Michel Edwards
Co-Founder/CEO
Operations Manager and United States Army Veteran leveraging 20+ years of proven experience in Organizational development, operations management, forecast planning, and logistics.
Adept at leading diverse teams of 180+ in a dynamic, fast-paced environment. Possess a comprehensive background in strategic planning, process improvement, and resource management derived from conducting domestic and global operations.
Managed equipment, assets, and programs valued at $49M while managing risk, quality assurance, and compliance. Inactive Top-Security Clearance.
Industry Experience
Amazon | Carteret, NJ
Area Manager | 01/2020 – 09/2020- Supervised and trained a team of 50 associates; improved productivity by 5% through targeted coaching and performance management; developed and maintained staffing schedules, ensuring optimal coverage.
- Accountable for the daily operations of inbound and stow stations; actively engaged with the site and regional operations leadership to implement new operational improvements and new services.
- Monitored key performance indicators (KPIs) such as safety, quality, and productivity, consistently exceeding targets and contributing to an improvement in customer satisfaction scores.
- Reviewed and updated standard operating procedures as required; participated in Lean/Kaizen, Black Belt, and other operational excellence initiatives to increase capabilities.
- Supported Amazon operations leadership team in daily operations management of the delivery station, indirect labor support, leading meetings, and communicating with internal support agencies.
- Accountable for sustaining 40 operational stations during Covid-19 and ensured all metrics and goals were met for the team and ensured 100% compliance with all safety mitigation efforts.
- Ensured 100% compliance with all policies and procedures; maintained a high standard of quality and operational excellence for the team.
United States Army | Various Locations
10/1991 – 08/2018Strategic Plans Officer
- Directed the management of programs, processes, and initiatives for the organization to ensure timely and effective implementation; increased capabilities by 20% for the organization.
- Managed personnel actions and initiatives in support of the Army Training and Doctrine (TRADOC) contributions to Army programs; action officer for periodic updates to designated regulatory publications.
- Assisted management to achieve 100% compliance with the implementation of the new performance and evaluation system; informed managers of the changes to ensure a smooth transition and maintain operational capabilities.
- Staff coordinator for event management, accountable for logistics and 200 patrons for AUSA annual meetings, Global Force Symposium, and Exposition.
- Managed preparation and submission of presentations to higher headquarters for 2 annual symposiums, establishing timelines for organizational preparedness.
- Led periodic re-writes and updates of TRADOC regulations, managing staffing and outlining duties for personnel and subordinate organizations.
- Established process timelines, collecting, reviewing, and organizing subordinates' contributions for regulatory updates, serving as the initial adjudication lens.
- Ensured submitted comments were consistent with Army and Department of Defense regulations.
Deputy Cell Chief | Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear (CBRN); Cell Staff Officer
- Advised personnel on CBRN weapon mitigation, agents, and materials.
- Responsibility for Headquarters CBRN Cell and control centers/zones during global operations.
- Conducted risk assessments and vulnerability analyses, identifying potential CBRN threats and recommending mitigation strategies to reduce risk by 30% for the team and organization.
- Led the CBRN team through multiple key NATO exercises, preparing and leading CBRN exercises, discussing concerns with management to evoke radical changes in training focus.
- Oversaw response planning and meticulous planning/execution of a NATO Warning and Reporting certification exercise for the NATO Response Force.
- Advised senior management and branch leads on CBRN operations, conducting operational planning for all short and long-term CBRN related operations.
- Provided advice and feedback, allowing the CBRN Cell to grow as a team and operate independently, increasing capabilities by 25%.
Operations Manager
- Managed training, readiness, and employment of 5 subordinate organizations totaling 600 subject matter experts, capable of short-term worldwide deployment with 100% compliance and accountability.
- Accountable for mitigating CBRNE weapon effects through detection, monitoring, packaging, transport, rendering safe, remediation, and decontaminating operations in support of national security.
- Improved 10 operating systems with at least a 15% efficiency increase in each area, ensuring self-sustaining and not personality-driven operations.
- Accountable for over $2M in equipment and vehicles with no discrepancies.
- Established and implemented a system for processing weekly training schedules, ensuring prerequisites were met.
- Planned and prepared global deployment of personnel and equipment, establishing a footprint and ensuring completion of operations for critical joint forced exercises.
- Accountable for all current and future organization operations, including planning, training, and execution of CBRNE technical escort and conventional support missions (domestic and international).
- Conducted after-action reviews and developed lessons learned documents for continuous improvements in operational tactics and strategies.
Expertise
Educational Background
Master of Science, Environmental Management
Webster University | 2006
Bachelor of Science, Industrial and Management Systems Engineering
West Virginia University | 2001
Role at Bluu Kazi
As Vice President of Business Development, I play a pivotal role in driving Bluu Kazi's growth by scaling existing offerings, developing new business ventures, and forging strategic partnerships. My focus is on aligning our innovative workforce solutions with market demands, particularly in workforce development for military personnel and law enforcement, while expanding our reach across industries and geographies.
I lead efforts to align innovative workforce solutions with market demands, collaborating with cross-functional teams and leveraging my extensive leadership experience, proven track record in business/organizational development, and familiarity with military/law enforcement sectors. I consistently seek opportunities to make a meaningful impact on individuals and organizations worldwide.
Achievements and Recognitions
- The Bronze Star Medal (x2)
- Defense Meritorious Service Medal
- The Meritorious Service Medal (x2)
- Army Commendation Medal (x3)
- Meritorious Unit Citation Award
Personal Mantra
- There is no time like today, let your impact and influence be felt now!
- I can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens.
Beyond Work
- Avid sports fan
- I enjoy traveling, food, history, and engaging with different cultures
- I love cooking, table tennis, billiards, a serene ocean view
- Spending time with family