Robert Carter has over 14 years of supply chain experience, including 9 years in e-commerce fulfillment leadership roles. He has a track record of driving results through process improvements and people development. Currently he is a General Manager at Williams-Sonoma where he has achieved millions in cost savings and increased sales and efficiency.

1. Robert Carter
8430 Royal Commons Cove 901-734-4792
Cordova, TN 38016 rhcarter40@hotmail.com
Summary
Supply chain executive with 14 years of cross-functional experience driving results in diverse business
environments. 9 years of experience in E-Commerce/Direct-to-Customer fulfillment. Hands-on leader who focuses
on building teams and achieving results through employee commitment and continuous improvement. Strong focus
on developing leaders around me and fostering the professional growth of my team.
Professional Experience
Williams-Sonoma Inc. 2006 – present
General Manager April 2014 – present
Drive the optimization of the company’s customer returns program, with a focus on reducing controllable returns
and maximizing financial recovery of returned merchandise. Lead the Operations Support group for the distribution
network’s Central Region, encompassing quality assurance, returns processing, customer order management, and
returns analytics.
• Achieved $2.9M in cost avoidance annually by driving operational improvements and policy changes that
increased the back-to-stock rate for returned merchandise by 11%.
• Increased company sales by $1.5M by creating new revenue streams for reduced-quality returns merchandise.
• Reduced packaging rework costs by 21% by re-energizing vendor debits for non-compliance and converting the
rework departments to a piece-rate business model to drive efficiency.
• Introduced returns reduction strategies within our Merchandising and Sourcing organizations. Participating
brands have achieved an average 12% reduction in returns.
• Developed a package of policy changes and improvements to the reverse logistics network to reduce customer
wait time for returns credits-to-account by 80%.
Assistant General Manager July 2012 – April 2014
Accountable for the success of inbound and outbound operations for an 800k sq. ft. e-commerce fulfillment center
shipping an average of 20k orders per day. Led and developed 8-10 Operations Managers and 300 associates to
exceed expectations in safety, customer service, quality, and cost.
• Led an operations team that planned and executed record outbound volumes during the holiday season in 2012
and 2013. Achieved record on-time customer service rates during Christmas 2013.
• Exceeded annual budget goals by 4%.
• Developed network-wide training programs for two new leader development initiatives within the supply chain
division. Personally mentored five junior managers for promotion within the organization.
• Project leader for the transition of E-Commerce inventory from our Memphis, TN facilities to our fulfillment
centers in Olive Branch, MS. Developed new inventory analytics and coordinated with inventory managers at
both sites to successfully move 8k+ SKUs in our Pottery Barn Teen and Williams-Sonoma brands with minimal
disruption to customer service.

2. Operations Manager Aug 2006 – July 2012
Led departments of 20-60 associates in an 800k sq. ft. e-commerce fulfillment center. Held positions in Inbound,
Outbound and Inventory Control.
• Increased inbound productivity by 30% in 18 months.
• Reduced the rate of cancelled customer orders by 63% by aggressively managing inventory levels of high-risk
items.
• In a 24 month span, reduced net inventory loss by 91%. Developed an operational audit process which reduced
handling errors by 42%.
Target Corporation 2003 –2006
Operations Group Leader July 2005 - Aug 2006
Led, trained, and managed the performance of a 30-person Receiving department in a 1.4M sq. ft. retail distribution
facility.
• Reduced annual labor spend by $270K by streamlining the flow of merchandise through the department.
• Consistently achieved performance levels in the top 5% of receiving departments in the company.
Facility Operations Group Leader Nov 2003 – July 2005
Responsible for facilities management of a 1.4M sq ft retail distribution center. Managed the preventive
maintenance and repair of material handling systems, power equipment, environmental systems, and real property
valued at over $40M.
• Led elements of new DC construction and start-up related to installation of material handling systems and
pick/pack stations, vendor and service provider contracts, and staffing.
• As the project leader for our material handling systems, maintained a 99% system uptime rate while coming in
20% under budget for 18 months by gaining our staff’s commitment to quality and inventory accountability.
U.S. Army 1997 – 2003
Battalion Logistics Officer Aug 2001 – Oct 2003
Responsible for planning and coordinating all logistical support for a 600-person military unit, to include
transportation assets, medical support, facilities management, food service, construction resources, and procurement.
Manage an annual operating budget of $2.2M.
• Led a diverse cross-functional contracting effort to restore electricity, water, medical care, and other essential
functions to five municipal districts in Baghdad.
• Increased equipment utilization by 15% through process improvements and training upgrades.
• Reduced vehicle repair part stock to < 5% of previous levels by introducing a just-in-time inventory strategy.
Education
MS, Organizational Management Baker University 2006
BA, History Iowa State University 1997