Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Affiliations
Certification
Websites
Timeline
Generic

Nick Cunningham

Rapid City

Summary

I am an operations leader with extensive experience driving efficiency, performance, and growth across diverse industries, including education, logistics, and corporate operations. Throughout my career, I’ve managed multi-million-dollar budgets, built and developed high-performing teams, and implemented process improvements that deliver measurable results in cost reduction, quality, safety, and employee engagement.

Overview

15
15
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Station Manager - Delivery Station

Amazon
Rapid City
07.2024 - Current
  • Recruited, trained, and developed a leadership team of four exempt and twelve non-exempt station leaders to launch an Amazon Delivery Station; onboarded more than 120 associates within 60 days, building site operational capability, and driving strong employee experience and people management outcomes.
  • Established standard work practices and operating procedures to ensure daily cadences aligned with Amazon’s expectations in cost efficiency, quality control, safety, and employee engagement.
  • Achieved top network performance, ranking #1 in June 2025 and #2 in May and July 2025 out of 124 sites across North America and Canada, with sustained excellence across cost, quality, and safety KPIs. Led the GEMBA Safety initiative for the network, developing a standardized SOP, compliance/data tracking tools, and weekly reporting, resulting in stronger safety compliance and incident prevention.
  • Serve as RISE Subject Matter Expert, driving turnaround strategies for underperforming sites by creating action plans that improve cost discipline, compliance, people leadership, and safety performance.
  • Selected as 1 of 3 Station Managers in North America & Canada to participate on the Worldwide Standards SME team, aligning and improving global SOPs to ensure consistency in quality and operational standards.
  • Negotiate and manage 3P vendor contracts, optimizing vendor partnerships and process improvements that delivered cost savings, operational continuity, and enhanced site aesthetics.

Operations Manager - Fulfillment Center

Amazon
Sioux Falls
11.2022 - 07.2024
  • Directed operations for a fleet of 6,000 Amazon Robotics KIVAs supporting pod mobility across a 1.5M sq. ft. fulfillment center, ensuring smooth material flow and throughput.
  • Planned nightly labor for 250+ associates, conducting cost analyses and allocating headcount to consistently deliver 100K–200K units processed per shift depending on demand and backlog.
  • Developed and implemented ACE Packer initiative in Pick to Rebin, reducing Pick-to-Pack ratios from 1:2 to 1:1.7 and increasing Pack Multis productivity from 122 UPH (Oct 2023) to 151 UPH (Mar 2024), driving significant cost reduction and throughput gains.
  • Improved quality and accuracy in CAP (Count, Amnesty & Pick) by reducing DPMO from 6,000+ to below-threshold at 5,350 through targeted audits, coaching, and process refinements within six months.
  • Led Process Assistant hiring strategy, successfully onboarding 39 new leaders across all four corners of the site by overseeing scheduling, placement, and cross-functional onboarding support.
  • Delivered L4+ Manager training seminars for CAP leadership teams, standardizing operational knowledge and aligning all corners on best practices and SOP adherence.
  • Authored and launched SOPs for CAP and Outbound departments, embedding standard work expectations and ensuring operational consistency across the site.
  • Drove continuous improvement initiatives by leading A3 problem-solving in Pick to Rebin, creating CAP and Amnesty Floor Health Checklists, and implementing staging processes to strengthen department efficiency.
  • Played a key role in Live Order Testing for CAP pre-launch, collaborating with Controls and Process Engineers to identify and resolve mechanical inefficiencies and system barriers before operational launch.

National Director of Operations

Phalen Leadership Academies
Indianapolis
04.2022 - 01.2023
  • Analyzed financial statements and performance data to measure productivity, assess goal achievement, and identify cost-reduction and efficiency improvement opportunities.
  • Recruited, trained, and led a team of 23 Operations Managers and Enrollment Coordinators, building leadership capability and driving operational excellence across departments.
  • Monitored vendor performance and enforced contract compliance, ensuring goods and services were delivered on time, within budget, and to quality standards.
  • Directed financial and budget planning activities, optimizing resource allocation to fund operations, maximizing ROI, and improving cost efficiency.
  • Established and implemented departmental policies, objectives, and procedures in collaboration with board members and organizational leadership to align strategy with operational execution.
  • Planned and coordinated cross-departmental initiatives, including enrollment campaigns and organizational events, to improve customer engagement and operational outcomes.
  • Negotiated service contracts, securing favorable rates and terms while maintaining vendor accountability and cost control.
  • Developed and executed marketing strategies, including targeted advertising campaigns and promotional events, to increase visibility and growth.
  • Evaluated and recommended facility locations while overseeing remodeling and renovations to enhance operational capacity, efficiency, and employee experience.
  • Reviewed and enhanced safety and emergency response plans, strengthening organizational preparedness and compliance.

Director of Operations

Henderson Collegiate Schools
Henderson
09.2020 - 03.2022
  • Directed all non-academic school operations, supervising office staff, contracted vendors, enrollment, and custodial/maintenance teams to ensure smooth and efficient daily performance.
  • Oversaw financial operations for an $8M annual budget, including accounts receivable, accounts payable, and payroll, in collaboration with accountants and the regional office; ensured fiscal responsibility and compliance.
  • Ensured compliance with state and federal reporting requirements, leading documentation and audit preparation in partnership with regional leadership.
  • Coached and developed direct reports, building staff capability and aligning team performance with school operational goals.
  • Served as the primary liaison between school leadership, support staff, and regional office, ensuring operational alignment with academic priorities.
  • Led professional development seminars to train instructional and operational staff on policies, expectations, and efficiency standards, strengthening accountability and performance.
  • Managed vendor contracts and school security systems, including vendor relationships, staff training, and investigations, to enhance safety and compliance.
  • Applied strong project management skills to oversee multiple priorities simultaneously, driving efficiency and ensuring high-quality execution of operational initiatives.

Director, Campus Operations

Amerigo Education
Greater Minneapolis-St.Paul Area
04.2018 - 07.2020
  • Cultivated strong, trust-based relationships with key stakeholders, including business partners, school administrators, international recruiting agents, and parents/guardians, ensuring transparent communication and alignment on student success.
  • Led student success and satisfaction initiatives by implementing Amerigo’s core program while designing unique campus-based activities, fostering a high-quality student experience.
  • Managed fiscal operations for a $1.8M annual boarding budget, ensuring financial accountability and resource optimization.
  • Built and developed a community-driven culture, strengthening student recruitment and retention while improving staff engagement and satisfaction.
  • Recruited, trained, and managed a team of 10+ campus employees, driving professional growth, accountability, and high-performance standards.
  • Oversaw all residential facility operations, managing vendor relationships to meet daily operational and maintenance needs.
  • Partnered with school liaisons to monitor academic, behavioral, and emotional performance, coordinating interventions to support student development and well-being.
  • Directed campus logistics, including academic study schedules, co-curricular activities, transportation, meals, and student travel, ensuring seamless execution of daily operations.
  • Designed and executed extracurricular programming, coordinating evening and weekend activities to enrich the student experience.
  • Facilitated effective communication with central operations and partner school teams, ensuring proactive issue resolution and opportunity sharing.
  • Led weekly campus staff meetings and directly managed 8–12 support staff, aligning team efforts with organizational goals.
  • Developed and implemented academic and disciplinary programs, ensuring structure, accountability, and student growth.

Regional Manager

Sylvan Learning Center
Greater Minneapolis-St. Paul Area
09.2016 - 05.2018
  • Directed operations for 7 Sylvan Learning Centers, overseeing 13 direct reports and ensuring accountability for sales, education quality, and operational performance.
  • Managed $2.5M in annual sales, surpassing targets by achieving 114% of baseline in Q4 2017 and 130% in Q1 2018, driving sustained revenue growth.
  • Hired, trained, and led a high-performing team of Center Directors, sales staff, and education specialists, strengthening organizational capability and customer satisfaction.
  • Developed and executed local marketing initiatives to expand customer base, increase community engagement, and enhance brand awareness.
  • Prepared and monitored center budgets, reviewing sales performance weekly with directors and creating action plans to address performance gaps.
  • Optimized sales operations by auditing CRM systems, monitoring inquiry follow-up processes, and providing targeted sales coaching through call reviews and pipeline analysis.
  • Controlled expenses and labor budgets, aligning weekly schedules and variable costs to maximize profitability.
  • Built strong school and community partnerships, fostering collaboration with teachers, administrators, and parent/teacher organizations to drive enrollment and retention.
  • Facilitated district-wide leadership meetings, delivering training and strategic content on business development, operational excellence, and revenue growth.

Business Development Manager

Kaplan Test Prep and Admissions
New York, Washington DC, Miami, West Palm, Atlanta
12.2010 - 10.2015
  • Generated $1.6M in annual sales revenue by building, maintaining, and managing school and community partnerships; successfully negotiated and closed both group and individual sales contracts.
  • Developed and executed strategic business plans that created a competitive advantage over local competitors, driving sustained top-line revenue growth.
  • Planned and executed local promotional programs and events, leveraging data-driven insights to improve lead generation and increase conversion rates.
  • Built and nurtured relationships with key decision-makers across schools, organizations, and corporations, strengthening Kaplan’s brand awareness and market presence.
  • Leveraged national partnerships locally to expand pipelines, boost event attendance, and increase enrollments.
  • Hired, trained, and developed full- and part-time employees, providing coaching, motivation, and ethical leadership to ensure high-performing sales teams.
  • Delivered dynamic, consultative sales presentations to prospective clients, serving as a subject matter expert on Kaplan’s programs and offerings.
  • Analyzed ROI on events and partnerships to optimize resource allocation, improve lead quality, and increase overall sales conversions.

Education

Bachelor of Science - Science Education

Saint Cloud State University
Saint Cloud, MN
05-2007

Skills

  • Process improvement
  • Vendor management
  • Safety compliance
  • Standard operating procedures
  • Performance analysis
  • Budgeting and forecasting
  • Cross-functional collaboration
  • Strategic planning
  • Talent recruitment
  • Staff training and development
  • Operations management
  • Distribution services
  • Quality assurance
  • Risk management

Affiliations

  • High school and collegiate sports official

Certification

  • CPR and First Aid Certified

Websites

Timeline

Station Manager - Delivery Station

Amazon
07.2024 - Current

Operations Manager - Fulfillment Center

Amazon
11.2022 - 07.2024

National Director of Operations

Phalen Leadership Academies
04.2022 - 01.2023

Director of Operations

Henderson Collegiate Schools
09.2020 - 03.2022

Director, Campus Operations

Amerigo Education
04.2018 - 07.2020

Regional Manager

Sylvan Learning Center
09.2016 - 05.2018

Business Development Manager

Kaplan Test Prep and Admissions
12.2010 - 10.2015

Bachelor of Science - Science Education

Saint Cloud State University

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Nick Cunningham