Matt Close is an IVS Program Manager at Nelson-Jameson, where he is responsible for the entire lifecycle of customer inventory programs, from initial discovery and implementation to ongoing maintenance and improvement. He leads a dedicated team and collaborates across departments to ensure the successful delivery of these solutions, aiming to provide exceptional service and achieve departmental objectives. Matt acts as a dedicated partner for clients' inventory solutions programs, with a primary goal to deliver custom solutions that enhance their efficiency and improve their bottom line.
Matt helps clients by: 

• Assessing their needs through coordinating and performing facility assessments to understand their unique operational environments.
• Developing and implementing tailored programs, coordinating all activities necessary for a successful installation and launch.
• Uncovering opportunities for cost savings and efficiency by working with internal teams to leverage data and reporting.
• Providing actionable information through reviewing, analyzing, and revamping reporting, giving clients data they can use to make informed business decisions.

His day-to-day work involves a blend of strategic planning, hands-on management, and team leadership. His primary functions include:

• Program Planning and Maintenance: Coordinating and performing essential activities for the entire program lifecycle, including initial planning, implementation, and ongoing maintenance and support for new and existing customer programs.
• Stakeholder Communication: Communicating with program stakeholders, such as customers, suppliers, and internal colleagues, to ensure timely and accurate delivery of program activities.
• Team Leadership and Direction: Guiding and directing his assigned staff to achieve departmental goals, which involves setting clear expectations, monitoring progress, and providing necessary support.
• Driving Continuous Improvement: Critically analyzing current processes to identify and suggest changes that can create tangible time savings and efficiency opportunities for both clients and the company.

Matt began his career in the United States Air Force, serving in various locations and roles from technician to senior leader. He has been in his current role since April of 2025, with his first full-time position being a Program Manager. Matt chose this industry because he was seeking an opportunity to apply his skills meaningfully after his military career, which taught him the critical importance of an efficient and dependable supply chain. He finds the industry fundamental to the country's well-being and views his role as a different way to serve, bringing the same commitment to excellence and dependability.

Throughout his career, Matt has achieved significant accomplishments, including:

• Improving Operational Efficiency: As a Supply Chain Manager in the Air Force, he led a team of 54 personnel and restructured the unit, successfully cutting customer response times by 24%.
• Enhancing Team Performance and Training: As a Production Supervisor, he designed a comprehensive training program covering 430 tasks, leading to a 60% increase in qualification rates within 90 days.
• Managing Large-Scale Logistics and Safety: As a Senior Logistics Manager, he oversaw a $60 million inventory across 27 facilities, and as a Technical Writer, he addressed and resolved 359 critical safety concerns, improving personnel and aircraft safety.

Matt holds a Master of Arts in Management and a Bachelor of Arts in Management from American Military University, along with a Project Management Professional (PMP) certification from the Project Management Institute. His skills encompass Leadership & Program Management (Project & Program Management, Strategic Planning & Decision-Making, Team Leadership & Development, Stakeholder Communication), Logistics & Operations (Large-Scale Inventory Management, Supply Chain & Operations Management, Safety & Quality Assurance), and Performance & Improvement (Continuous Process Improvement, Data-Driven Problem-Solving, Training Program Development).
Matt believes his success stems from a deep commitment to building operational resilience. His military experience taught him to manage dynamic environments and has translated into a professional habit of thinking multiple steps ahead to identify potential points of failure before they materialize. This allows him to architect robust inventory solutions, ensuring his team can navigate challenges efficiently and deliver world-class service with confidence