Dana Sipes

Experience

• 

  Veraction

  Jan 2008 - Jul 2017

  Global Logistics Audit SME (Subject Matter Expert)

  • Led audit process implementation for new clients during the sales cycle and the first quarter of production, ensuring seamless onboarding.• Collaborated with the Product team to develop a new audit operations system, increasing production efficiency by over 50%.• Recruited, interviewed, and trained new employees for non-parcel audit department, ensuring a well-prepared and high-performing team.• Managed onsite and international remote teams responsible for non-parcel audit, optimizing workflow and performance.• Partnered with Senior Leadership to provide strategic recommendations for operational improvements and efficiency gains.• Conducted annual performance reviews, set employee goals, developed improvement plans, and managed PTO schedules to enhance team productivity. • Implemented and managed freight service providers to meet client transportation needs efficiently.• Acted as a liaison for clients, managing carrier relationships and addressing any carrier-related concerns.• Provided strategic and tactical recommendations to improve clients' transportation models, enhancing cost-effectiveness and service levels.• Maintained professional relationships with assigned clients and over 200 carriers through effective communication and issue resolution.• Oversaw freight carrier contracts and rates, monitored monthly AR reports, and ensured accurate and timely invoice payments. Show less

• 

  Williams-Sonoma, Inc.

  Nov 2017 - now

  • Weekend Operations Lead: Manage nationwide transportation operations, ensuring seamless freight movement for domestic and international shipments.• Data-Driven Decision Making: Extract, analyze, and present key transportation metrics (on-time performance, detention costs, carrier service levels) to improve operational efficiency.• Excel & Power BI Reporting: Develop dynamic reports and dashboards to track freight trends, carrier performance, and cost optimization opportunities.• Freight Payment & Billing Management: Oversee billing exceptions and detention invoicing, collaborating with the freight payment provider to resolve discrepancies.• Carrier & Distribution Coordination: Partner with distribution centers, furniture hubs, warehouses, and carriers to streamline trailer pickups, deliveries, and issue resolution.• Process Optimization: Create and maintain SOP's and performance metrics to drive continuous improvement in domestic transportation.• Technology & Systems Expertise: Functional knowledge of Manhattan TMS, Descartes PKMS, QlikView, Four Kites, and Yard View systems, leveraging data tools to enhance efficiency.• Stakeholder Collaboration: Facilitate conference calls with corporate partners, freight carriers, and operational teams to ensure alignment on transportation objectives. • Advanced Microsoft Skills: Strong proficiency in Excel (including dashboard creation and data analysis), Power BI, Outlook, and Word. Show less • Managed freight deliveries across 5 distribution centers, 27 pool hubs, and 250+ retail stores nationwide, ensuring timely and cost-effective transportation.• Partnered with third party pool hubs to manage trailer deliveries, optimize retail store schedules, and address exceptions to maintain seamless operations.• Leveraged Manhattan TMS to tender freight, track shipments, and monitor carrier performance for improved service levels.• Facilitated cross-functional collaboration, engaging with corporate partners, freight carriers, warehouses, final-mile hubs, and retail stores to align logistics strategies.• Responded to sudden business changes such as the Covid pandemic, adjusting freight plans and implementing solutions to minimize disruptions.• Monitored and analyzed shipment data, including volumes, piece counts, statuses, and costs to support data-driven logistics decisions.• Negotiated spot capacity and freight rates with carriers to secure cost-effective solutions and maintain service reliability.• Generated and distributed reports to internal and external stakeholders, providing key insights into freight performance and cost management. • Developed and maintained SOP's for the retail pool network, improving process consistency and operational efficiency.• Proficient in logistics systems, including Manhattan TMS, Descartes PKMS, Qlikview, and YardView, leveraging technology to optimize workflow.• Detail-oriented and highly organized, ensuring accuracy in freight coordination, reporting, and execution.• Advanced Microsoft Office skills, including Excel (data analysis, reporting, and dashboards), Outlook, and Word. Show less

  • Transportation Manager

    Jan 2022 - now

  • Logistics Coordinator

    Nov 2017 - Jan 2022