• Address: Suwanee, GA 30024 (map)
• Date Posted: 10/31/09

LAUREN R. FOREST

4021 McGinnis Ferry Road, #1232 · Suwanee, Georgia 30024

310-749-5854 · laurenforest@hotmail.com



Material Controller, PRODUCTION SUPERVISOR, OPERATIONS MANAGER



Demonstrated self-starter indelibly transforming the internal operations, profitability, and growth of leading international corporations through new expert-level Supply Chain Management, successful project management, and new systems implementations. Forward thinking leader continually motivating staff to progressively support and achieve corporate goals with greater personal and professional accountability while elevating customer service and client satisfaction.

· Keen analyst able to interpret underlying data to effectively map growth strategies, innovate creative solutions to diverse challenges, and measurably slash costs while improving cash flow.

· Deeply experienced in inventory control, production scheduling, and multi-department daily operations management.





Project Management · Production Scheduling · Operations Management · Master Material Data Maintenance

Inventory Control · Procurement · Public & Media Relations · Sales & Profit Analysis · Staff Management

Problem Resolution · Website Development & Maintenance · Software Implementation & User Training





PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE



COSWORTH RACING, LLC, Torrance, California · 2005-2009

Material Controller/Logistics Supervisor

Optimized Supply Chain Management functions and simplified production scheduling and labor utilization while cementing the department’s position companywide by introducing the SAP R/3 ERP system. Managed daily operations of several key departments, including Production & Operation, Procurement, Shipping & Receiving, AR/AP, and Systems Administration. Maintained sufficient inventory levels of both raw materials and finished products, capably meeting final product deadlines in compliance with budget constraints. Spurred sales of aged inventory. Managed material master data, bills of materials, production routes and scheduling, and material costing. Processed product demand and sales records, producing weekly reports and analysis for submission to senior leaders. Reviewed profit margins and forecasted demand.



Operational Achievements:

· Streamlined inventory, yielding higher product turnover and loosening cash flow for allocation to new and emerging product development.

· Led the Project Management department, including budget administration, skillfully overseeing the procurement and fulfillment of contractual requirements for a major U.S. government project. Praised by the U.S. Department of Defense for successful project completion.

· Revised and managed corporate procedures as dictated by ISO 9001 certification requirements.

· Grew profit margins while minimizing Research and Development costs.

· Sought and procured upper level management support to launch new business processes, advancing corporate thinking from a status quo mentality to a results-driven, process improvement-infused approach

· Contributed to the company’s achievement of the 2008 SEMA Global Media Award for its new Mazda MX5 Cosworth Supercharger system.



LEO NORDINE REALTORS, Hermosa Beach, California · 1997-2005

Real Estate Agent/Office Manager

Escalated customer service rates by 99.5% after instituting several internal improvements, including the introduction of a new client tracking database, strengthening communication among the Broker, staff, and clients. Guided buyers and sellers through the purchase and sale of residential and commercial properties. Processed and executed sales contracts and legal documents to ensure timely closings.



Lauren R. Forest · Page 2 · laurenforest@hotmail.com





Real Estate Agent/Office Manager Cont.

Innovated solutions for diverse client challenges. Publicized properties for sale through listings on 8 Multiple Listing Service (MLS) boards and the company website. Executed all projects within required deadlines. Delivered weekly sales data and expense reports to the company Broker. Supervised office personnel. Followed up with clients and other key 3rd party stakeholders after property closings.



Operational Achievements:

· Captured 300+ sales in one year after engineering an aggressive Public Relations and marketing campaign to showcase the availability and viability of foreclosed properties.

· Revamped office operations to heighten staff availability to clients and accountability, elevating property sales closings and boosting customer service satisfaction.





THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, Davis, California · 2003-2004

Academic Advisor

Initiated several new programs between the University and leading graduate schools nationwide. Accelerated student enrollment in the College of Letters and Science by strengthening marketing and undergraduate programs, garnering more funding and scholarship awards for the College and its individual departments. Helped transition new students and faculty members to various aspects of campus life and programs as the chief contact for the International Relations and Political Science departments. Arranged faculty and student discussions, guest conferences, and International Law debates.



Operational Achievements:

· Optimized tracking of student records, class schedules, and performance by launching a database management system.

· Resurrected the International Relations Student Association, additionally developing various programs and arranging events such as visits to local and state offices for a firsthand look at government operations.





CHEVY’S FRESH MEX RESTAURANT, Davis, California · 2002-2003 Marketing & Financial Analyst

Customized incentive plans for each restaurant, skyrocketing sales for individual locations as well as for the northern California region. Introduced a tracking system to simplify financial reporting, granting corporate leaders a concise look at real time data as well as delivering detailed P&L reports for weekly analysis. Documented fundraising projects for local area restaurants.



Operational Achievements:

· Promoted to Public Relations Manager, broadening corporate exposure through radio advertising and community relations initiatives.



EDUCATION

Bachelor of Arts in International Relations and Political Science

Regional Emphasis: Latin America, US/Mexico Border Relations

University of California, Davis, California





PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Six Sigma Black Belt Certification





TECHNICAL SKILLS

Microsoft Office: Access, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Project, Publisher, Word

Adobe Reader/Writer · Apple iWorks & iLife Applications

SAP R/3 ERP Software (Material Master, Production Scheduler, Purchasing, AR/AP, GATE+)

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