Melisa Korotana
Surrey,BC
Summary
Leader with 25 years of logistics and supply chain management experience, focusing on strategic planning and international transportation. Developed and implemented innovative strategies that streamline operations and reduce costs, resulting in enhanced performance. Proven ability to mentor teams and foster cross-functional collaboration, driving business growth and customer satisfaction. Expertise in building strong supplier partnerships and leveraging data-driven solutions to achieve measurable results.
Overview
31
31
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Director of Logistics
Global Agri Trade Corp
08.2017 - Current
- Logistics Leadership: Directed North American logistics operations to ensure timely order fulfillment, achieving $5.5 million in cost savings through process optimization and efficiency improvements.
- Team Development: Mentored and managed a team of 15, fostering skill development and professional growth to build a high-performing supply chain organization.
- Strategic KPI Management: Monitored and analyzed key performance indicators (KPIs) to ensure the alignment of supply chain operations with business objectives, delivering measurable results.
- Vendor Management: Negotiated multi-year agreements with strategic suppliers, securing priority access during global supply shortages and strengthening supply chain continuity.
- Optimized warehousing contracts, achieving a 15% reduction in storage costs while maintaining service excellence and operational efficiency.
- Led international logistics contingency planning, ensuring uninterrupted operations during major port disruptions and labor strikes through proactive risk mitigation strategies.
- Process Innovation: Pioneered streamlined logistics processes, implementing creative solutions to address complex supply chain challenges while ensuring consistent, on-time fulfillment across North America.
- Strategic Vision: Shaped and executed long-term logistics strategies, anticipating industry trends and positioning the organization for sustained growth and adaptability.
- Market and Data Analysis: Utilized market insights and operational data to drive informed strategic decisions, ensuring supply chain strategies remain agile and effective.
- Organizational Growth: Led forward-thinking supply chain initiatives that supported organizational expansion and delivered value across the logistics network.
Logistics Manager
Natuoil Services
01.2017 - 08.2017
- RFQ Management: Negotiated Ocean freight rates with carriers and forwarders, optimizing cost efficiency.
- Rate Negotiations: Increased profitability by securing competitive third-party rates and services.
- ISO Tank Project: Successfully led and executed the ISO Tank Project.
- Inventory Supervision: Managed annual and monthly inventory processes for owned and third-party warehouses.
- Investigated inaccuracies and implemented corrective actions to improve inventory accuracy.
- SOP Implementation: Developed and implemented standard operating procedures (SOPs) for inventory control, improving efficiency and consistency.
- Process Optimization: Maintained accurate records and streamlined processes for shipping, receiving, purchase orders, contracts, and inventory management.
- Quality Assurance: Ensured compliance with HACCP, SOPs, GMPs, and safety standards. Coordinated with suppliers and customers for non-GMO and organic program requirements.
- Transportation Compliance: Oversaw transportation documentation to meet regulatory and identity preservation standards, including CTPAT compliance.
- Coordinated transportation processes to align with supplier and customer requirements.
- ERP Implementation: Contributed to the successful implementation of an ERP system, enhancing logistics operations and inventory.
- Operational Efficiency: Optimized logistics operations through effective RFQ management and ISO tank project leadership.
- Streamlined inventory processes, boosting accuracy and efficiency in record-keeping.
- Compliance Focus: Maintained high standards in HACCP, GMPs, and CTPAT documentation while ensuring transportation regulations were met.
Ocean Import Supervisor
DB Schenker
01.2000 - 12.2016
- Operational Leadership: Managed TPOCC operations, leading a 16-person team to optimize ocean freight operations across North America, centralizing file handling for all trade lanes to enhance efficiency and service quality.
- Cost Optimization: Negotiated logistics contracts, achieving cost savings while maintaining high service standards.
- Process Improvement: Spearheaded supply chain and logistics projects to streamline operations, implement cost-effective solutions, and achieve measurable productivity gains.
- Continuous Improvement: Drove initiatives focused on reducing costs and enhancing productivity, resulting in significant performance improvements in logistics operations.
- Collaboration and Problem-Solving: Fostered strong relationships with customers, suppliers, and internal teams, effectively resolving issues and enhance the company’s reputation in the logistics industry.
- Trade Compliance Expertise: Enforced rigorous trade compliance standards, serving as the primary point of contact for regulatory matters and interdepartmental best practices.
- Team Development: Enhanced team efficiency and collaboration through effective leadership, training, and resource allocation.
- Centralized Operations: Improved processing speed and accuracy by centralizing ocean file management for seamless operational handling across multiple trade lanes.
- Client Relationship Management: Developed and maintained professional relationships that boosted client satisfaction and elevated the company’s industry reputation.
Licensed Customs Broker
Pacific Customs Broker
04.1994 - 12.2006
- Customs Compliance and Brokerage: Ensure all customs documentation and processes comply with the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and other regulatory requirements.
- Classified goods accurately using the Harmonized System (HS) and ensured proper tariff treatments and duty calculations.
- Prepare and submit import/export declarations and required permits.
- Regulatory Expertise: Stay up to date with Canadian and international trade laws, regulations, and Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) to provide accurate compliance advice.
- Liaised with government agencies to facilitate smooth import processes.
- Advise clients on customs duties, taxes, valuation, and admissibility of goods, ensuring compliance with applicable laws.
- Client Support and Relationship Management: Provide exceptional service to clients by addressing inquiries, resolving disputes, and offering customized solutions for complex customs issues.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, government agencies, and other stakeholders to facilitate seamless customs processes.
- Problem Resolution: Investigate and resolve issues related to shipments, delays, rejections, or non-compliance.
- Act as a liaison between clients and CBSA to address and resolve customs-related disputes.
- Training and Mentorship: Train and mentor junior staff on customs regulations, classification, and best practices.
- Ensure team adherence to customs procedures and corporate policies.
- Supply Chain Coordination: Collaborate with supply chain teams to ensure accurate shipment documentation and timely customs clearance.
- Work with logistics partners to resolve challenges and optimize the movement of goods across borders.
- Risk Management: Monitor and mitigate risks associated with customs compliance, including penalties, delays, and additional costs.
- Implement and enforce policies to manage trade compliance risks effectively.
Education
International Trade & Transportation Logistics Certificate -
BCIT
Burnaby01.2012
CCS - Certified Customs Specialist
Canadian Society of Customs Broker
Vancouver, BC01.2003
Business Education Associate Certificate -
Vancouver Community College
Online01.1996
P. Log - Professional Certification in Supply Chain Logistics
Online
Toronto, ONSkills
- Global supply chain strategy
- KPI analysis
- Customs and regulatory compliance
- Logistics management
- Warehousing and distribution
- Cost control strategies
- Margin enhancement
- Risk management
- Inbound and outbound operations
- Change management practices
- Operational agility
- Strategic planning
- Data-driven decision making
- Conflict resolution skills
- Executive communication
- Process optimization techniques
- Continuous improvement methodologies
- Team leadership development
- Talent management
- Contract negotiation skills
- Vendor and supplier management
- Carrier relationship management
- Reverse logistics solutions
- Sustainability initiatives
Certification
- Management 101 & Crucial Conversations
- Bullet Proof Manager - Crestcom
- Six Sigma Green Belt Training and Certification
Accomplishments
- Enhanced operational efficiency by 30% through strategic process improvements and workflow optimization.
- Successfully managed high-profile global accounts, ensuring exceptional service delivery and client satisfaction.
- Negotiated cost reductions that saved customers over $1.5 million in accessorial charges.
- Boosted company profitability by 30% through the successful upselling of value-added services.
- Achieved 20% cost savings in transportation and warehousing by negotiating with vendors.
- Delivered tailored solution-selling strategies, fostering account loyalty and driving repeat business.
- Led the successful onboarding of a global operating software in North America, training over 1,000 staff.
Timeline
Director of Logistics
Global Agri Trade Corp
08.2017 - Current
Logistics Manager
Natuoil Services
01.2017 - 08.2017
Ocean Import Supervisor
DB Schenker
01.2000 - 12.2016
Licensed Customs Broker
Pacific Customs Broker
04.1994 - 12.2006
International Trade & Transportation Logistics Certificate -
BCIT
CCS - Certified Customs Specialist
Canadian Society of Customs Broker
Business Education Associate Certificate -
Vancouver Community College
P. Log - Professional Certification in Supply Chain Logistics
Online
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