Debra gonzalez-currie
Brantford
Summary
Dynamic Customs Manager with a proven track record at Latham Pool Products Ltd, excelling in customs compliance and cross-border operations. Achieved significant cost reductions and streamlined processes through innovative strategies and strong leadership. Expert in import-export procedures, with exceptional problem-solving skills that enhance team productivity and customer satisfaction.
Overview
2024
2024
years of professional experience
Work History
Customs Manager
Latham Pool Products Ltd
Brantford, ON, And USA Latham Plants
- Streamlined customs processes by implementing efficient procedures and documentation standards.
- Championed the use of technology in customs management processes, resulting in increased efficiency and resource optimization.
- Reduced import/export delays through proactive monitoring of regulatory changes and timely communication with stakeholders.
- Conducted thorough audits of company''s customs activities to identify areas for improvement and ensure full compliance with regulations.
- Saving Latham from huge fines: ie: $500,000 for incorrect shipping into Canada from Albany etc
- Saved Latham from loosing steel coil purchases, by spending time working with all the USA and Canada H.D. galvanized steel coils. - Successfully finding a supplier and this supplier held all our coils in the USA and when required, shipped to our Steel divisions for us. Saving the Tariffs that were applied
- Worked tirelessly on the weekends to make sure all products were cleared into both USA and Canada
Purchasing and Customs Manager
Technican Pool / Latham Pool Products Ltd. 1998-2023
Canada
03.1998 - 08.2023
- Established long-term customer relationships by providing exceptional customer service.
- Anticipated requirements and achieved put through
- Developed and implemented strategies to increase
- Provided excellent customer service, resolving concerns promptly and professionally.
- Delivered exceptional customer service with timely communication and proactive problem solving.
- Purchasing/Negotiations in the Steel Industry USA and Canada
- Purchasing and Negotiations in the Pool resins, travelled to China to negotiate Fibre Glass for the in ground pool
Supervisor, Purchasing
Technican/Latham Pool Products
Brantford, ON
03.1998 - 08.2023
- Applied strong leadership talents and problem-solving skills to maintain team efficiency and organize workflows.
- Improved customer satisfaction with timely response to inquiries, addressing concerns, and finding effective solutions.
- Increased team productivity by implementing efficient workflows and setting clear expectations for staff members.
- Resolved conflicts among team members promptly, maintaining a harmonious working environment conducive to productivity.
- Enhanced communication within the team by holding regular meetings and encouraging open dialogue among all members.
- Demonstrated commitment to the organization''s core values, leading by example and fostering a culture of excellence.
- Collaborated with other departments to achieve organizational goals, fostering teamwork across various functions.
- Mentored junior staff members in their career development, sharing knowledge from years of experience in the field.
- Conducted performance evaluations for staff members, identifying areas of improvement and guiding professional development plans.
- Implemented safety protocols to minimize workplace accidents and maintain compliance with industry standards.
- Developed staff skills through targeted training programs, resulting in improved performance and career growth opportunities.
- Identified operational inefficiencies and implemented corrective measures to increase effectiveness.
- Led successful project completions under tight deadlines, coordinating effectively across multiple teams.
- Negotiated with vendors to secure cost-effective contracts, resulting in significant budget savings.
- Facilitated seamless communication between departments, ensuring that all teams were aligned with company goals.
- Developed comprehensive training program for new hires, significantly reducing learning curve and integrating them into team quickly.
- Implemented cost-saving measures, significantly reducing operational expenses.
- Fostered culture of continuous improvement, encouraging team to suggest and implement process enhancements.
- Collected, arranged, and input information into database system.
- Maintained overall safe work environment with employee training programs and enforcement of safety procedures.
- Optimized customer experience by delivering superior services and effectively troubleshooting issues.
- Devised and implemented processes and procedures to streamline operations.
Education
C.I.P. - Purchasing
Mohawk College of Applied Arts And Technology
Hamilton04-2013
Skills
- Import-export procedures
- Shipping and receiving processes
- Time management expertise
- Incoterms proficiency
- HS classification
- Global sourcing strategies
- Inventory control techniques
- Customs compliance expertise
- Trade agreement comprehension
- Cost reduction strategies
- Team leadership and development
- Customs software mastery
- Customs brokerage experience
- Customs documentation mastery
- Cross-border operations
- Presentation
- Problem-solving
- Time management
Timeline
Purchasing and Customs Manager
Technican Pool / Latham Pool Products Ltd. 1998-2023
03.1998 - 08.2023
Supervisor, Purchasing
Technican/Latham Pool Products
03.1998 - 08.2023
Customs Manager
Latham Pool Products Ltd
C.I.P. - Purchasing
Mohawk College of Applied Arts And Technology