SAMUEL L. PALMER
Fountain Inn
Summary
Results-oriented operations and supply chain leader with expertise in distribution, manufacturing, materials management, and automated logistics. Drives efficiency and safety performance while leading teams through complex challenges. Skilled in SAP and Lean Manufacturing, with a track record in cost reduction and process optimization.
Overview
36
36
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Operations Manager
Walmart Automation
Welford
04.2025 - Current
- Lead execution of operational plans to achieve production, quality, and safety goals.
- Implement data‑driven process improvements to optimize throughput and resource allocation.
- Coordinated team efforts to streamline inventory management, improving stock accuracy and reducing discrepancies.
- Forecast staffing and workload needs to maintain service levels and operational readiness.
- Ensure compliance with company policies, safety standards, and logistics procedures.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to enhance service delivery and customer satisfaction.
- Coach and develop associates and frontline leaders, support hiring, promotion, and performance management.
- Strengthened communication with customers, suppliers, and internal partners to resolve issues and improve alignment.
- Built inclusive, high-performing teams, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and innovation.
Distribution Center Operations Manager
Covidien → Medtronic → Cardinal Health
Greenwood
01.2014 - 02.2025
- Led 6 Supervisors, 4 Coordinators, and 96 hourly associates, ensuring safe and efficient material flow.
- Managed budgets, cost-saving initiatives, safety programs, cycle counts, and vendor negotiations to optimize operational efficiency.
- Reported facility-wide service KPIs and led continuous improvement initiatives to enhance service quality.
- Directed shipping, receiving, warehousing, inventory control, and recycling operations for a large distribution center.
- Coordinated logistics with corporate teams to meet customer service requirements.
- Led and participated in process improvement teams; conducted internal and external audits for quality and safety.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to streamline supply chain processes.
- Created training materials to streamline onboarding process for new distribution center employees.
Materials Manager
Covidien
Greenwood
01.2006 - 01.2014
- Oversaw planning, purchasing, receiving, warehousing, inventory control, and recycling for a $240M plant.
- Managed $160M in raw materials and $6M in MRO spend.
- Balanced priorities of marketing, production, finance to ensure material availability and control costs.
- Conducted supplier business reviews, negotiated contracts to enhance compliance and supplier performance.
- Implemented quality control measures for incoming supplies.
- Updated pricing and resolved invoicing issues while conducting supplier quality audits to maintain standards.
- Provided weekly forecasts and MRP messages to planners and suppliers.
Production Superintendent
Covidien
Greenwood
01.2004 - 01.2006
- Led start‑up of the Ancillary Department, managing 3 Supervisors, a Process Specialist, a Coordinator, and 75 associates.
- Managed production financials, staffing, and professional development to support operational goals.
- Implemented process improvements through Lean and Six Sigma methodologies, increasing operational efficiency.
- Formulated strategies to meet cost-reduction and variance targets, enhancing budget adherence.
- Ensured compliance with GMP, safety regulations, and HR policies.
Receiving Supervisor
Covidien
Greenwood
01.2003 - 01.2004
- Supervised 3 leads and 38 material handlers across 3 shifts to ensure efficient operations.
- Managed timekeeping, scheduling, and approval processes for overtime and vacations to maintain workforce productivity.
- Ensured training compliance with World Class Warehousing, GMP, and QA standards.
- Investigated cycle count discrepancies and coordinated raw material flow with production teams to support seamless production schedules.
- Managed equipment work orders and departmental operating budgets.
Production Planner
Covidien
Greenwood
01.2001 - 01.2003
- Managed backorders and optimized raw material inventory process to meet production targets.
- Collaborated with Manufacturing and Engineering to align project timelines and ensure raw material availability.
- Developed production schedules for Under Pad Department to streamline workflow.
Manufacturing / Production Supervisor
Covidien
Greenwood
01.1999 - 01.2001
- Led 5 mechanics, 20 machine operators, and 24 associates to meet daily production goals.
- Ensured compliance with workmanship standards and quality requirements to uphold production integrity.
- Oversaw shop floor control, safety protocols, material flow, and cleanliness to enhance operational effectiveness.
- Developed shift schedules, capacity plans, work instructions, and performance metrics.
- Facilitated performance reviews, audits, and corrective actions to elevate quality and productivity.
Area Manager
Filtrona Greensboro
Greensboro
01.1994 - 01.1999
- Coordinated operations for 6 team leaders and 40 machine operators, ensuring smooth workflow and effective communication.
- Led project for Capri filter launch, overseeing implementation and ensuring alignment with operational goals.
- Scheduled machinery and managed order changes to streamline production processes.
- Prepared new equipment operators for successful performance on base rod lines through hands-on training.
- Developed procedures supporting ISO9000 certification.
Quality Assurance Analyst
American Express Distribution Center
Greensboro
01.1990 - 01.1993
- Conducted quality inspections on inbound and outbound shipments to ensure compliance with standards.
- Acted as liaison to New York QA teams, delivering weekly reports to support decision-making.
- Coordinated shipping and receiving operations to optimize workflow efficiency.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Industrial Technology
North Carolina A&T State University
Greensboro, NCSkills
- Supply chain optimization
- Operations Leadership
- Lean Manufacturing
- Six Sigma
- Warehouse Management
- Inventory Management
- Forecasting
- Supplier Negotiation
- Contract Negotiation
- Budget Management
- Expense Management
- Process Improvement
- Quality
- Cross-functional collaboration
- Team Development
- PeopleSoft
- Process Improvement
Certification
- Lean Manufacturing Certified
- Six Sigma Green Belt
- APICS CPIM Training
- Operations Leadership Training
Timeline
Operations Manager
Walmart Automation
04.2025 - Current
Distribution Center Operations Manager
Covidien → Medtronic → Cardinal Health
01.2014 - 02.2025
Materials Manager
Covidien
01.2006 - 01.2014
Production Superintendent
Covidien
01.2004 - 01.2006
Receiving Supervisor
Covidien
01.2003 - 01.2004
Production Planner
Covidien
01.2001 - 01.2003
Manufacturing / Production Supervisor
Covidien
01.1999 - 01.2001
Area Manager
Filtrona Greensboro
01.1994 - 01.1999
Quality Assurance Analyst
American Express Distribution Center
01.1990 - 01.1993
Bachelor of Science - Industrial Technology
North Carolina A&T State University