Rhonda Ferguson Email and Phone Number

Labor is one of the more expensive aspects of running logistics and supply chain operations, and Labor Management Systems are a blend of engineered and software standards capturing worker activity data to define the most effective way to perform specific tasks. In response, I formulated the framework and initial phases of implementation for Labor Management Systems.Highlights: Partnered with Supply Chain leadership and made substantial contributions implementing a PMO within Supply Chain business operations.  Made significant findings in reducing the enterprise shrink rate of ~$3M within 50% by implementing operational improvements from within distribution centers, avoiding mis-shipping of thousands of products to stores. Provided the framework to replace the current labor management system through cross-collaboration to ensure users of the tool were engaged in replacement process planning and developed project framework and playbook to proceed. Created Project Management Office by introducing the Charter for PMO adoption, RACI project framework templates, actions and decisions, issues, and risks log.

I pioneered the launch of the COI, a collaboration of all Nordstrom Technology Program Managers and staff members in providing opportunities to learn and achieve professional growth. To start the program, I conducted large and small scale community events to identify the needs and growth opportunities for the community.Highlights: Launched COI to enable collaboration by all Nordstrom Technology Program Managers and staff members seeking opportunities to learn and achieve professional growth. Conducted large and small scale community events with internal and external speakers. Produced repository of professional development and training materials and artifacts to provide a resource for employees. Advocated for Program Management within Technology to define the roadmap for success across the top-ten tracks of work, held events to engage the community, and shared lessons learned, building program from the ground-up.

There was a need for Portfolio Management within Technology to provide definition and roadmap for success across multiple tracks of work, and I was instrumental in building the program from the ground-up. Planview and portal systems were used to help product leadership, and core technology teams to understand investments. I defined product portfolio metrics to monitor the delivery of business value to customers.Highlights: Implemented Technology's first Portfolio Management Team to align business and Technology. Brought awareness to data supporting Supply Chain investments and initiatives. Supported creation of portal views of initiatives and investment data to provide a cross-functional view of project milestones, dependencies, and resource utilization, enabling data-driven investment decisions. Saved $1.2 million in enterprise platform operation by sunsetting the Planview Enterprise financial system and migrated all data and sourcing to a new platform in under two months.

On behalf of the Chief Technology Officer, I implemented a strategic quarterly and annual strategic action initiatives for continuous improvement and agile development methodology impacting 1,500 employees. We provided a team model to support the ability to track and prioritize work and communicate. To promote the program, I coordinated technology events for employees and implemented a messaging strategy via various channels.Highlights: Implemented quarterly and annual strategic action initiatives on behalf of the Chief Technology Officer through a communications and engagement data strategy. Agile methodology and continuous improvement leader for approximately 1,500 employees. Provided visibility of the team’s work by implementing a team operating model supporting technology communication and strategy, improving ability to track work, and prioritize effectively.  Produced technology events for employees, implementing effective communication strategy for messaging through various channels, including email and Confluence. Scrum Master for Nordstrom Technology HITLIST, an initiative to improve the technical employees’ experience.

 Slashed the Enterprise cancel rate by over 8% in less that eight months, from 8.75% to 0.08% by identifying system latency and areas for operational improvement. Sustained cancel rate reduction by partnering with enterprise-wide stakeholders to manage business outcomes. Reduced waste and improved automation through Agile coaching and increasing scrum team throughput.

A central focus in this role was the evangelizing of Agile and Lean practices, as an original certified Scrum Master. By partnering with cross-divisional leadership, we were able to identify and resolve critical gaps in our operations, reduce redundancy, and drive the company’s “One Nordstrom” engagement model forward.Highlights: Aligned the business objectives and goals among Technology, product teams, and business through effective collaboration and powerful visual management

I directed the Nordstron.com Optimization Program, providing A/B testing, targeting, and dynamic optimization for the customer. The team extrapolated data findings and identified the potential for increased sales within the eCommerce business space through product segmentation and brand affinity.Highlights: The team saved millions by identifying what to implement for new product features. Navigated teams through Agile Scrum and Kanban events to improve work processes. Developed engagement models and enabled the ability to run A/B testing on-site with Product Management and Technology, improving the customer experience.

I provided daily guidance to a 40-member team engaged in product deliverables, and coached the team on ways to be creative in meeting business needs. As resident expert for operational processes, I worked closely with suppliers and vendors in obtaining product samples, photography, image production, and product copy.Highlights: Instrumental in facilitating several promotions of team members to Assistant Buyer.