Craig Ward

Craig Ward Email and Phone Number

Director of Business Development @ Ground Freight Solutions
Houston, TX, US
Craig Ward's Location
Houston, Texas, United States, United States
About Craig Ward

♦ Seasoned leader with strong management acumen and extensive experience in operations management, customer services, financial oversight, and people leadership within the logistics, transportation, and restaurant industries.♦ Demonstrated success in managing large teams, overseeing multi-site operations, and delivering high-quality services to drive business profitability and organizational efficiency and growth.♦ Expert in managing multimillion-dollar budgets and maximizing cost reductions through process optimization, vendor negotiations, and resource allocation in line with long-term business objectives.♦ Hands-on leader with a history of resolving operational challenges by identifying inefficiencies, developing tailored solutions, and leveraging data-driven decisions to streamline workflows and enhance productivity.♦ Proven aptitude to secure and expand service lanes by developing competitive rate structures and negotiating profitable contracts in both domestic and intermodal freight markets.♦ Adept at facilitating cross-functional team coordination, building productive customer relationships, and developing high-performing teams with a focus on improving client satisfaction and retention.

Craig Ward's Current Company Details
Ground Freight Solutions

Ground Freight Solutions

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Director of Business Development
Houston, TX, US
Craig Ward Work Experience Details
  • Ground Freight Solutions
    Director Of Business Development
    Ground Freight Solutions
    Houston, Tx, Us
  • Overland Express Co.
    Director Of Business Development
    Overland Express Co. Nov 2024 - Present
    Houston, Texas, Us
    I am excited to announce that I have started a new position as Director of Business Development at Overland Express. I am looking forward to embracing the challenges and opportunities that will come with this new role. I will be working alongside an amazing team focused on growth and continued outstanding service in the industry.Please contact me for any of your Transportation or Warehouse needs.
  • Imc Companies
    Regional Vice President Of Operations
    Imc Companies 2018 - 2024
    Collierville, Tennessee, Us
    Led strategic and operational activities for the Gulf Region, including El Paso and the Valley to oversee 33-acre container yard, 16-bay equipment repair shop, and company fleet of 32 tractors. Directed 52 management and support staff members and 285 owner-operators to ensure smooth execution of operations.Headed driver recruitment and retention to maintain a pipeline of qualified drivers to meet business needs. Optimized fuel usage, productivity, and cost efficiencies through close management of the on-site fuel bay. Owned full responsibility for P&L management and reduced operational costs by optimizing staffing levels, renegotiating vendor contracts, and implementing cost-control measures. Built a culture of accountability and growth by coaching staff and evaluating work performance while developing improvement plans and introducing recognition programs. Installed outward-facing cameras on all owner-operator tractors and dual-view cameras on company assets. Collaborated with operations managers and drivers to review contractor settlements, identify low-earning contractors, and provide revenue-optimizing opportunities. Strengthened relationships with owner-operators through transparent communication and proactive support, which minimized delivery failures and improved load acceptance rates. Negotiated competitive rate structures and bid packages for both domestic and intermodal freight to secure profitable contracts and expand service lanes. Played a pivotal role in acquisition and integration of two trucking companies by overseeing personnel onboarding, customer transition plans, and smooth transfer of operations while preserving service quality.
  • Empire Truck Lines
    General Manager Of Operations
    Empire Truck Lines 2014 - 2018
    Houston, Tx, Us
    Directed driver recruitment and onboarding efforts to maintain optimal staffing levels. Managed fuel usage and enhanced productivity through the strategic operation of an on-site fuel bay. Fostered productive relationships with owner-operators through transparent communications and collaborations. Oversaw operations of 6 terminals by overseeing personnel, a 20-tractor fleet, and 60+ owner-operators to ensure smooth and efficient business operations. Drove all aspects of P&L management to reduce operational expenses by optimizing staffing, renegotiating vendor contracts, and minimizing waste through efficient resource allocation. Implemented Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) ahead of regulatory mandates to ensure early compliance and enhance safety and reporting standards. Worked with operations managers for settlements review to align contractors with high-revenue opportunities. Established competitive rate structures and bid packages for Domestic and Intermodal freight to secure new lanes and increase profitability through strategic negotiations with customers.
  • Yum! Brands
    Regional Manager
    Yum! Brands 2012 - 2014
    Louisville, Ky, Us
    Built a strong pipeline of leadership talent by implementing bench planning, cross-training initiatives, developing new store managers and leaders, and serving as a mentor to junior management. Transformed an underperforming market of 46 stores and drove profitability from -2% to +15% by leveraging data-driven online projections and bar graph scheduling techniques. Reduced costs while maximizing revenue growth through process improvements and operational efficiency. Opened multi-brand stores and exceeded first-year performance targets for each store, which contributed to regional growth and profitability. Recognized as “Best of the Best” region in 2013 and 2014 for exceeding sales and performance goals.
  • Yum! Brands
    Area Manager | Training Leader | Franchise Business Owner
    Yum! Brands 1994 - 2012
    Louisville, Ky, Us
    Enforced standards for product quality, sanitation, and customer service with consistent top-tier performance. Developed financial models for new business units to optimize cost structures and improve profitability. Managed a diverse team of 16 district managers and 14 franchise business leaders while being responsible for the operations of 143 stores across the region. Created and implemented standardized employee training programs to reduce team turnover from 210% to 96%, while improving overall team performance. Mentored new franchisees by identifying operational inefficiencies and implementing process improvements. Recognized as the top Franchise Business Leader for five consecutive years for exceptional leadership.

Craig Ward Education Details

  • University Of Houston
    University Of Houston
    And Restaurant Management

Frequently Asked Questions about Craig Ward

What company does Craig Ward work for?

Craig Ward works for Ground Freight Solutions

What is Craig Ward's role at the current company?

Craig Ward's current role is Director of Business Development.

What schools did Craig Ward attend?

Craig Ward attended University Of Houston.

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