Desmond Van Twest

Experience

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  Supply Chain Management

  Sept 2006 - Mar 2011

  Operations Team Leader

  I fully grasp all processes and operations of shipping, receiving and quality assurance. Plan, monitor and manage a team of more than 60MT to reach production objectives on a daily/weekly basis. Evaluated daily and weekly workload, develop and implement a 24/48 LOS plan. The individual participation & productivity as well as the construction of wide productivity were tracked and monitored. I contributed in the year beginning meeting for the project that required establishment of a high-speed receiving/shipping service for temporary storage construction.Key Achievements:● Established a strong, positive and effective team, by recruiting additional team members. Show less

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  Lowe's Home Improvement

  Mar 2011 - Aug 2012

  Operations Coach

  In this 650k sq. ft. facility, I created and then analyzed all practical and coaching tasks, including receiving, order-filling, and shipping. Through measuring and coaching, I was able to enhance Team Members' performance in order to support all corporate values and maximize production efficiency. New team members were trained on department functions, health and safety, and best practices. New Coaches and Captains have been recruited from the ground up. Maintained active awareness of all departments within a work day, including the home department, and adjust the business to provide general continuity across the facility.Key Achievements:● Developed and implemented new tracking devices and best practices throughout the building.● Facilitated training sessions and start-up meetings within large groups of Team Members and Management. Show less

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  Eleven Points Logistics

  Aug 2012 - Jul 2013

  Operations Manager

  I oversaw end-to-end recruitment of 32 operation supervisors, 16 operations coordinators, and 200+ employees for a 1.5 million square foot fully automated DC to assist this big firm in entering the Canadian market. On a daily basis, I handled 10 direct, multi-departmental reports and 100 hourly TM in order to meet defined targets, which included performance management and discipline. Streamlined operations by developing all SOPs and work instructions across all operational departments and managing them on a daily basis in order to meet our Level of Service targets.Key Achievements:● Created, implemented, and audited a program to ensure superior housekeeping, using 5S philosophy and Lean Properties.● Maximized customer satisfaction by providing superior support through frequent interactions with customer, vendors, and all contractors. Show less

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  Lowe’s Companies Canada

  Jul 2013 - Jul 2018

  Operations Manager

  In a building of 1.4 million sq. ft. and 2 off sites I headed a team of 8 direct reporting management teams and 200+ hourly team members. Implementing LEAN techniques accelerated processes. Increased team productivity by creating measurable for both production and management. Established standards by creating and communicating SOP’s and instructions. Developed a high performing team focused on delivering results while complying with Lowe’s Values. Cultivated effective relationships with all support department.Key Achievements:● Contributed in building of 1.5 million square foot facility.● Increased Engagement score from 47% to 87% through exceptional performance.● Planned and implemented accurate Engineered Labor Standards.● Built a store damage outreach program for appliances reducing damages from 30% to 1%. Show less

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  The Hillman Group

  Jul 2018 - Apr 2020

  Senior Operations Manager

  I helped the company by managing and training a team of four Operations Managers and one (1) Facility’s Manager with 400 employees as direct reports. Using my leadership abilities, I headed daily operations of six Distribution/Packaging Facilities across Ontario, encompassing Labor, KPI’s, Engagement, and Quality. Improved operations by creating operational plans for all warehouse and supporting departments’ functions. Strategized and implemented new maintenance structure, processes, and all associated contracts. Collaborated with the management to ensure high quality of service to the customers. Facilitated development of and ensure adherence to SOP’s and Instructions, throughout all operational departments, to meet the established standards. Key Achievements:● Saved $5M per year by restructuring and enhancing Ontario’s operations.● Led the amalgamation of six distribution centers into a new fully automated facility successfully.● Oversaw P&L of $50M and developed budgets for seven buildings with high degree of accuracy. Show less

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  Gundar Cartage and Express

  Apr 2020 - Apr 2021

  Director Of Operations

  In this role, I managed daily operations and customer communications to create highest level of efficiency within the organization. I was responsible for ensuring a safe working environment by managing H&S development and compliance for warehouse and drivers. Furthermore, I oversaw P&L for entire company ($2.5 million dollar budget) to meet the financial goals. I enjoyed streamlining processes by creating company structure, including employee and maintenance structure as well as assigned tasks to employees. Maximized efficiency by heading the fleet maintenance and asset assessments.Key Achievements:● Achieved 18% revenue growth by acquiring new business and managing the sales.● Increased sales by 40% in six months and developed unique cloud based solutions for the trucking fleet. Show less

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  General Motors

  Sept 2021 - Dec 2021

  Production Business Manager
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  BEST

  Mar 2022 - now

  In my role, I lead and develop regional operational teams to drive revenue growth, enhance team productivity, and build lasting client relationships. I hire, onboard, and train Operations Managers and Site Managers, while identifying and supporting growth plans for projects. My responsibilities include effective budget management, sustainable business practices, and compliance with policies. I strategize contract negotiations, implement improvement plans, and oversee procedural enhancements to align with industry trends. I communicate professionally and efficiently, manage changing priorities, and ensure seamless execution of company initiatives. Conducting regular debriefs and managing annual reviews, I foster growth and succession plans for sustained expansion. I thrive on adapting to challenges, delivering solutions, and contributing to overall business growth. Show less

  • General Manager

    Mar 2023 - now

  • Assistant General Manager

    Mar 2022 - Mar 2023