Sonya Andrews

Experience

• 

  Microsoft

  Feb 1999 - Sept 2017

  • Managed joint retail experience with onsite promotion of Microsoft retail presence and positioning inside Walmart stores. Facilitated strategy creation and execution of $3M marketing program budget in collaboration with 3rd-party store visit vendor to evangelize and promote solutions to retail salespeople.• Efficiently managed the project budget by strategically planning and conducting visits during regular schedules. This approach was designed to optimize resource utilization and minimize costs while ensuring compliance with vendor Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). • Negotiated approximately 20% reduction in contract terms by eliminating and combining program deliverables, amounting to about $600k savings.• Spearheaded the planning and execution of a high-impact “Supplier Summit” designed to foster open dialogue and collaboration among key stakeholders, with the primary objective of optimizing Walmart’s labor program. This strategic initiative was aimed at enhancing program effectiveness and strengthening supplier relationships. Show less • Led a virtual internal global XBOX launch team comprised of functional SME’s in the entire value-chain from planning, manufacturing, logistics, compliance, product managers, finance, sales, and quality assurance. Managed all workstreams associated with launching projects Facilitated and promoted thought leadership regarding emerging supply chain concepts, technologies, and trends for best-in-class lean supply chain. • Oversaw the Point-of-Sale Activation (POSA) project for major game titles including Halo, Call of Duty, and Forza. This role involved coordinating with retail partners, managing timelines and budgets, ensuring effective in-store promotions, and monitoring the activation process to ensure successful and timely launches.• Led a comprehensive project focused on addressing compliance issues and currency differentials across 27 countries for the migration of the digital point program for Xbox Live. Ensured the project was executed efficiently and launched on time, despite complex challenges. • Spearheaded the initiative to convert Xbox Live points to currency, overseeing the entire transition process from planning to execution. This involved coordinating with cross-functional teams, managing project timelines, ensuring compliance with regional financial regulations, and communicating changes to users to ensure a smooth and seamless conversion experience.• Developed and maintained robust relationships with key stakeholders across various levels of management, ensuring effective communication and collaboration throughout the lifecycle of programs and projects. Show less • Directed and managed the comprehensive process of coordinating vendors responsible for delivering Microsoft Office training and certification services. This role involved ensuring the effective execution of all training and certification activities through close vendor management and oversight.• Oversaw the coordination and execution of the launch for new Office 2010 certifications, ensuring that all activities were completed efficiently and within a stringent timeline. This involved comprehensive project management tasks to ensure the successful introduction of the certifications.• Implemented structured communication channels between the vendor and Microsoft Learning to ensure that information was exchanged efficiently and effectively. Clearly defined and communicated expectations for both the vendor and Microsoft Learning to avoid misunderstandings and ensure that all parties were on the same page. Managed expectations regarding project goals, timelines, deliverables, and performance standards. Show less • Led and facilitated the strategic collaboration between Hachette Book Group (HBG) and Microsoft Learning, focusing on the development, design, and production of printed learning materials.• Collaborated with internal teams within Microsoft Learning (MSL) and external vendors to address and resolve issues, ensuring effective communication and resolution of outstanding tasks. Managed the process through regular meetings and follow-ups to ensure that all action items were addressed in a timely manner.• Partnered with the MSL manufacturing team to develop a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for freight shipments, leading to significant cost savings through improved logistics strategies. Show less • Oversaw the comprehensive management of the Xbox 360 launch at Best Buy, a key account valued at $400 million annually. This role involved coordinating internal communications, ensuring inventory availability, and implementing Collaborative Planning, Forecasting, and Replenishment (CPFR) processes to ensure a successful product launch and ongoing account management.• Directed and implemented cross-dock program for CompUSA ($105M/yr. account) that saved Microsoft approximately $500,000 in freight reconciliation costs within 8 months and delivery to store in 3 days instead of 6.• Implemented CPFR processes to enhance the efficiency of planning, forecasting, and replenishment activities for the Xbox 360 launch. Collaborated with Best Buy and internal teams to develop accurate sales forecasts, create effective replenishment plans, and ensure that inventory levels were optimized to meet demand. Show less • Led virtual team in product launch readiness including, cost management, lifecycle management, SKU reduction, obsolescence and inventory management for various Microsoft HRD titles, including Microsoft® Encarta, Microsoft® Money and Microsoft® Streets and Trips.• Played a key role in driving a cost reduction initiative focused on packaging materials by actively influencing product teams and exploring alternative packaging options. This effort resulted in significant savings of approximately $600,000 compared to the previous year’s packaging costs. Show less

  • Channel Marketing Program Manager - Field Labor

    Dec 2013 - Sept 2017

  • Global Launch Manager - Xbox

    Oct 2011 - Dec 2013

  • Operations Program Manager - Office Certifications

    Aug 2008 - Oct 2011

  • Vendor Account Manager - Hachette Book Group

    Feb 2007 - Nov 2009

  • Operations Account Manager

    Sept 2002 - Feb 2007

  • Operation Product Manager

    Feb 1999 - Sept 2002
• 

  Nytec

  Dec 2017 - Mar 2018

  Technical PM 4

  • Partnered with product and program managers to gain a deep understanding of their specific project needs, goals, and constraints. Utilized this knowledge to develop a customized project management process that addressed their unique challenges and facilitated efficient project execution. • Directed the implementation of the tailored project management process, ensuring that it was properly integrated into the project workflow. Took responsibility for overseeing the process, ensuring all project activities adhered to the established plan and adjusting as necessary to maintain alignment with project goals.• Documented the customized project management process, including workflows, procedures, and best practices. Shared this documentation with relevant teams to ensure consistent application and facilitate knowledge transfer within the organization. Show less

• 

  Microsoft

  Mar 2018 - now

  Operations Program Manager

  • Spearheaded the end-to-end management of product launches, ensuring every aspect of the process was meticulously planned and executed to guarantee a successful introduction to the market.• Developed comprehensive Project Plans of Record (PoRs) that outlined the scope, objectives, milestones, and deliverables for each launch serving as the foundational blueprint for the entire project. • Responsible for ensuring the timely release of software to our key Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) launch partners for the highly anticipated Copilot+ PC launch in June 2024. • Coordinated with key Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) partners for the launch of Windows 11 to go live in Spring 2021, followed by the rapid deployment across 12 additional channels in Fall 2021, including ownership of risk management support, issue resolution and management of post-launch support and optimization. • Leverages Project Management Office (PMO) best practices and industry standards to inform the development and execution of the project management process. Ensures that the process incorporated proven methodologies to enhance project success and deliver high-quality results. Show less