Robert Houston Email & Phone Number

Holly Springs, Nc

A subsidiary of HNI Corporation - a $2.3 billion global provider of office furniture and distributor to online retailers, wholesalers, businesses, and education sectors. OFM is an importer of privately branded goods produced in China, Taiwan, Mexico and the US; and provides same day order fulfillment to e-commerce companies such as Amazon.• Led transformation of supply chain operations - increased efficiency by eliminating manual processes• Selected and installed new ERP software and… Show more A subsidiary of HNI Corporation - a $2.3 billion global provider of office furniture and distributor to online retailers, wholesalers, businesses, and education sectors. OFM is an importer of privately branded goods produced in China, Taiwan, Mexico and the US; and provides same day order fulfillment to e-commerce companies such as Amazon.• Led transformation of supply chain operations - increased efficiency by eliminating manual processes• Selected and installed new ERP software and enhanced system with advanced WMS concepts and controls• Improved distribution center layout, increased pallet rack utilization, purchased material handling equipment deployed RF and bar code technology, developed processes, and trained and mentored team members.• Implemented Best Practices in fulfillment, inventory control, and metrics – 99.95% fulfillment accuracy, Same Day shipping, daily cycle counting, 99.98% inventory accuracy, utilized UPC, and CubiScan technology• Established a 3PL distribution network in Kansas, Pennsylvania, Washington, and California• Managed third party transportation services and implemented retail customer compliance directives• Implemented OSHA initiatives to correct deficiencies in operating forklifts and storing materials safely Show less

Clayton, Nc

Privately held third-party Logistics Company managing complex supply chain services and systems for Boeing, Verizon, Hallmark Cards, Avaya, Disney, Pratt & Whitney, Sony, and Logitech. Reported to Director of Operations. Client, Hallmark Cards, Inc. canceled multi-year contract and closed facility due to excess distribution capacity. • Led successful turnaround of startup 415,000 sq. ft. distribution operation for Hallmark Cards, Inc. • Provided direction to 410,000 sq. ft… Show more Privately held third-party Logistics Company managing complex supply chain services and systems for Boeing, Verizon, Hallmark Cards, Avaya, Disney, Pratt & Whitney, Sony, and Logitech. Reported to Director of Operations. Client, Hallmark Cards, Inc. canceled multi-year contract and closed facility due to excess distribution capacity. • Led successful turnaround of startup 415,000 sq. ft. distribution operation for Hallmark Cards, Inc. • Provided direction to 410,000 sq. ft. distribution center in St. Joseph, MO to achieve operational excellence• Exceeded Statement of Work service level KPI’s – 99.92% shipping accuracy, 99.72% inventory accuracy• Generated 32% EBITDA margin against annual revenues• Achieved ISO 9001/2008 Certification and supported U.S. Customs C-TPAT compliance initiatives• Operated facility using LEAN/Six Sigma manufacturing principles and 5 S visual controls• Achieved site operating efficiency of 110% against engineered standard and reduced headcount 55%• Operated facility 5.2% below OSHA average national incident rate and adhered to FM Global standards • Utilized Client legacy systems, SAP R3 receiving modules, and Kronos workforce management applications Show less

Durham, Nc

Privately held third-party Logistics Company managing supply chain services for a wide range of customer including John Deere, Black & Decker, International Paper, Hospira, Mallinckrodt, Weyerhaeuser, Monsanto and Pergo. • Directed ten distribution operations totaling 2 million square feet • Collaborated on Business Development activities for new accounts and projects• Planned several start-up operations, allocated resources, established work instructions and… Show more Privately held third-party Logistics Company managing supply chain services for a wide range of customer including John Deere, Black & Decker, International Paper, Hospira, Mallinckrodt, Weyerhaeuser, Monsanto and Pergo. • Directed ten distribution operations totaling 2 million square feet • Collaborated on Business Development activities for new accounts and projects• Planned several start-up operations, allocated resources, established work instructions and metrics• Implemented lean principles in streamlining work flow for inbound, outbound order fulfillment and facility layout• Established processes for quality, safety, inventory control, and facility management• Complied with pharmaceutical and food and beverage industries - cGMP and FDA regulations, and Six Sigma • P&L responsibility for fourteen profit centers – delivered 110% improvement in profitability Show less

Raleigh, Nc

Privately held importer of castings and forgings serving railroad, trucking, agricultural, and plumbing industries. Annual sales exceeded $50 million. Provided general account management responsibilities for largest plumbing customer, American Standard. Reported to company President.• Implemented supply chain management best practices to improve customer experience• Coordinated order requirements with third party China contractors, and scheduled shipments for delivery• Managed… Show more Privately held importer of castings and forgings serving railroad, trucking, agricultural, and plumbing industries. Annual sales exceeded $50 million. Provided general account management responsibilities for largest plumbing customer, American Standard. Reported to company President.• Implemented supply chain management best practices to improve customer experience• Coordinated order requirements with third party China contractors, and scheduled shipments for delivery• Managed consignment inventory program and accounts receivable to improve working capital $12 million Show less

Morrisville, Nc

Global provider of supply chain management outsourcing solutions to the high technology industry. Provided leadership and direction in contract administration for Hewlett Packard, Kodak, IBM and other OEM clients.• Supported business development activities and Statement of Work creation for new clients• Managed working capital by reducing excess inventory $600,000 • Responsible for account level P&L – reduced accounts receivable 25% and improved DSO to 40 days• Provided… Show more Global provider of supply chain management outsourcing solutions to the high technology industry. Provided leadership and direction in contract administration for Hewlett Packard, Kodak, IBM and other OEM clients.• Supported business development activities and Statement of Work creation for new clients• Managed working capital by reducing excess inventory $600,000 • Responsible for account level P&L – reduced accounts receivable 25% and improved DSO to 40 days• Provided leadership on internal Quality, and Sales & Operations Planning initiatives Show less

Morrisville, Nc

Developer and publisher of PC and console gaming software for well-known author, Tom Clancy. Company was acquired in October 2000 by Ubisoft. Member of Executive Management Team. Reported directly to CEO.• Designed and implemented supply chain strategies to position company for acquisition• Delivered a fulfillment solution for North America that produced a savings of $7 million• Led the implementation of Great Plains Dynamics modules for Inventory Control, Bill of Materials… Show more Developer and publisher of PC and console gaming software for well-known author, Tom Clancy. Company was acquired in October 2000 by Ubisoft. Member of Executive Management Team. Reported directly to CEO.• Designed and implemented supply chain strategies to position company for acquisition• Delivered a fulfillment solution for North America that produced a savings of $7 million• Led the implementation of Great Plains Dynamics modules for Inventory Control, Bill of Materials, Purchasing, Sales & Order Processing, and Accounts Receivables to improve operating efficiency• Negotiated savings of $1 million with transportation carriers, and print/CD replication suppliers• Coordinated software submissions for Nintendo and Sony console games• Planned production requirements for new product launches and replenishment of inventory• Negotiated new facility lease agreements for administrative offices in the US and UK Show less

Garner, Nc

Manufacturer and distributor of Pergo brand laminate flooring and accessories. Reported to Sr. VP of Manufacturing.• Led a start-up supply chain organization for North America• Managed $25 million of finished goods and raw materials inventory and supported sales of $300 million• Directed WMS (Warehouse Management System) project with Manhattan Associates (PkMS)• Reduced working capital $13 million and increased inventory turns to fifteen• Reduced transportation costs $1.5… Show more Manufacturer and distributor of Pergo brand laminate flooring and accessories. Reported to Sr. VP of Manufacturing.• Led a start-up supply chain organization for North America• Managed $25 million of finished goods and raw materials inventory and supported sales of $300 million• Directed WMS (Warehouse Management System) project with Manhattan Associates (PkMS)• Reduced working capital $13 million and increased inventory turns to fifteen• Reduced transportation costs $1.5 million by optimizing truckload routes and consolidating LTL shipments• Utilized MRP, JIT, make-to-stock, and make-to-order best practices in support of business initiatives• Collaborated with AT Kearney on a global supply chain project• Established a core transportation carrier network for North American operations• Planned site selection and negotiated a lease agreement for a company operated distribution center facility• Planned new product launches and inventory phase-in/phase-out strategies for The Home Depot• Led a multi-department customer satisfaction project that provided 98% fill rate and a seven-day order cycle Show less

Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina Area

Global manufacturer and distributor of metalworking tooling systems. Sales exceeded $2 billion. Company relocated to Latrobe, PA. Directed the planning, organization, staffing, and operations of 12 distribution centers in North America and Europe. Reported to Vice President of Distribution and Procurement.• Planned and managed an operating budget of $30 million, and a capital budget of $2.3 million• Supported annual throughput volume of 2 million shipments representing sales over… Show more Global manufacturer and distributor of metalworking tooling systems. Sales exceeded $2 billion. Company relocated to Latrobe, PA. Directed the planning, organization, staffing, and operations of 12 distribution centers in North America and Europe. Reported to Vice President of Distribution and Procurement.• Planned and managed an operating budget of $30 million, and a capital budget of $2.3 million• Supported annual throughput volume of 2 million shipments representing sales over $1.2 billion• Negotiated contract with UPS for small parcel transportation that generated $1.2 million savings per year• Developed strategy to consolidate distribution network for North America that produced $2.4 million in savings• Managed Kanban and integrated supplier relationships with GM, Ford and Chrysler• Directed third-party distribution (3PL) relationship with Caterpillar Logistics Show less

Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina Area

Well known manufacturer of Professional, Consumer, and Household Products. Directed five distribution facilities encompassing 600,000 square feet of storage and revenue of $625 million annually. Reported to Director, North American Distribution and Customer Service. Distribution Center relocated to Ft. Mill, SC.• Responsible for budget and expense control of $5.3 million, fixed asset control of $11.4 million and perpetual inventories valued over $95 million for the Household Products… Show more Well known manufacturer of Professional, Consumer, and Household Products. Directed five distribution facilities encompassing 600,000 square feet of storage and revenue of $625 million annually. Reported to Director, North American Distribution and Customer Service. Distribution Center relocated to Ft. Mill, SC.• Responsible for budget and expense control of $5.3 million, fixed asset control of $11.4 million and perpetual inventories valued over $95 million for the Household Products Group• Led the development of a customized warehouse management system with RedPrairie and planned the construction and start-up of an 800,000 sq, ft. automated distribution center in Ft. Mill, South Carolina• Interfaced with sales management and external customers to develop customer partnerships, provided value added kitting and labeling services, and supported vendor managed inventory relationships• Developed activity based cost controls and an ADC warehouse measurement system• Reduced operating expenses 28% while improving quality and customer service levels Show less