Blake Clifford, Sr.

Provide hands-on leadership, consulting, and implementation support to client organizations across Logistics, Warehousing, Distribution Center Operations, Procurement, Inventory Management, SIOP, and Operational Excellence initiatives. Partner directly with frontline employees, supervisors, managers, and executives to assess current-state operations, identify improvement opportunities, and develop practical solutions that enhance service, inventory accuracy, productivity, and operational performance.

Lead cross-functional transformation efforts involving process redesign, inventory optimization, materials management, warehouse operations, procurement processes, leader standard work, KPI development, and change management. Facilitate workshops, training programs, and coaching sessions to build organizational capability and ensure sustainable adoption of new processes and operating disciplines. Work alongside client teams to implement best practices, improve execution, strengthen operational controls, and drive measurable business results while aligning operations with strategic objectives and industry-leading standards.

Current: 

DPM Metals, Vareš, Bosnia and Herzegovina | February 2026 - October 2026

• Lead supply chain transformation initiatives across warehouse operations, procurement, inventory management, materials planning, and critical spares management for a large-scale mining operation.
• Partner with executives, managers, supervisors, and frontline teams to improve operational performance, inventory accuracy, material availability, and process compliance.
• Develop and implement standardized processes, Leader Standard Work, governance systems, KPIs, and management operating routines to drive sustainable results.
• Facilitate cross-functional collaboration among Procurement, Warehouse, Maintenance, Operations, and Finance to support operational readiness and business objectives.
• Design and deliver training, coaching, and change management initiatives to strengthen organizational capability and support process adoption.
• Provide hands-on leadership in warehouse operations, materials management, inventory control, and supply chain best practices to improve execution and reduce operational risk.

Recent Feasibility Studies & Projects: The Mosaic Company, Tesco Controls, Clemens Food Group, Dayton Superior Corp, JB Food Group, Kindeva

Developed and documented current-state operations, pre-conversion site profiles, process gaps, business requirements, and future-state solutions for large-scale Warehouse Management System (WMS) implementations and operational transformation initiatives. Partnered with client leadership and site teams to assess distribution center operations, identify process improvement opportunities, and develop sustainable solutions that enhanced operational efficiency, inventory control, service levels, and system utilization.

Functional Activities:

• Implemented Blue Yonder WMS across multiple distribution centers and customer operations
• Developed and documented current-state assessments, pre-conversion site profiles, process gaps, business requirements, and conversion strategies for WMS implementations
• Facilitated operational assessments, process mapping, solution design, testing, training, and go-live support activities
• Analyzed warehouse and distribution center operations and provided recommendations to improve productivity, inventory accuracy, process flow, labor utilization, and customer service
• Collaborated with cross-functional client teams, IT organizations, and implementation partners to ensure successful project execution and adoption

Projects

• Large-scale, multi-phase, multi-site Distribution Center conversion to Blue Yonder WMS (United States)
• Post-Implementation Systems & Operations Health Check for Multi-Site Blue Yonder WMS Deployment (United States)
• Distribution Center Start-Up and Blue Yonder WMS Implementation (Chicago, Illinois)
• Multi-Site Distribution Network Exit and Consolidation Initiative (Midwestern United States)
• Large-Scale Multi-Site Product and Customer Integration Program (United States)
• Multi-Site Distribution Center Shutdown and Transition Initiative (Canada)

Key Clients: Cardinal Health • B&G Foods • Reynolds American/British American Tobacco (RJR/BAT) • The J.M. Smucker Company • Stella & Chewy's

Achievements Summarized

• Reduced Operational Costs
• Increased Operational Efficiency, Reliability, and Productivity
• Reduced Non-Productive Time and Operational Variability
• Reduced Waste, Inventory Variance, and Process Defects
• Improved Quality, Service Levels, and Customer Satisfaction
• Reduced Human Error Through Process Standardization and Training

Supported and positively affected Change Management throughout client organizations.

• Developed implementation strategies and operating disciplines to help client teams successfully adapt to changing business requirements, systems, and processes
• Coached, mentored, and trained leaders and frontline team members on operational best practices and continuous improvement methodologies
• Enhanced management effectiveness through process optimization, performance management, and leadership development
• Fostered highly collaborative work environments that encouraged innovation, accountability, and sustainable performance improvement

Evaluated compliance uncovering improvement opportunities and accountability gaps.

• Developed and deployed client-specific operational readiness assessments and site evaluation programs to identify improvement opportunities, operational risks, and accountability gaps
• Assessed compliance with system requirements, operational processes, company policies, regulatory standards, and customer expectations
• Evaluated organizational structures, job responsibilities, and workforce capabilities to ensure alignment with operational requirements
• Identified training needs and development opportunities to support workforce readiness and performance improvement initiatives

Analyzed Operations

• Identified, analyzed, and improved operational processes to increase efficiency, effectiveness, and overall business performance
• Applied an enterprise-wide approach to aligning administration, strategic partnerships, solution development, and operational execution
• Facilitated cross-functional collaboration to improve service delivery, support business growth, and meet current and future customer requirements
• Developed sustainable operational solutions that balanced people, process, technology, and performance objectives

Key Clients: Century 21 • ClearChoice • Enterprise Auto

Led client relationships and operational execution for transportation, warehousing, and distribution operations across four geographic markets:

• Achieved sustained improvements in operational performance, productivity, customer satisfaction, profitability, and business growth across multiple locations and customer accounts
• Directed daily transportation, warehouse, inventory, and customer service operations while ensuring service excellence, operational efficiency, and financial performance
• Led the development, implementation, and successful registration of the organization's ISO Quality Management System
• Developed, standardized, and implemented operational processes, administrative procedures, performance metrics, and management controls to support scalable growth and operational consistency
• Partnered with customers to identify opportunities, solve operational challenges, and deliver customized logistics and supply chain solutions
• Supported business development initiatives through operational solution design, customer presentations, and account growth strategies

Key Clients: Nestlé Waters • Mann+Hummel • Robert Bosch Corporation • Monsanto • Tate & Lyle • USDA • USPS • Motion Industries

Led Chicago market Contract Logistics operations consisting of two multi-client pharmaceutical and food-grade Midwest Regional Distribution Centers totaling more than 600,000 square feet. Directed all aspects of warehousing, transportation, inventory management, customer service, quality, safety, and financial performance while supporting a diverse portfolio of healthcare, food, consumer products, industrial, and retail customers.

Summary

• Established strategic and operational direction for regional distribution center operations, ensuring alignment with customer requirements, company objectives, and financial targets
• Provided executive leadership for day-to-day operations, driving service excellence, operational efficiency, inventory accuracy, quality, safety, and employee engagement
• Represented the Contract Logistics division in cross-functional business planning, customer development, operational strategy, and continuous improvement initiatives
• Led multi-site management teams and developed organizational capability to support growth, operational excellence, and long-term succession planning

Achievements

• Consistently achieved monthly and annual profitability targets through operational improvements, cost control, productivity enhancements, and customer-focused execution
• Strengthened organizational performance by evaluating leadership talent, developing high-potential team members, improving accountability, and building a stronger management bench
• Developed, documented, and implemented programs for leadership development, coaching, succession planning, continuous improvement, safety, quality, sanitation, employee engagement, and performance management
• Improved operational consistency and execution through standardized processes, management operating systems, KPI reporting, and communication programs
• Enhanced customer satisfaction and operational reliability by driving a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and service excellence

Key Clients: Takeda Pharmaceuticals • Omron Healthcare • CVS • BMW • Denso Automotive • Rheem • Merisant • ManRoland • Sun Microsystems • Ingersoll Rand • US Surgical/Tyco Healthcare • California Innovations • Valor Brands

Led operations for three dedicated distribution centers supporting industry-leading customers in retail and consumer packaged goods. Directed all aspects of warehousing, transportation, inventory management, customer service, safety, quality, employee development, and financial performance while leading large management and frontline teams in complex, high-volume distribution environments.

Responsible for the operational readiness and successful startup of new distribution operations, including workforce planning, training validation, equipment deployment, process implementation, facility readiness, and customer onboarding.

The Home Depot – Hillside, Illinois

• Led the operational and financial turnaround of a 90,000-square-foot cross-dock facility supporting more than 200 stores through 230 outbound doors. Managed a team of 12 managers and 175 associates while improving service performance, productivity, operational controls, and financial results.

Hormel Foods – Dayton, Ohio

• Directed a 140,000-square-foot refrigerated and frozen high-bay distribution center supporting the eastern United States. Led a team of 15 managers and 135 associates, ensuring operational excellence, inventory integrity, food safety compliance, customer service, and cost-effective execution.

Kraft Foods – Aurora, Illinois

• Managed a 560,000-square-foot regional distribution center serving the Midwestern United States. Led a team of 13 managers and 140 associates with responsibility for operational performance, inventory management, safety, quality, workforce development, and customer satisfaction.

Key Achievements

• Successfully led large-scale distribution operations ranging from 90,000 to 560,000 square feet across ambient, refrigerated, frozen, and cross-dock environments.
• Improved operational performance, service levels, productivity, and financial results through strong leadership, process discipline, workforce development, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Developed management teams and frontline leaders through coaching, mentoring, succession planning, and performance management programs.
• Established cultures of accountability, safety, operational excellence, and customer focus while consistently delivering on service and financial commitments.

Led second-shift operations for a 1.2 million-square-foot semi-automated regional distribution center supporting a large retail store network. Directed a leadership team of 18 managers and supervisors and a workforce of 300–450 associates responsible for high-volume distribution, inventory management, and customer service operations in a fast-paced, performance-driven environment.

Summary

• Provided operational leadership for all second-shift distribution center functions, ensuring safe, efficient, and accurate execution of warehousing, inventory, and outbound distribution activities
• Managed labor planning, productivity, service performance, inventory accuracy, quality, safety, security, and operational execution across multiple departments and functional areas
• Partnered with senior leadership, transportation, inventory control, maintenance, human resources, and support functions to achieve operational and financial objectives
• Developed managers, supervisors, and frontline associates through coaching, performance management, succession planning, and leadership development initiatives

Areas of Responsibility

• Automatic Cross-Dock • Case-Pack Operations • Receiving • Putaway • Inventory Control • Data Processing • Quality Assurance • Repack Operations • Shipping • Non-Conveyable Operations • Maintenance Coordination • Safety • Security • Workforce Management

Key Achievements

• Led one of the largest shifts within a highly automated regional distribution center, consistently meeting service, productivity, quality, and inventory accuracy targets
• Directed large-scale workforce planning and execution across multiple operational departments, balancing customer service requirements with labor efficiency and cost control
• Improved operational performance through employee engagement, process discipline, accountability, and continuous improvement initiatives
• Developed leadership talent and strengthened organizational capability through coaching, mentoring, and succession planning efforts
• Maintained a strong focus on safety, operational compliance, inventory integrity, and customer service while managing complex, high-volume distribution operations

Serve as adjunct faculty within the Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) program, facilitating graduate-level online learning and supporting doctoral students in the development of leadership, organizational analysis, research, and problem-solving competencies. Guide working professionals from diverse industries through the examination of organizational challenges, transformational leadership practices, and evidence-based approaches to leading change.

Courses Taught

EDU 811: Diagnosing Organizational Dynamics

Facilitate doctoral-level study focused on understanding and diagnosing the internal and external forces that influence organizational effectiveness, culture, leadership, and change. Guide students in analyzing complex organizational systems through case studies, scholarly research, reflective practice, and real-world application.

Support students in evaluating individual, group, and organizational dynamics that drive or inhibit transformation, while developing actionable strategies to improve organizational performance, employee engagement, and leadership effectiveness.

Responsibilities and Contributions

Online Instruction and Facilitation • Doctoral Student Mentoring and Coaching • Discussion Facilitation • Research and Scholarly Writing Support • Leadership Development • Organizational Analysis • Assessment and Feedback • Adult Learning • Curriculum Delivery • Learning Management Systems (LMS) • Transformational Leadership • Organizational Change and Development

Foster engaging, collaborative learning environments that encourage critical thinking, reflective practice, scholarly inquiry, and the practical application of leadership concepts to real-world organizational challenges.

Served as a faculty member within the School of Business, delivering undergraduate and graduate-level instruction through traditional classroom and hybrid learning environments. Taught multiple courses each term while supporting student development in leadership, management, business operations, critical thinking, and professional effectiveness. Combined extensive real-world executive and consulting experience with academic instruction to connect business theory to practical application.

Courses Taught

BPS 340: Role of the Professional in Society

Facilitated the development of professional competencies, ethical decision-making, leadership behaviors, communication skills, and career readiness. Guided students in understanding the responsibilities and expectations of professionals within diverse organizational and societal environments.

MGT 400: Operations Management

Taught principles of operations and supply chain management, including process improvement, capacity planning, quality management, productivity, inventory control, logistics, and continuous improvement. Applied real-world business examples to help students understand the strategic role of operations in organizational success.

MGT 285: Small Business Management

Instructed students on entrepreneurship, business planning, organizational leadership, financial fundamentals, marketing, and business growth strategies. Emphasized practical approaches to launching, managing, and sustaining successful small businesses.

Responsibilities and Contributions

Classroom and Hybrid Instruction • Curriculum Delivery • Student Advising and Mentoring • Leadership Development • Business and Operations Education • Learning Assessment • Course Development • Professional Development • Adult Learning • Academic Coaching • Student Engagement • Applied Business Instruction

Recognized for creating engaging learning environments that connected academic concepts with practical business applications, preparing students for leadership and professional success across a variety of industries.

Transformative Leadership

Strategic Leadership