Mark Higdon Email & Phone Number

Atlanta, Georgia, United States

Strategically align MAU resources with the vision and strategy of the CFA team by responding to evolving needs and implementing scalable processes for Supply Chain Development Center (SCDC) projects while overseeing a production floor team of 10 associates and 2 supervisors.Prepared the RPK production program for nationwide rollout and accelerated growth of the OTP program from 4 to 19 sites. Refine MAU SCDC initiatives by establishing and implementing comprehensive Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), Job Aids, and Job Hazard Analyses (JHAs). Efficiently coordinate and oversee daily scheduling and operations of shipping, receiving, delivery, and production activities across the SCDC including developing and executing comprehensive transportation operations strategies, encompassing route planning, load allocation, and timely deliveries to multiple Chick-fil-A restaurant locations. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to assess pilot program performance, identify opportunity areas, enhance quality controls, optimize cost margins, and elevate service delivery. Prepare comprehensive reports on production performance and KPI achievements to support data-driven decision-making, continuous improvement efforts, and compliance. Ensure effective communication measures between MAU and stakeholders to streamline processes, optimize resource allocation, and ensure a seamless workflow. Implement procurement strategies and coordinate the daily ordering of operational supplies, poultry, and non-poultry products from CFA-approved vendors to maintain optimal inventory levels, minimize stockouts, and meet operational demands consistently while communicating the inventory status of supplies needed for upcoming and ongoing projects across MAU, SCDC, and SQS teams. Proactively promote and enforce a culture of safety by identifying and mitigating hazards, correcting harmful conditions, and ensuring strict adherence to safety protocols and regulations.

Lawrenceville, Georgia

Coordinated implementation of production goals for Class 1 Service Center, leading a team of 2 supervisors, a 15-person dock staff, and 60+ drivers. Identified areas of improvement in service, safety, delivery execution, and route management, increasing monthly KPIs met by staff from 2 per month to 10+ per month.Implemented strategic measures, including optimizing staff placement, increasing load average, and collaborating with inbound/outbound/dispatch supervisors to coordinate personnel utilization and management. Resulted in a doubling of on-time linehaul departures and reduced staffing costs. Executed routing and dispatch for efficient and effective LTL delivery service, proactively addressing and resolving delivery service failures to prioritize customer satisfaction and retention. Adapted transportation plans and services daily to meet evolving customer demands and preferences. Leveraged Power BI to construct comprehensive service center reports, incorporating data visualizations to track and monitor KPIs with precision. Utilized effective conflict resolution techniques in conducting impactful one-on-one daily evaluations with staff, addressing performance goals and attendance, and resolving conflicts. Verified daily reports to confirm labor goals were met by monitoring adherence to staff point policy and approved payroll verification for 100+ employees. Ensured a safe work environment by creating a 10-person interdepartmental Safety Team which extended the average number of accident-free days from 45 to 125 days. Maintained compliance with federal, state, and local government regulations, including OSHA/DOT/FMCSR/hazardous materials. Administered safety programs and implemented corrective actions. Engaged in regular communication with vehicle maintenance teams and on-site shops to ensure transportation equipment met industry and safety requirements.

Haines City, Florida

Managed inventory levels, warehousing, shipping, and receiving for a luxury appliance distributor while orchestrating a warehouse expansion. Oversaw e-commerce platform and order fulfillment, training staff in the platform and acting as the point of contact for sales representatives.Orchestrated project management of warehouse expansion across 350,000 sq ft. Managed the receiving and inspection of inbound container loads valued in excess of $30 million dollars worth of product, effectively controlling shipping costs by negotiating with ocean freight brokers. Implemented a transition from manual inventory controls to a warehouse management system resulting in better visibility for sales staff and maximized product storage. Product lead for domestic and international suppliers, onboarding and managing 25+ suppliers, serving as the primary point of contact, ensuring seamless supplier integration across e-commerce and CRM platforms. Conducted extensive customer service satisfaction surveys to gather feedback and insights regarding product ordering and delivery. Compiled data breakdowns and visualizations, presenting findings at monthly management meetings. Led collaborative brainstorming sessions to develop a focused action plan for continuous improvement. Optimized team performance through strategic selection, hiring, evaluation, and retention practices. Developed and implemented comprehensive training policies for warehouse operations staff, fostering professional growth and skill enhancement which resulted in a threefold improvement in productivity. Facilitated productive meetings with representatives from 3rd party staffing agencies to address seasonal staffing needs and ensure adequate levels of workforce. Negotiated competitive hourly rates with the agencies while maintaining budgetary considerations. Collaborated with the staffing agency to ensure all warehouse staff possessed the necessary certifications and relevant work experience.

Oversaw the operations of a 65,000 sq ft distribution center, an internal ordering platform servicing 19 restaurant locations, and the customer-based Official Margaritaville e-commerce store. Effectively managed product inventory exceeding $5 million, while ensuring seamless freight shipments, successful vendor negotiations, order fulfillment, and inventory controls. Developed and executed a strategic plan to consolidate two separate warehousing spaces into a larger centralized location, resulting in a 30% reduction in facility and transportation costs. Implemented robust inventory management practices, including daily cycle counts, weekly inventories, and seasonal product rotations, maintaining shrinkage levels below 1%. Partnered with BubbleUp to create an e-commerce shop of Margaritaville retail products; constructed product data taxonomy of all SKUs. Wrote product descriptions, created product imagery, uploaded all information into the platform, and ensured the accuracy of data. Conducted quarterly meetings with BubbleUp leadership fostering collaborative discussions to address challenges, plan special projects, and drive platform enhancements. Oversaw the inventory management of all restaurant operational supplies and retail merchandise. Managed user administration, onboarding, and access control of the e-commerce platforms for all locations. Created comprehensive training materials for proficiently utilizing the platform's features and functionalities. Collaborated with the Margaritaville teams to highlight seasonal products and limited-time initiatives across platforms. Utilized data analysis to inform and collaborate with restaurant and retail managers ensuring accurate and optimal product ordering to meet demand. Cultivated strong partnerships with suppliers and vendors.