Business Strategy Development: Led the development and execution of comprehensive business development strategies to drive growth, expand market presence, and enhance profitability for the company in the Panamanian and regional markets.Market Research & Analysis: Conducted in-depth market research to identify new business opportunities, industry trends, and competitor activities. Utilized data-driven insights to shape strategic decisions and identify potential areas for expansion.Sales & Revenue Growth: Directed sales teams to target and secure new business opportunities, while expanding existing client relationships. Developed and implemented sales strategies to achieve revenue targets and business objectives.Partnerships & Alliances: Negotiated and secured strategic partnerships, joint ventures, and alliances with key industry players, leveraging synergies to expand the company’s portfolio and market footprint.Financial Forecasting & Budgeting: Worked closely with the finance team to develop accurate financial forecasts, set revenue goals, and manage the business development budget. Monitored financial performance and adjusted strategies to ensure revenue growth.Product/Service Development: Collaborated with product development teams to adapt and create new services or products tailored to market demands. Provided feedback on client needs and competitive advantages.Team Leadership & Development: Managed and mentored a team of business development professionals, providing coaching, training, and development opportunities. Fostered a high-performance culture focused on achieving business goals.Brand Development & Positioning: Played a key role in enhancing the company's brand image in the market. Developed marketing strategies, promotional campaigns, and communications to strengthen brand recognition and competitive positioning.

Strategic Operations Leadership: Led and managed daily operations across all departments, including logistics, inventory management, procurement, and customer service, ensuring the business ran efficiently and profitably.Operational Strategy Development: Developed and implemented operational strategies to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and improve service quality.Process Optimization & Continuous Improvement: Identified and implemented process improvements across the supply chain, inventory management, and order fulfillment.Budget & Financial Management: Oversaw the operations budget, including labor, materials, and overhead. Managed costs and expenses, providing detailed financial reports and recommending cost-saving strategies to senior management.Vendor & Supplier Management: Built and maintained relationships with key vendors, suppliers, and service providers to ensure consistent supply of products and services. Negotiated contracts, monitored performance, and resolved any issues related to supply chain disruptions.Inventory Management: Managed inventory control systems to ensure proper stock levels, reduce overstock/stockouts, and optimize warehouse space.Logistics & Distribution Management: Directed all logistics and distribution operations, including the coordination of inbound and outbound shipments, route planning, and transportation management, ensuring timely and cost-effective deliveries.Performance Metrics & Reporting: Developed and tracked key performance indicators (KPIs) to assess operational performance, such as order fulfillment time, inventory turnover, and cost per unit. Provided regular performance reports to the executive team.Customer Experience Enhancement: Worked closely with customer service teams to enhance customer experience by improving communication, and addressing customer concerns to increase satisfaction and retention.

Freight Operations Management: Oversaw all freight operations, including the planning, coordination, and execution of inbound and outbound shipments, ensuring timely delivery and cost-effective transportation solutions.Transportation Management: Managed relationships with freight carriers, negotiated contracts, and monitored service levels to ensure timely and efficient transportation. Optimized shipping routes, freight consolidation, and mode selection to reduce transportation costs.Logistics Coordination: Coordinated the movement of goods across multiple transportation modes (road, rail, air, and sea), ensuring timely deliveries while meeting customer demands and maintaining high levels of service.Supply Chain Optimization: Collaborated with procurement, and warehousing, to streamline logistics operations, reduce lead times, and improve supply chain efficiency. Developed strategies for effective distribution planning.Freight Cost Management & Budgeting: Developed and managed freight and logistics budgets, tracking expenses, forecasting costs, and implementing strategies to minimize freight costs. Negotiated competitive rates with carriers and vendors.Inventory & Warehouse Management: Worked closely with warehouse teams to ensure accurate inventory tracking, and timely fulfillment of orders.Vendor & Carrier Relationship Management: Established and maintained strong relationships with vendors, freight forwarders, third-party logistics providers (3PL), and customs brokers. Negotiated favorable terms, ensuring high-quality service and reliable delivery performance.Logistics Software & Technology: Utilized SAP Modules to monitor shipments, track performance, and generate reports for operational decision-making.Performance Monitoring & Reporting: Tracked key performance indicators (KPIs) related to freight operations, including delivery times, and cost per shipment. Generated reports and provided insights for senior management to improve operations.

Freight Coordination: Managed the scheduling, routing, and tracking of inbound and outbound shipments, ensuring the timely and cost-effective transportation of goods from suppliers to DC and customers.Carrier & Vendor Management: Worked with freight carriers and third-party logistics providers (3PL) to secure competitive rates and ensure reliable service. Maintained strong relationships to negotiate favorable terms and resolve any service-related issues.Logistics Planning & Scheduling: Coordinated logistics operations, including the planning and scheduling of shipments, consolidation of cargo, and selection of the most efficient transportation modes (road, rail, air, sea) to meet deadlines and customer expectations.Customs & Compliance: Ensured compliance with import/export regulations, including the proper preparation of customs documentation for international shipments. Worked closely with customs brokers to ensure timely and accurate customs clearance.Freight Cost Management: Monitored shipping costs and worked to optimize freight expenses. Analyzed shipping data to identify opportunities for cost savings and more efficient routing.Performance Monitoring & Reporting: Tracked and reported on key logistics metrics such as on-time delivery, freight costs, and shipping efficiency. Generated reports for senior management and provided insights on operational improvements.Issue Resolution: Handled and resolved shipping-related issues, including delays, damages, and lost shipments. Communicated directly with vendors, carriers, and customers to resolve problems in a timely manner.Customer Service & Communication: Served as the main point of contact for customers regarding shipment tracking, delivery status, and any issues related to freight. Provided proactive updates and ensured high levels of customer satisfaction.

Supply Chain Management: Oversaw the entire supply chain process, including procurement, warehousing, inventory management, and distribution, ensuring seamless and cost-effective movement of goods from suppliers to customers.Transportation Coordination: Managed transportation operations, including selecting and negotiating contracts with carriers, overseeing scheduling, and ensuring timely delivery of goods while optimizing transportation costs.Inventory Control & Optimization: Monitored and maintained optimal inventory levels, utilizing data analytics to forecast demand, minimize stockouts, and reduce excess inventory, ensuring smooth order fulfillment.Warehouse Operations: Supervised warehouse operations, ensuring efficient use of space, proper storage of goods, and adherence to safety regulations.Vendor & Supplier Relationship Management: Established and maintained strong relationships with suppliers, vendors, and third-party logistics providers (3PL), negotiating favorable terms, and ensuring high service levels.Logistics Software & Technology: Utilized logistics management software (EPICOR) to track shipments, monitor performance metrics, and generate reports to inform decision-making and continuous improvement initiatives.Cost Control & Budgeting: Developed and managed logistics budgets, identifying opportunities for cost reduction and process improvements. Monitored spending to ensure operations were within budgetary constraints.Compliance & Documentation: Ensured compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, and industry standards, including import/export regulations, safety standards, and environmental guidelines. Managed customs documentation for international shipments.Performance Metrics & Reporting: Analyzed logistics KPIs such as delivery times, transportation costs, and inventory turnover rates, generating reports for senior management and identifying areas for operational improvements.

Customs Compliance & Documentation: Reviewed and processed import/export documentation to ensure compliance with Canada Border Service Agency (CBSA) and, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) regulations and international trade laws.Tariff Classification & Valuation: Applied the correct Harmonized System (HS) codes to classify products and determine applicable duties, taxes, and tariffs for shipments, ensuring accurate customs declarations.Customs Declarations: Prepared and submitted accurate and timely customs entries, ensuring adherence to deadlines and avoiding delays in clearance for international shipments.Regulatory Research: Stayed updated on changes to trade laws, tariffs, and customs regulations. Conducted research to resolve discrepancies or questions regarding classification, valuation, or country of origin.Risk Management & Discrepancy Resolution: Identified and resolved issues related to misclassification, undervaluation, or incorrect documentation to minimize risk of fines, penalties, or delays.Audit & Compliance Support: Assisted in internal and external audits to ensure compliance with all customs regulations. Worked closely with customs authorities and other regulatory bodies to address and resolve audit findings.Client Communication & Support: Acted as a liaison between clients, freight forwarders, and customs authorities to address issues regarding shipment clearance. Provided guidance on customs regulations and assisted clients in navigating the clearance process.Data Management & Reporting: Maintained detailed records of shipments, customs filings, and payments for duties and taxes. Prepared reports on customs performance metrics and compliance status for management.

Primary role would focus on ensuring that shipments are accurately valued for customs declaration purposes and in compliance with local and international regulations.Customs Valuation & Classification: Accurately assessed the value of imported and exported goods in compliance with Venezuelan customs regulations. Applied correct Harmonized System (HS) codes for tariff classification to determine duties and taxes.Regulatory Compliance: Ensured full adherence to local customs laws (SENIAT), international trade agreements, and industry standards. Stayed current with changes in customs regulations, tariffs, and tax rates to ensure ongoing compliance.Duties & Tax Calculation: Calculated and verified applicable customs duties, taxes, and other fees for shipments. Prepared and submitted customs declarations with accurate documentation to the Venezuelan National Customs Service (SENIAT).Documentation & Record-Keeping: Maintained accurate records of customs valuation, declaration processes, and financial transactions. Managed and filed documentation to meet legal and company requirements.Collaboration & Stakeholder Coordination: Coordinated with internal logistics, operations, and legal teams, as well as external partners (clients, suppliers, customs agents) to resolve issues related to customs clearance and valuation.Audits & Inspections: Assisted in customs audits and inspections, ensuring all shipments complied with regulations. Resolved discrepancies and ensured timely reporting to mitigate risks.Risk Management & Discrepancy Resolution: Identified potential risks related to undervaluation or misclassification of goods. Worked with customs authorities to address disputes and ensure compliance.Training & Support: Provided guidance and training to junior staff on customs valuation procedures, best practices, and compliance requirements.