Lester Goodwin Jr.

Senior operations, supply chain, and business transformation leader with 15+ years of progressive leadership experience across Fortune 500, military, and entrepreneurial environments. Executive MBA credential and Lean Six Sigma Black Belt expertise, complemented by a demonstrated record of leading complex, large-scale operations, optimizing P&L performance, managing multimillion-dollar assets, developing high-performing teams, ensuring regulatory compliance, and advancing enterprise-wide transformation initiatives. Proven ability to translate strategic priorities into disciplined execution, strengthen operational governance and accountability, and deliver measurable improvements in cost, quality, readiness, productivity, and service performance through data-driven decision-making, process optimization, and continuous improvement.

Operations Manager - Goodwin Elite Logistics LLC - Humble, TX

(2022-02)

• Direct end-to-end business operations and P&L performance, integrating transportation execution, pricing, asset utilization, regulatory compliance, workforce performance, and customer service.
• Generate $250K–$500K+ in annual revenue while maintaining approximately 18%–30% operating margins through disciplined cost management, capacity planning, and revenue optimization.
• Optimize load planning, fuel and maintenance expenditures, asset utilization, and revenue performance to strengthen profitability and operating efficiency.
• Maintain 100% compliance across FMCSA, DOT, and regulatory audits through disciplined governance, documentation, safety controls, and operating standards.
• Use KPIs and financial analysis to identify business risks, capability gaps, and improvement opportunities while developing onboarding, training, and coaching programs that strengthen execution.

Logistics Area Manager - Walmart - Baytown, TX

(2020-01 - 2022-08)

• Led large-scale logistics and distribution operations in a Fortune 500 environment, aligning cross-functional teams with productivity, service, quality, safety, and operational objectives.
• Translated business priorities into frontline execution strategies by aligning workforce capacity, resources, performance expectations, and operational requirements.
• Evaluated KPIs and readiness indicators and delivered actionable recommendations to senior leadership addressing productivity, service, and execution gaps.
• Identified systemic workflow constraints and implemented scalable process improvements that strengthened throughput, consistency, and workforce effectiveness.
• Championed standardized operating processes and coached frontline leaders and associates to reinforce accountability, safety, continuous improvement, and customer service.

Logistics Area Manager - Walmart - Fort Pierce, FL

(2018-06 - 2020-01)

• Directed high-volume logistics operations and workforce execution supporting enterprise supply-chain objectives and consistent service delivery.
• Partnered with senior leaders to convert strategic priorities into operating plans, workforce requirements, and measurable performance objectives.
• Led continuous-improvement initiatives that strengthened productivity, operational efficiency, and process consistency.
• Analyzed performance trends and root causes to implement corrective actions and standardize workflows for improved scalability and execution discipline.

Logistics Readiness Manager - U.S. Air Force - Bossier City, LA

(2016-07 - 2017-08)

• Increased operational readiness from 70% to 90% while generating $1.5M+ in quarterly cost efficiencies through process improvement, resource optimization, and disciplined performance management.
• Directed complex logistics, supply-chain, inventory, and production operations while integrating workforce, equipment, supply, and readiness requirements.
• Led enterprise improvement initiatives to increase quality, throughput, reliability, and mission effectiveness; advised senior leaders on performance, resource needs, risks, and corrective actions.

Program Analyst - U.S. Air Force - Germany

(2014-07 - 2016-07)

• Led enterprise Lean transformation initiatives that reduced processing cycle times by 50%, improving responsiveness, productivity, and organizational efficiency.
• Managed $8.9M in operational assets while improving tracking accuracy, accountability, and readiness visibility.
• Designed and implemented large-scale training programs for 300+ personnel, strengthening workforce capability and reducing operational backlog by 30%.
• Analyzed workflows, operational data, and performance trends to support strategic planning, resource allocation, and executive decision-making.

Process Improvement Manager - U.S. Air Force - Germany

(2011-10 - 2014-07)

• Spearheaded Lean Six Sigma and continuous-improvement initiatives across complex operations, increasing system reliability to 98%.
• Led root-cause analysis, process redesign, workflow optimization, and standardization efforts to eliminate inefficiencies and strengthen performance.
• Generated recurring cost efficiencies through waste elimination and resource optimization while building standardized training frameworks that improved workforce capability and execution consistency.

Operations Manager - U.S. Air Force - Germany

(2009-08 - 2011-10)

• Directed operations involving $121M in mission-critical assets, ensuring readiness, resource accountability, risk management, and execution against global requirements.
• Led strategic and operational planning across personnel, equipment, resources, readiness requirements, and organizational priorities.
• Advised senior leaders on readiness, resource requirements, operational risks, and performance-improvement opportunities while developing high-performing teams in high-accountability environments.

Executive Master of Business Administration (EMBA) - Texas A&M University (2024)

Bachelor of Science - Management Studies - University of Maryland Global Campus (2016)

Associate Degree - Instructor of Technology - Community College of the Air Force (2006)