David Lakeland

About David Lakeland

With my exceptional skills in Strategic Workforce Planning, People Analytics, Capacity Planning, Vendor Engagement and Workforce Management, I bring a wealth of experience as a data-driven Workforce Professional. I am a subject matter expert in advanced analytics, complex problem solving, optimization, resource management, demand forecasting, and supply planning, backed by years of proven business experience. Renowned for my ability to work independently and think strategically, I excel at connecting and transforming data from various sources to create insightful data analyses with a focus on storytelling. Additionally, I thrive in fast-paced, high-growth environments, leveraging large volumes of information to develop process improvements, solutions, and key insights that drive strategic business decisions. Known for my flexibility and critical thinking, I have a knack for simplifying and solving problems by effectively communicating decisions to individuals at all levels of the organization in a user-friendly manner.

Experience

1. Senior Workforce Planner

   Optum

   Oct 2025 — Present · US

   Build and maintain short-range plans to compare actual vs. forecasted performance and assess service risksServe as a trusted advisor to Operations, management, and business partners, offering unbiased, expert guidanceDrive collaboration across WFA, SRP, LRP, Scheduling & Configuration, and Workforce Transformation teamsFacilitate data-driven discussions to inform future performance decisionsPresent complex staffing requirements clearly and follow up with all stakeholdersAnalyze performance metrics (availability, utilization, efficiency, VPH, OT, PTO) to identify improvement opportunitiesProactively plan and strategize based on current and projected trendsPartner with business leaders to understand workflows and improve efficiencyValidate plan accuracy by ensuring correct data mapping and setupMaintain forecast accuracy within MBO variance goalsParticipate in planning enhancement initiatives, including training and development sessionsLead by example, mentor peers, and foster cross-team collaborationDrive innovation and process improvements within Short-Range Planning, overseeing related projects and trainingChampion workforce tools, promoting engagement and understanding among all partners

Education

• Udacity

  Business Analysis

• Saint Joseph's University - Erivan K. Haub School of Business

  Master’s Degree, Business Intelligence And Analytics

• The University of Manchester

  Bachelor, Management Sciences

Skills

• Workforce Planning
• Project Planning
• Risk Management
• Team Management
• Requirements Gathering
• Business Process Improvement
• Access
• Workforce Management
• Budgets
• Microsoft Excel
• Finance
• Operational Support
• Process Improvement
• Sales
• Analysis
• Business Objects
• Human Resources
• Vendor Management
• Visio
• Databases
• Strategic Planning
• Business Performance Management
• Operational Planning
• Market Analysis
• Ms Access
• Strategy
• Business Analysis
• Business Intelligence
• Cross-Functional Team Leadership
• Crm
• Recruiting
• Ms Excel
• Analytics
• Data Analysis
• Sas
• Business Process
• Workforce Forecasting
• Training
• Linear Programming
• Call Centers