Aaron Williamson
Vancouver
Summary
Dynamic Supply Chain leader with over 15 years of experience driving large-scale distribution and logistics operations. Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP), Lean Six Sigma Greenbelt, and Certified Professional Coach. Skilled in operational strategy, team leadership, cost optimization, continuous improvement, and regulatory compliance. Committed to delivering operational excellence and scalable growth through innovative, data-driven solutions.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
Sr. Director of Distribution
BC Liquor Distribution Branch
02.2024 - Current
- Company Overview: Retail/Wholesale Liquor Import and Distribution
- Lead strategic direction and day-to-day operations across two distribution centers, overseeing 900+ associates.
- Manage $100M operating and $5M capital budgets.
- Drive KPIs for on-time, in-full delivery, and cost-per-case metrics.
- Represent organization during union contract negotiations and manage compliance with CBA and OH&S standards.
- Lead continuous improvement initiatives, RFP evaluations and strategic planning.
- Report operational performance to government stakeholders and industry groups.
Director of Distribution
BC Liquor Distribution Branch
04.2019 - 02.2024
- Company Overview: Retail/Wholesale Cannabis Distribution
- Oversaw operations for a multi-temperature cannabis distribution facility serving 450+ retail locations and e-commerce.
- Managed $25M OpEx and $1M CapEx budgets.
- Developed strategic roadmaps, managed KPIs, and ensured compliance with the Cannabis Act and Health Canada regulations.
- Spearheaded continuous improvement initiatives, optimized B2B and B2C fulfillment processes, and led major project deployments.
Senior Manager, Warehouse Operations
BC Liquor Distribution Branch
08.2018 - 04.2019
- Company Overview: Retail/Wholesale Cannabis Distribution
- Launched a new 75,000 ft² cannabis distribution center from inception to full operation.
- Led hiring, onboarding, and mentoring of 40+ staff, and established SOPs, KPI frameworks, and QC processes.
- Managed inventory control, order fulfillment, transportation, and B2C/B2B channel development.
Logistics Manager
Mavi Jeans Inc.
03.2014 - 07.2018
- Company Overview: Retail/Wholesale Apparel
- Directed a 150,000 ft² national distribution center, supplying over 400 points of sale across Canada.
- Negotiated carrier agreements, improved picking efficiency by 50% through process optimization, and expanded ERP/EDI integrations.
- Supported the launch of B2C e-commerce channels, enhancing order turnaround and returns management.
- Established warehouse management methodologies and best practices.
Warehouse Manager
Earth’s Own Foods
03.2007 - 02.2014
- Company Overview: Wholesale Food and Beverage
- Managed a 200,000 ft² multi-temperature warehouse and production facility.
- Oversaw cold-chain logistics, S&OP forecasting, freight management, and regulatory compliance (CFIA, HAACP, Certified Organic, BC Kosher).
- Expanded international transportation operations into the USA and Hong Kong.
Education
Professional Coaching Certificate -
01.2024
Lean Six Sigma Greenbelt Certification -
01.2021
Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) -
01.2018
Operations Management – Material Handling Program -
01.2017
Associate of Arts -
01.2003
Skills
- Strategic Operations Leadership
- Distribution Center Management
- Budgeting and Financial Oversight
- KPI Development and Performance Optimization
- Lean and Six Sigma Methodologies
- Team Building and Talent Development
- Regulatory Compliance (Cannabis Act, Health Canada, WHMIS, OH&S)
- Contract Negotiation and Vendor Management
- E-commerce and Omni-channel Fulfillment
- Transportation and Logistics Management
Accomplishments
- Lead and develop teams of over 900 staff members.
- Achieved 3% reduction in labour cost by revamping auxiliary hiring and training to improve retention and reduce overtime.
- Led multiple Lean process improvements related to assembly efficiency, quality control, capacity planning, and reverse logistics.
- Stood-up the first distribution facility for cannabis sales in BC, and established the transportation and logistics network.
- Developed transportation networks into the US, Europe and Hong Kong.
Timeline
Sr. Director of Distribution - BC Liquor Distribution Branch
02.2024 - Current
Director of Distribution - BC Liquor Distribution Branch
04.2019 - 02.2024
Senior Manager, Warehouse Operations - BC Liquor Distribution Branch
08.2018 - 04.2019
Logistics Manager - Mavi Jeans Inc.
03.2014 - 07.2018
Warehouse Manager - Earth’s Own Foods
03.2007 - 02.2014
Cognitive Process Consulting - Lean Six Sigma Greenbelt Certification,
Association for Supply Chain Management (ASCM) - Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP),
British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) - Operations Management – Material Handling Program,
Douglas College - Associate of Arts,
Leblanc Leadership Group - Professional Coaching Certificate,
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