Rolf Sander

Dynamic Director of Operations with over 15 years of experience in operational leadership and office, procurement, supply chain, production, quality and falicites management. Proven expertise in implementing Lean methodologies and advanced analytics, driving a accuracy, efficiency and on-time delivery rates. Successfully managed multi-million-dollar projects while enhancing customer satisfaction scores. Committed to fostering innovation and optimizing processes, bringing significant value to prospective employers by creating efficient, strategic operational frameworks.

Corporate Operations Manager

TECHNOLOGY CORE SA. (Cybersecurity & Professional Services/Project Management) 

01/2025 -                   San José, Costa Rica 

Daily management of operations, ensuring that daily activities are carried out efficiently, following established quality standards. Supervision of logistics and the supply chain to ensure an optimal flow of materials and products. Directing and motivating operational teams, fostering a collaborative and efficient working atmosphere. Promoting innovation and the incorporation of advanced technologies to improve operations and processes. Ensure that all processes and products comply with relevant regulations and quality standards. Evaluation of operational efficiency through data analysis and reports, identifying opportunities for improvement.

International Operations Manager 

OSTERMAN & CO INC. (Plastic Resins Trading, Supplier & Exporter) 

08/2020 - 11/2024   San José, Costa Rica 

Primary point of contact for daily procurement, logistic, supply chain processes and systems ensuring compliance and efficiency, leading to a 15% improvement in procurement cycle times by implementing automated solutions and strategic sourcing methodologies. In charge of supply chain, logistics and distribution operations, ensuring compliance with service and time SLAs for customers, and strengthened relationships with our business partners. Developed and implemented standardized procedures and controls for efficient and compliant processes. Collaborated with cross-functional teams, analyzed data to identify trends, and provided recommendations to upper management. Conducted quarterly performance reviews and implemented re-training programs. Reviewed and updated processes to eliminate waste (obsolete tasks), applying Lean, Six Sigma, and Value Stream Mapping principles, and developed long-term operational continuous improvement strategies including reviews-audits.

Sr. Operations Manager 

FULLCONTOUR INC. (3CAD Design Services for Milling Centers) 

05/2019 - 04/2020   San José, Costa Rica 

Primary point of contact for CR offices, managed multiple complex projects, including corporate, expansion initiatives and Health & Safety. Ensure smooth day-to-day operations by monitoring activities, addressing issues, and optimizing processes for efficiency. Managed the local staff, coordinated with the headquarters, and maintained relationships with key stakeholders such as customers, partners, suppliers, and government agencies. Identified and resolved issues or challenges, reported and communicated production progress, KPIs, SLAs performances, and provided feedback to senior management and other relevant parties on the continuous improvement, and value stream mapping projects. Ensured the company's goals and objectives were aligned with customer needs and in compliance with FDA regulatory parameters. In charge of procurement of raw materials, supplies, services and equipment.

Director of Operations 

SYNIVERSE TECHNOLOGIES INC. (Telecom Technology Services) 

02/2013 - 03/2019   San José, Costa Rica 

Primary point of contact for the Costa Rica office, providing day-to-day leadership and coordination across different functions, improved processes to ensure they were utilized effectively and efficiently, monitored quality operational standards to ensure services met customer expectations, identified potential risks to operations and developed plans to mitigate them, ensuring business continuity and minimizing disruptions, acted as a primary point of contact for client communication, addressing any concerns or issues promptly and effectively, in charge of Facilities-Health & Safety Management and Maintenance, enhanced collaboration and communication across geographically dispersed teams, leveraging tools and platforms for remote working and client satisfaction. Lead negotiations, budgeting, and purchasing, and set up efficient workflows to maximize company productivity and performance. In charge of procurement of materials, supplies, services and equipment.

Sr. Operations Manager 

STARTEK INC. (Banking, Financial, Health Shared Services) 

01/2012 - 01/2013   San Pedro Sula, Honduras 

Responsible for the coordination and evaluation of the teams under management. Carried out supervisory and management responsibilities under the organization's policies and procedures. Mentored direct reports in developing leadership behaviors, hired and developed high-performing teams, including sales. Monitored customer feedback and promptly addressed issues to maintain a high level of customer satisfaction and loyalty scores. Stood update on industry trends and emerging technologies in production, providing recommendations for adoption or integration as needed.

Director of Operations 

CHANGE HEALTHCARE INC. (Financial, Health Shared Services) 

01/2004 - 04/2010   Heredia, Costa Rica 

Primary point of contact for the Costa Rica office, managed the daily activities of the company by overseeing several departments. Directed organizational actions and guided managers to improve efficiency and reduce costs. Planned and monitored the day-to-day running of the business to ensure smooth progress. Balanced resources based on standard and improved processes to ensure they are utilized effectively and efficiently. In charge of Facilities-Health & Safety Management and Maintenance, collaborated with the Finance department to manage budgets, track expenses, and forecast resources as needed. In charge of hiring, coaching, development, rewards and recognition, performance management, and staff productivity/quality. In charge of procurement of materials, supplies, services and equipment.

Production Manager 

MANUFACTURING (Metal, Plastics, Rubber, Textiles) 

03/1985 - 01/2004   Costa Rica, El Salvador, Honduras 

Production Manager for several US manufacturing companies, lead the day-to-day operations and longer-term strategic planning of all manufacturing functions, includes overseeing manufacturing, production control, engineering, inventory control, purchasing, Environmental Health, Safety & Security (EHS&S), and shipping/receiving activities. Specialized in lean operations and continuous improvement. Oversaw cross-functional teams and several departments while optimizing workflow efficiencies, quality control systems, production lines and balancing, inventory handling and safety stock, warehousing and import/export of manufactured goods. Reduced production costs by 22% through implementation of just-in-time inventory management. Did work in fast-paced environments where strategic planning meets hands-on problem solving, as well as project management, capacity utilization, solving and root causing based on lean ways of working (six sigma). In charge of procurement of raw materials, supplies, services and equipment.

MBA, Business Administration - 2020

International MBA Institute / Switzerland. 

BS, Industrial Engineering - 1987 

Universidad International De Las Américas / Costa Rica

BS, Mechanical Engineering - 1985 

Universidad De Costa Rica / Costa Rica.