Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
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Tara Villalva

Saint Charles

Summary

Multifaceted and experienced professional with a proven track record of developing and executing strategic objectives that align with the long-term goals of the organization. Highly regarded for spearheading global logistics initiatives and fostering consensus around a shared vision of operational excellence among internal and external stakeholders. Recognized as a trusted advisor to executive leaders and colleagues, providing high-level insights that drive business-critical decisions.


▪ Confident leading, working independently, or serving as a key contributor on cross-functional teams in fast-paced, high-delivery environments.

▪ Empower teams to achieve results through collaboration, innovation, initiative, and fact-based, data-driven decision methodologies.

▪ Multi-modal expertise extends to FTL, LTL, parcel, ocean, air, expedited shipping, courier, and international over-the-road shipping.

▪ Adept at identifying and removing process deficiencies that disrupt logistical processes and workflows.


Overview

27
27
years of professional experience

Work History

Business Development Manager

Hancock International
10.2023 - 05.2024
  • Played a key role in sustaining global accounts and partnerships, and successfully penetrating untapped markets across Europe and Asia
  • Primary responsibilities included, Providing insight into the strengths of overseas agents, best pricing, market trends, cold calls, and lead generation in open territories
  • Communicating with operations and customs brokerage on new bookings, gathering power of attorney, and documentation compliance
  • Delivered unparalleled service at each client touchpoint, providing real-time strategic support and crafting bespoke solutions in accordance with core offerings
  • Combined operations knowledge and expert application of the company's management system to rout cargo, make bookings, track shipments, and communicate status to the customer
  • Researched and selected international agent networks to enhance business development and lead generation, providing the office with alternative service and pricing options globally
  • Headed sourcing and negotiation efforts associated with all modes of transportation including air & ocean import / export, steamship lines, and air consolidators
  • Notable achievements included negotiating a national domestic contract at a 70% discount

Branch Manager

Horizon International Cargo
11.2009 - 04.2023
  • Stood up the Salt Lake office which included establishing the operational infrastructure, recruiting and hiring new talent, developing the KPIs, and ensuring that all operating procedures were in accordance with those established by the organization
  • Grew the team from two employees to five, and scaled the locations financial output from $175k in profit and $1.3 million in sales during year one, to $1 million in profit and $6.6 million in sales by year five
  • Transferred to the Chicago office during FY '15 and successfully expanded operations in several key areas including ocean export, ocean import, air export, and air import
  • The branch averaged $2.8 million in profit and $10.5 million in sales annually
  • Primary responsibilities at both locations included, developing standard operating procedures and service level agreements, building and maintaining client relationships, responding to large-scale RFQs, and partnering with the outside sales reps to assist with converting leads
  • Spearheaded a corporate initiative which focused on process standardization associated with ocean products and services, and also served as the registered QI (Qualified Individual) for the Federal Marine Commission
  • Achieved YOY cost reductions through stringent process reviews which exposed several non-value adding activities
  • Internal restructuring and corrections led to savings which equated to the potential salary of 2 FTE (Full-Time Equivalent) employees
  • Championed IT initiatives that led to the automation of milestone updates and improved tracking visibility for clients
  • Assisted with developing and instituting contingency strategies that offset operational headwinds and contributed to the organization maintaining superior service levels throughout the COVID-19 pandemic
  • Managed operations for high-priority customer accounts, coordinating air and ocean import / export shipments, securing bookings, handling documentation and facilitating customs clearance

Export Manager

ALG Worldwide
01.2007 - 11.2009
  • Oversaw and coordinated logistics for air and ocean exports / imports ensuring seamless operations
  • Negotiated competitive rates with vendors and overseas agents to optimize cost efficiency
  • Quoted customers to secure new shipments, enhancing client acquisition and retention
  • Managed documentation and ensured compliance with AES, TSA and FMC regulations
  • Generated final invoices to customers providing backup documentation to facilitate timely payment


Import / Export Operations Specialist

Eagle Global Logistics
01.2004 - 01.2007
  • Booked shipments with airlines and steamship lines coordinating air and ocean import / export end to end logistics
  • Quoted customers and negotiated rates with vendors to secure competitive pricing and new business
  • Completed final billing to accurately invoice customers and facilitate payment processing

Customer Service Representative

AIT Worldwide
12.2002 - 01.2004
  • Provided quotes to customers arranging shipments for domestic next flight out, full truckload and expedited LTL services nationwide ensuring competitive pricing and timely service
  • Tracked and monitored inbound cargo from Chicago to various states on the East Coast and Southwest ensuring efficient and timely delivery coordinating with local agents
  • Supported outside sales by gathering and analyzing rates to assist in securing new business opportunities

Inbound Supervisor

Excel North American Logistics
01.2001 - 12.2002
  • Managed all inbound deliveries coordinating recoveries from CFS facilities to ensure efficient transportation throughout the Rockies
  • Oversaw dispatching of local truckers for final delivery, optimizing routes and schedules for timely service
  • Negotiated delivery rates with truckers achieving cost-effective solutions while maintaining high service standards
  • Ensured accurate receipt of charges for final billing

Operations Specialist

RLI Enterprises
01.1997 - 01.2001
  • Assisted dispatch with scheduling pickups, optimizing routes and schedules to enhance efficiency
  • Coordinated with local customs to arrive IT's for inbond cargo ensuring compliance
  • Sent arrival notices to customs brokers facilitating timely clearance and delivery of shipments
  • Managed all rating and invoicing to customers for pickups, deliveries, IAC and CFS charges
  • Conducted interviews for driver recruitment assessing qualifications to ensure a skilled and reliable team

Education

High School Diploma -

Skyline High
Salt Lake City
06-2000

Skills

    Personnel Management / P&L Budgetary Oversight / KPI Tracking / Performance Management / International Trade / 3rd Party Logistics / Global Regulatory Compliance / Strategic Sourcing & Rate Negotiations / Business Development / FMC Qualified

Timeline

Business Development Manager

Hancock International
10.2023 - 05.2024

Branch Manager

Horizon International Cargo
11.2009 - 04.2023

Export Manager

ALG Worldwide
01.2007 - 11.2009

Import / Export Operations Specialist

Eagle Global Logistics
01.2004 - 01.2007

Customer Service Representative

AIT Worldwide
12.2002 - 01.2004

Inbound Supervisor

Excel North American Logistics
01.2001 - 12.2002

Operations Specialist

RLI Enterprises
01.1997 - 01.2001

High School Diploma -

Skyline High

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