Bryan Block Email & Phone Number

Chicago, Il, Us

Promoted to oversee and strengthen global relationships with vendors, freight forwarders, and customs brokers. Managing a team of 15 individuals across 3 verticals with a $50M budget. Serving as the company’s Subject Matter Expert (SME) to optimize logistics, transportation, and warehouse operations. Ensuring competitive pricing strategies, negotiating contracts, and optimizing shipping solutions. Collaborating with cross-functional teams (finance, merchandising, and sales) to align logistics strategy with business objectives and improve in-store logistics. Key Achievements:• Saved $320k over 2 months by negotiating competitive ocean freight rates despite increased market rates.• Successfully maintained Q4 2023 ocean freight costs through April 2024, securing savings of $1,000 to $4,000 per container despite rate increases in early 2024.

Managed competitive rate negotiations and vendor relationships to enhance logistics and transportation efficiency across the organization. Negotiated with logistics providers and carriers to secure cost-effective, flexible shipping options. Led a team focused on optimizing store transfers, freight operations, and customer service delivery. Collaborated with internal departments to ensure alignment between logistics functions and OKRs. Monitored logistics KPIs and implemented process improvements to meet cost and service targets.Key Achievements:• Grew store driver capacity 275% by expanding the team from 4 to 15 and enhancing CSAT and logistics support.• Saved the company $6M in ocean freight costs over 18 months by negotiating with multiple providers and carriers to increase flexibility and cost efficiency.• Built and led the Store Transfer team, achieving a significant reduction in stock personnel from 40 to 5 by implementing a streamlined and effective transportation strategy.

Responsible for building and leading the company's first dedicated logistics department, managing a team of 6 with a budget of $40M for inbound and outbound logistics. Established standardized processes for international and domestic logistics, ensuring efficient operations and alignment with business goals. Managed relationships with international freight providers, securing reliable transportation for imports and domestic distribution. Worked closely with cross-functional teams to streamline workflows, reduce costs, and enhance service levels. Key Achievements:• Reduced final mile charges 40% for ocean shipments, cutting costs from $1,500 to $900 per shipment by optimizing the container transport process.• Recovered $300K+ by identifying and applying retroactive Chinese Tariff Exclusions to secure reimbursements from the US Government and increase company profitability.

Managed a team of 20 import specialists, overseeing import logistics, billing, and vendor management to improve cash flow and operational performance. Led the Imports department, managing billing, compliance, and vendor relationships for efficient import operations. Implemented CargoWise software to automate billing and tracking, eliminating manual backlogs and reducing administrative overhead. Conducted team training and skills assessments, accelerating onboarding and improving performance. Tracked departmental KPIs to ensure operational alignment with company objectives and profitability targets.Key Achievements:• Cleared a 6-month billing backlog worth $10M+ by implementing CargoWise, enhancing cash flow. • Exceeded departmental gross monthly profit goals 12% (on average) by optimizing operational workflows, reducing inefficiencies, and fostering a culture of accountability and excellence.

Led a team of 20 import and export professionals and oversaw operations for multiple departments (Operations and Customs Brokerage). Responsible for strategic planning, process improvements, and cost management. Directed logistics, customer service, and warehousing operations, aligning departmental goals with corporate objectives. Assigned and balanced new accounts across the team, ensuring equitable workloads and optimized account management. Managed budget and vendor relationships to support profitability and efficiency improvements.Key Achievements:• Promoted 2x (from Senior Import Specialist and Operations Manager) with added scope of responsibilities. • Scaled employee morale 20% by deploying a quarterly performance-based bonus program tied to EBITDA.• Reduced delays 40% by improving interdepartmental communication and collaboration.• Increased team capacity 50% with a paperless workflow, eliminating redundancies, and reducing costs.• Decreased new hire onboarding time by revamping and updating all standard operating procedures (SOPs), enabling employees to manage shipments independently within 1 week.