Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Websites
Accomplishments
Hobbies
Software
Timeline
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Raul T. Celis

Raul T. Celis

Operations Manager
Altos De Panamá, Residencial Bariloche Casa 19

Summary

Seasoned Operations Manager and talented leader with 12 years of experience applying exceptional planning and problem-solving abilities toward enhancing business plans and day-to-day activities. Results-driven and resilient in developing teams while improving processes and increasing productivity. Bringing solid understanding of industry trends, excellent communication skills, talent for spotting areas in need of improvement and implementing changes with strategic approach.


Overview

16
16
years of professional experience
2
2
Languages

Work History

Operations Manager

Center Source Group
04.2021 - 12.2024
  • Developed and executed plans to ensure KPI´s are met pertaining to sales and customer satisfaction.
  • Analyzed data trends to identify potential bottlenecks in operations workflow, implementing strategies to mitigate risks accordingly.
  • Managed budgets effectively, consistently delivering projects on-time and within financial constraints.
  • Recruited, hired, and trained initial personnel, working to establish key internal functions and outline scope of positions for new organization.
  • Led successful change management initiatives, ensuring seamless transitions during organizational restructuring efforts.
  • Engaged high-level negotiations with clients to ensure best possible rates and ROI
  • Achieved higher employee retention rates by fostering a positive work environment and providing opportunities for professional growth.
  • Conducted regular performance reviews, identifying areas for improvement and developing action plans to address them.
  • Supervised operations staff and kept employees compliant with company policies and procedures.

General Manager / Owner

Restaurante Segundo Piso / I95 American Dining
06.2014 - 12.2020
  • Cultivated strong relationships with clients, vendors, and partners to ensure long-term success and loyalty.
  • Monitored financial performance, set budgets and controlled expenses to provide financial stability and long-term organizational growth.
  • Implemented robust inventory management systems to optimize stock levels and minimize waste/costs associated with excess product storage.
  • Implemented effective cost-saving measures to reduce overhead expenses without compromising quality or service.
  • Drove year-over-year business growth while leading operations, strategic vision, and long-range planning.
  • Negotiated with suppliers to secure better pricing, reducing operational costs while maintaining product quality
  • Managed budget implementations, employee reviews, training, schedules, and contract negotiations.
  • Analyzed market trends/data to identify potential opportunities for business growth.

Claims Service Manager

Bank of America
07.2011 - 04.2014
  • Managed a full staff of claim analysts - which processed ATM, Debit Cards and ACH claims in compliance with the Electronic Fund Transfer Act (EFTA).
  • Led projects related with the upgrade of the department procedure database delivering on time, within budget, and scope objectives, including acquiring resources and coordinating efforts of team members in order to deliver projects according to plan.
  • Analyzed complex claims data to identify trends and areas for improvement in the claims management process.
  • Facilitated regular team meetings to discuss progress, challenges, and opportunities for improvement within the department.
  • Conducted performance evaluations for team members, identifying strengths as well as areas requiring further development or support from leadership staff.
  • Improved claims processing efficiency by implementing streamlined procedures and training team members on best practices.
  • Provided ongoing coaching to team members, enhancing their technical knowledge and interpersonal skills.

Human Resources Specialist

Coca-Cola Enterprises, Inc.
04.2009 - 06.2011
  • Collaborated with the launch of the HeRe! (Human Resources Employee Electronics) initiative for the simplification and automation of HR processes and employee interaction with the HR department
  • Coordinated HR events for the staff including seminars, conferences, trainings, and employee retreats.
  • Conducted routine HR audits to ensure data accuracy in personnel files, payroll records, and benefit enrollments.
  • Streamlined recruitment processes, expediting the hiring of qualified candidates.
  • Provided administrative support for all HR functions, including preparation for meetings, trainings, orientations, etc.
  • Developed and implemented motivational activities for HR new hires
  • Assisted managers in different areas in recruiting qualified individuals for available positions.

Education

Graduate Certificate - Project Management

Quality Leadership University
01.2016 - 12.2016

Bachelor's degree - Marketing

Universidad Latina De Panamá
01.2006 - 12.2007

Master of Business Administration - MBA - Business Administration and Management, General

American InterContinental University
01.2000 - 12.2002

Bachelor's degree - Finance, General

Universidad Católica Santa María La Antigua
01.1996 - 12.2000

Certification - Strategy and Business Analytics

INCAE Business School
06.2021 - 08.2021

Advanced Excel

Centro De Excelencia Profesional
Panama City, Panama
05.2001 -

Skills

  • Team Leadership
  • Efficiency Optimization
  • Analytical Problem-Solving
  • Operations management
  • Performance monitoring
  • Effective Organizational Management
  • Strategic Decision-Making
  • Comprehensive Business Planning
  • Performance Metrics Analysis
  • Quality Assurance Oversight
  • Forecasting and scheduling
  • Sales Process Optimization

Accomplishments

  • 2023: Center Source Top Performer Manager.
  • 2021: Successfully led and executed the opening of Center Source Inc. in Panama.
  • 2014: Led and executed the project of opening I95 American Dining Chitré from concept to completion.

Hobbies

  • Volunteering
  • Sports
  • Traveling

Software

Microsoft 365

Timeline

Certification - Strategy and Business Analytics

INCAE Business School
06.2021 - 08.2021

Operations Manager

Center Source Group
04.2021 - 12.2024

Graduate Certificate - Project Management

Quality Leadership University
01.2016 - 12.2016

General Manager / Owner

Restaurante Segundo Piso / I95 American Dining
06.2014 - 12.2020

Claims Service Manager

Bank of America
07.2011 - 04.2014

Human Resources Specialist

Coca-Cola Enterprises, Inc.
04.2009 - 06.2011

Bachelor's degree - Marketing

Universidad Latina De Panamá
01.2006 - 12.2007

Advanced Excel

Centro De Excelencia Profesional
05.2001 -

Master of Business Administration - MBA - Business Administration and Management, General

American InterContinental University
01.2000 - 12.2002

Bachelor's degree - Finance, General

Universidad Católica Santa María La Antigua
01.1996 - 12.2000
Raul T. CelisOperations Manager