or purchase orders, promoting smooth business operations.
  • Conducted regular performance reviews, identifying areas for improvement and developing action plans to address them.
  • Led hiring, onboarding and training of new hires to fulfill business requirements.
  • Enhanced customer satisfaction by establishing clear communication channels and addressing concerns promptly.
  • Spearheaded process improvements, resulting in increased productivity and reduced operational costs.
  • Negotiated contracts with vendors and suppliers to obtain best pricing and terms.
  • Resolved staff member conflicts, actively listening to concerns and finding appropriate middle ground.

Transportation Operations Specialist

BJC HealthCare
10.2019 - 11.2020
  • Supports daily management of all inbound, outbound, and intracompany transportation activities across all modes of delivery (parcel, courier, mail, LTL, TL, etc)
  • Ensures accurate and timely delivery of medical supplies, equipment, and various products in the most efficient and cost effective manner, all while providing excellent service to customers
  • Responsible for ensuring that daily processes and undertakings are aligned to overall operational goals developed by leadership - included cost reductions, service mode shifts, transitioning all collect suppliers from previous 3PL provider to BJC self-managed program within 6 months in 2020
  • Assists in the development and maintenance of the organization's freight/transportation policy; provides operations perspective and expertise into overall carrier management strategy; collaborates with supply chain and the facilities to develop long term transportation strategies.
  • Serves as the daily point of contact on service, rates, schedules, etc.; ensures positive interactions with vendors and service providers.
  • Manages and resolves daily transportation and freight issues; escalates concerns and recommendations for resolution to leadership.

Buyer

BJC HealthCare
09.2018 - 10.2019
  • Handling routine customer service complaints and comments
  • Purchasing, buying, procuring or managing inventory, materials or supplies - meeting department expectations and timelines.
  • Providing expert advise to the company or the company's customers in areas such as accounting, setting or changing prices, selection or termination of contractors/vendors hired for purposes related to business operations, while performing work that strictly follows established manuals, guidelines, policies or procedures.
  • Entering information into a database, formulating or entering queries into
  • Communicated with vendors regarding back order availability, future inventory and special orders.
  • Compiled customer feedback and recommended service delivery improvements to management.
  • Maintained customer happiness with forward-thinking strategies focused on addressing customer needs and resolving concerns.
  • Liaised with customers, management and sales team to better understand customer needs and recommend appropriate solutions.
  • Identified scenarios to provide cost savings to BJC by working with requisitioners/HSOs to increase orders with vendors that require minimum orders costs to reduce unnecessary service fees, currently totally to $5,600 after 5 months.
  • Actively working with internal ERP group and 3PL, Opti-Freight, to find process improvement and efficiencies, specifically focusing on back order updates and tracking visibility.

Operations Administration Team Lead

Unyson
04.2014 - 09.2018
  • Assisted in large account conversion from AS400 into web-enabled Oracle financial platform.
  • Identified and resolved reporting issues during transfer from AS400 to Oracle system.
  • Identified systematic issues and proposed solutions to support teams to enhance efficiencies in new Oracle system.
  • Manage 6 employees.
  • Performed complex general accounting functions, including Compiled financial reports pertaining to cash receipts, expenditures and profit and loss.
  • Present Establish and maintain healthy working relationships with carriers and customers.
  • Ensure successful payment of carrier freight bills, including management of LTL Match, IRDBs, Freight Bills in Wait, AR Errors, & Carrier Aging Statements.
  • Ensure carriers are paid accurately & timely & that costs process within the appropriate accounting period Maintain customer/carrier profiles & tariffs within i2 TMS, TPS, and Oracle.
  • Resolve carrier problems & complaints to ensure proper billing and payment.
  • Interface with other departments as needed to resolve issues.
  • Assist in claims processing for the Unyson Operations Team.
  • Create & develop innovative ways of streamlining the operations processes wherever possible within the guidelines of customer requirements & team goals.
  • Assist & support Senior Logistics Coordinators & Logistics Manager, including preparing detailed reports regarding on-time performance, customer service or other areas as needed.
  • Trained new team members by relaying information on company procedures and safety requirements.
  • Promoted a positive work environment by fostering teamwork, open communication, and employee recognition initiatives.
  • Served as a role model for the team by demonstrating commitment to excellence, professionalism, and adherence to company values at all times.
  • Worked different stations to provide optimal coverage and meet production goals.
  • Managed schedules, accepted time off requests
  • Devised and implemented processes and procedures to streamline operations.

Logistics Team Lead

Unyson
06.2008 - 07.2014
  • Trained and managed 2-10 employees.
  • Modes included LTL, TL, Intermodal, and national crossdocks.
  • Worked directly with our retail customer account representatives on several high-level projects and account start-ups.
  • Manage retail buyout deals including rate agreements, and daily reporting to the customer.
  • Unyson on-site representative for 3 months at retail customer.
  • Developed account processes and continuous improvement to provide highest level of customer service, customer savings, and increase company margin.
  • Consolidating loads to create customer savings and increased Unyson margin.
  • Determined the most cost-effective procedures and routes for shipments.
  • Translated business needs and priorities into actionable logistics strategies.
  • Gathered, logged and monitored all shipping data.
  • Communicated with dispatchers, warehouses and customers regarding outgoing orders.
  • Prioritized order security, accuracy and on-time pickup and delivery.
  • Correcting billing issues (AR/AP) Training/managing team members Project management including running cost analysis for projects, scheduling, tracking, and reporting high priority, specialty shipments, specialized project manager which included daily customer and carrier calls, emails, reports, carrier/customer pricing management.
  • Identified and implemented intermodal conversions to provide customer savings and increase company margin.
  • Negotiated and covered expedited LTL/TL/IML loads.
  • Maintain clean financials to ensure accurate and timely carrier invoice payment along with customer billing.
  • Daily correspondence with buyers with retail customer.

Senior Logistics Analyst

Unyson
07.2010 - 10.2011
  • Responsibilities include conceptualize, design, and support the implementation of custom logistics programs for Unyson Logistics and its customers.
  • Conduct analysis and modeling of transportation networks and document findings to support the development of logistics service value propositions and continuous improvement.
  • Manage the design, construction and cataloging of high-quality business development presentations and sales materials.
  • Manage business development projects such as requests for information (RFI) and requests for proposal.
  • Enhanced supply chain efficiency by streamlining logistics processes and implementing cost-saving measures.
  • Assisted procurement team members in negotiating contracts with suppliers that led to substantial savings without compromising on product quality or delivery timing.
  • Coordinated efficient transportation routes, optimizing resource utilization and reducing transit times for shipments.
  • Supported senior company leaders by delivering reports outlining performance to drive process improvements.
  • Trained new team members

Logistics Coordinator

Unyson
10.2006 - 06.2008
  • Tracked orders and notified customers of status or potential delays.
  • Trained new employees on logistics procedures, promoting a consistent approach across the team.
  • Collaborated with sales and customer service teams to address client concerns and expedite orders when necessary.
  • Ensured compliance with industry regulations, reducing the risk of fines or penalties.
  • Coordinated with suppliers to ensure timely delivery of goods, minimizing stockouts.
  • Adapted quickly to unexpected disruptions in the supply chain, developing contingency plans to minimize negative impacts on business operations.
  • Developed relationships with key vendors, securing preferential treatment in pricing and terms negotiation.
  • Enhanced supply chain efficiency by optimizing shipping schedules and routes.
  • Improved order accuracy through meticulous data entry and verification processes.

Education

Bachelor of Science - Elementary Education

University of South Alabama
06.2006

Skills

  • Project management
  • Excellent time management
  • Impeccable work ethic
  • Multimodal Transportation - Courier, Parcel, LTL, TL, IML, Cross Dock
  • AS400 TMS
  • Accounting
  • Process improvement
  • Billing
  • Continuous improvement
  • Cost analysis
  • Time management
  • Financials, Transportation
  • Oracle, OTM (TMS)
  • Presentations
  • Pricing
  • Problem-Solver
  • Cost Reduction
  • Route Optimization
  • Analytical Skills
  • Service Optimization

Accomplishments

  • Transitioned 1100 Suppliers from 3PL to Self-Managed Freight, resulting in projected $500K in savings in 2020 at BJC
  • Named "Employee of the Month" in June, 2019 - BJC, Buyer
  • Named "Employee of the Month" in April, 2016 - Unyson, Ops Admin
  • Employee Development Committee 2015-2018 - Unyson
  • Develop lesson plans, teach training classes, new hire Mentor committee lead, develop mentor/mentee SOP for all mentors - Unyson

Certification

ASQ Certified Six Sigma Green Belt

Timeline

Transportation Operations Supervisor

BJC HealthCare
11.2020 - Current

Transportation Operations Specialist

BJC HealthCare
10.2019 - 11.2020

Buyer

BJC HealthCare
09.2018 - 10.2019

Operations Administration Team Lead

Unyson
04.2014 - 09.2018

Senior Logistics Analyst

Unyson
07.2010 - 10.2011

Logistics Team Lead

Unyson
06.2008 - 07.2014

Logistics Coordinator

Unyson
10.2006 - 06.2008

Bachelor of Science - Elementary Education

University of South Alabama

Similar Profiles

CREATE PROFILE
MELISSA R. TRAGESSER