Stephen
Hernandez

Summary

I lead administrative operations, workforce planning, and training programs that drive measurable results. Over 20 years, I've directed teams of up to 21 professionals, managed budgets exceeding $16 million, and reduced staffing gaps by 15% through strategic workforce initiatives. I specialize in process optimization, compliance oversight, and building high-performing teams, delivering outcomes like a 30% increase in professional development participation and a 20% boost in employee promotion rates.

Impact

Experience

1. 2023-Present

   Operations Manager

   Department of the Navy · Great Lakes, IL

   • Coordinated workflow, trained and mentored a team of 21 staff members, ensuring effective scheduling of work priorities and adherence to deadlines. Managed personnel separations and conducted numerous investigations, optimizing workforce availability while aligning tasks with overall organizational workload demands. Developed and revised strategic initiatives that enhanced team productivity and accountability within the unit.
   • Analyzed unit compliance with equal opportunity policies as the Equal Opportunity Manager. Delivered orientation briefs and developed procedures that improved understanding of compliance requirements, reflecting a strong capacity for evaluating contracting needs and recommending effective policy updates. Actively engaged program officials to provide critical guidance on procurement objectives related to equal opportunity initiatives.
   • Led personnel development initiatives by coordinating training sessions and providing staff guidance on administrative and legal matters, reinforcing the priority of workforce preparation and professional growth. Co-led mentorship programs for newly promoted individuals, fostering an environment where strategic planning contributes to overall departmental goals in skill enhancement. This hands-on leadership approach ensured the alignment of team capabilities with larger organizational objectives.
   • Coordinated insider threat initiatives, demonstrating thorough analytical and problem-solving skills in managing and enhancing workplace security. This initiative not only mitigated risks but also contributed to the development and recommendation of standardized security procedures across the unit. Worked collaboratively to provide reporting and oversight, ensuring compliance with internal security policies while meeting the expectations of program officials.

2. 2020-2023

   Workforce Development Coordinator

   Department of the Navy · Oak Harbor, WA

   • Directed a team of senior professionals across multiple locations, effectively managing workforce planning initiatives that led to a significant 15% reduction in staffing gaps across various departments. This involved developing and revising tactical plans that aligned personnel needs with operational requirements while ensuring optimal productivity. Enhanced cohesion among team members contributed to improved workflow and process efficiencies.
   • Oversaw procurement processes, managing budgets exceeding $1 million efficiently by ensuring timely billing for purchasing activities and adherence to organizational policies. This position also included advising program officials on procurement objectives and assisting in the preparation of procurement documents, facilitating a smoother procurement planning process. Collaborated with stakeholders to align procurement strategies with departmental goals, thereby enhancing contract effectiveness.
   • Facilitated educational programs that successfully resulted in a 30% increase in employee participation in professional development courses, thereby enhancing the skill set of the workforce. This initiative was aligned with organizational objectives to promote continuous learning and leadership development, supporting the development of future leaders within the organization. Provided resources and guidance that contributed to employee growth and readiness for advancement opportunities.
   • Managed workforce initiatives that focused on enhancing operational effectiveness, leading to a remarkable 20% increase in employee promotion rates. Conducted thorough evaluations of existing programs and employee development resources, making data-driven recommendations for improvement. The emphasis on career guidance fostered a culture of internal mobility, helping individuals align their career trajectories with organizational needs.

3. 2017-2020

   Training and Development Coordinator

   Department of the Navy · Chicago, IL

   • Directed a team of senior professionals across multiple locations, effectively planning negotiation strategies to enhance operational effectiveness and ensure optimal resource utilization. This coordination not only improved team cohesion but also enabled the team to align negotiations to meet organizational goals. The focus on strategic negotiation practices contributed to favorable contracts and terms benefitting the agency.
   • Managed workforce planning initiatives that achieved a notable 15% reduction in staffing gaps across various departments, allowing for improved efficiency in daily operations. By closely analyzing workforce availability and productivity metrics, developed and revised tactical plans that directly addressed staffing challenges. These efforts ensured timely completion of projects and enhanced overall departmental performance.
   • Oversaw procurement processes, managing budgets exceeding $1 million while ensuring timely billing for purchasing activities. This included acting as a contract advisor to program officials, providing expert guidance on procurement objectives and assisting in the preparation of statements of work. The structured oversight of financial resources led to improved compliance with contracting policies and procedures.
   • Facilitated educational programs which resulted in a 30% increase in employee participation in professional development courses, enhancing workforce skills and capabilities. This initiative was aligned with the organization’s commitment to career development and leadership training, which ultimately led to a 20% increase in employee promotion rates. By providing career guidance and essential resources, cultivated a culture of continuous learning and advancement within the organization.

4. 2013-2017

   Operations Coordinator

   Department of the Navy · Virginia Beach, VA

   • Managed departmental operations that resulted in a notable 20% increase in overall productivity, demonstrating a keen ability to analyze workflow and resource allocation. This involved setting clear work priorities and deadlines to optimize workload distribution among team members. The strategic use of productivity analysis enabled the team to meet operational goals effectively.
   • Developed and led innovative fitness programs which achieved a 30% increase in participant engagement over six months. This initiative required defining technical work requirements and revising tactical plans to address the evolving needs of the department. The enhancement of program participation directly contributed to improved morale and team dynamics, aligning with overall departmental objectives.
   • Facilitated legal documentation processes, ensuring a 100% compliance rate with organizational guidelines and best practices. This meticulous approach involved analyzing documentation methods and recommending policies and procedures to ensure adherence to regulatory standards. By maintaining thorough oversight, enhanced the integrity of contracting activities within the organization.
   • Led, trained, and managed a team of 10 members, fostering a collaborative environment that improved team morale by 25%. This involved acting in a supervisory capacity, overseeing staff training, and ensuring effective communication among team members. Through strategic management and leadership, the team was well-prepared to meet departmental goals and expectations, enhancing overall performance and efficiency.

5. 2010-2013

   Travel and Expense Coordinator

   Department of the Navy · Fairfield, CA

   • Coordinated employee training and transitions, significantly improving onboarding efficiency by 30%. This involved establishing clear work priorities and deadlines to facilitate a streamlined integration of new personnel across the organization. By analyzing workforce availability and training needs, ensured that the onboarding process aligned with operational goals, contributing to a more effective and engaged workforce.
   • Managed personnel records during transitions, gains, and separations, ensuring 100% compliance with regulatory standards. This task necessitated a comprehensive understanding of technical work requirements related to personnel management and a meticulous approach to data organization. The accuracy in documentation processes not only mitigated potential compliance issues but also supported efficient decision-making processes within the department.
   • Oversaw travel arrangements and government travel card usage, achieving a 15% cost reduction through the optimization of budgeting processes. This role involved developing and revising strategic plans for travel expenditures, ensuring that spending aligned with organizational objectives while also adhering to federal acquisition regulations. The ability to analyze and evaluate contracting matters directly contributed to enhanced budget management practices throughout the department.
   • Presided over the Recreation Committee, driving community engagement initiatives that boosted participation by 50%. In leading this committee, utilized strong communication skills and the capacity to lead teams to foster a collaborative environment that encouraged active involvement from employees. By promoting wellness and engagement programs, not only enhanced employee satisfaction but also strengthened the overall culture within the organization.

6. 2007-2010

   Administrative Operations Specialist

   Department of the Navy · Gulfport, MS

   • Trained junior staff in administrative functions, significantly enhancing team capabilities and overall productivity. This training involved defining technical work requirements and developing strategies that ensured team members were equipped to meet operational goals effectively. By instilling a strong foundation in administrative competencies, empowered staff to take on greater responsibilities and contribute more meaningfully to the efficiency of team operations.
   • Served as a technical expert, providing critical support for efficient operations and advising on organizational objectives. This role required analyzing program needs to identify necessary components and aligning them with procurement strategies, ensuring that all procurement objectives were met with high standards. By maintaining a focus on timely and accurate processing for awards, evaluations, and performance reports, ensured recognition of achievements was delivered with 100% accuracy, promoting morale and performance continuity.
   • Managed all personnel security clearances, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and maintaining organizational integrity. This extensive oversight involved developing and recommending robust policies and procedures for personnel management that aligned with federal acquisition regulations. By meticulously analyzing clearance processes, not only streamlined operations but also fortified the reliability of security measures across the organization.
   • Maintained critical communication channels for five teams during training exercises, ensuring seamless operations and coordination. This role necessitated strong leadership skills to direct training efforts and facilitate cooperation among teams, fostering an environment of collaboration. By leading these initiatives, ensured that all team members were informed and prepared, directly contributing to the success of training objectives and the cohesion of operational efforts.

7. 2005-2007

   Administrative Coordinator

   Department of the Navy · Yigo, Guam

   • Managed the routing of all incoming communications, ensuring timely distribution that improved response times by 30%.
   • Processed and organized essential documents, which led to an enhancement in filing accuracy by 40%.
   • Oversaw the maintenance of security clearance documents for over 100 personnel, ensuring strict adherence to compliance regulations.
   • Coordinated daily mail operations to improve delivery efficiency by 20%, which involved streamlining administrative functions to reduce turnaround time by 15%.

Skills

Education and certifications

Service record

Branch

U.S. Navy

Rank

E-7

Years served

2004 – Present

Specialty / MOS

YN / 791A, 791F, 804G, 854A, 8LDC

Security clearance

Secret