J erry Sikula
abj65q@r.postjobfree.com
www.linkedin.com/in/jerrysikula/
LEAN MANUFACTURING / OPERATIONS MANAGEMENT
Exemplary record providing the vision and decisive leadership in operations,
manufacturing, quality improvement and project management. Successful at building
plant infrastructures and establishing operating controls that facilitate smooth operations
during periods of significant growth and rapid downsizing. Extremely effective at
integrating emerging technologies and operational systems/processes to solve complex
business problems. Talent for developing high-performance teams, making effective
decisions under any conditions, and quickly revising tactics to achieve goals within
aggressive time frames. Experienced in all phases of lean manufacturing, strategic
planning, program management and problem solving.
CORE PROFICIENCIES:
•
• Lean Manufacturing Management Supplier & Customer Negotiations
• Production and Process Management P&L Management
• Budgeting/Forecasting & Cost Controls
Master’s Certificate Lean Six Sigma
Organizational Development
• Project Management
Strategic/Operational Planning &
• Capital Investments/Projects
Tactical Execution
• Plant Layout/Space Optimization
Re-engineering Business Systems &
• Logistics/ Supply Chain Management
Processes
• Product Planning, Development &
5-S/ DMAIC/ TPM/ SMED
Introduction
Safety/Regulatory/SQF/BRC/AIB
• Value Stream Mapping
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Sucden Americas Corp.
9/2013-9/2014
Asset Project Manager (Contract) (Sugar, dry bulk, packaging, liquid)
Reporting to the CEO for North America, responsible for supervising and analyzing all
technical and logistical aspects of potential investments in accordance with a growth
focused business plan. Develop and execute capital projects to improve efficiency and
competitiveness to enhance JIT distribution in the US. Assess companies/technologies
for acquisition from an operational, technical, engineering and performance based
matrix. Responsibilities span all phases of the project execution cycle including
gathering requirements, preliminary design, cost estimation, project evaluation and
justification, equipment procurement, layout, design, construction management and
commissioning. Meet with executive management and board members to conduct
presentations on operational strategies and enhancement projects. Recognized for
ability to identify, design and deploy innovative technologies that result in improved
systems, increased production and decreased expenses.
Selected Contributions:
Appointed by the Board to oversee operation and turnaround of new acquisition
Demonstrated strong problem-solving skills and keen attention to detail, crucial in
managing high-priority, high-visibility, and deadline-driven projects without
compromising quality
Improved quality and efficiency while reducing waste by 7% in 3 months
Hilex Poly Co. LLC 5/ 2012 – 6/2013
Regional Plant Manager (plastics, extrusion, high speed
packaging)
Reporting to the COO, managed and directed the total scope of operations for two
150,000 sq. ft. manufacturing facilities comprising of 150+ exempt and non-exempt
associates with accountability for all manufacturing operations, including financial,
distribution, production, safety, and quality performance operating 24/7 in a high speed,
high volume production environment (HDPE extrusion and converting). Planned
strategic direction and continually reviewed key performance indicators. Responsible
for operational and capital expenditure budgets exceeding $50MM.
Selected Contributions:
Change Agent: Transformed a struggling business unit by using Kaizen principles
that slashed OT costs by 75%, boosted on-time delivery from 75% to 97%,
increased productivity OEE by 11% and improved machine uptime from 70% to
90% while reducing scrap by 5% and customer complaints to the lowest in the
company – all within 1 year
Utilized the Sales and Operations Planning (S&OP) process to balance
production output with significant demand reductions through Q1 and Q2 of
2013. Idled capacity, transitioned products to high efficiency work centers,
reduced headcount, and implemented cross-functional training of hourly
associates during down periods.
Consistent daily production, below budget costs for 2013 YTD, optimizing the
bottom line
Demonstrated lean manufacturing background and a proven ability to drive
process improvements – implementation of standard work, 5S and visual
management
American Sugar Refining, Inc. (Domino Sugar, C&H, Florida Crystals) 1995 – 2012
Plant Manager - Dallas, TX (Dallas facility closed in
6/2012)
Promoted to hold full responsibility for production, quality, safety, and cost structure for
this new facility acquisition to the company in 2007. Establish operational policies and
implement process improvements to ensure superior quality and outstanding output for
high-speed packaging equipment in the production of sugar, sweeteners, creamer, salt
and pepper. Directly manage six supervisors/managers overseeing 70+ exempt and
non-exempt employees in a 24/5 operation. Design and implement coaching and
training programs to develop staff, facilitate efficiency, and improve performance.
Manage operational and capital expense budgets exceeding $17M. Ensure adherence
to strict quality control procedures which resulted in Superior Quality ratings from AIB,
Silliker and SQF.
Selected Contributions:
Implemented and directed lean manufacturing initiative for reducing waste and
production over-runs saving over $200K annually.
First facility in the entire company to become SQF (Safe Quality Food) Certified
in 2011
Five years without a Lost-Time-Accident (LTA)/ OSHA DART Rate = 0.00
Increased Efficiency by 10% and reduced line waste by 15% through employee
training
Integrated Project Management ($2M) of Production lines and Infrastructure
upgrades two months ahead of schedule and 5% under budget
Operations Manager – Chicago, IL
Liquid Process Station, Bulk Delivery, Warehouse/Transfer Station
Responsible for planning production operations for liquid process and production of
sucrose and inverts; establish priorities and sequences for manufacturing process.
Direct involvement in Project Management and Capital Expenditures including vendor
procurement. Accountable for all production, quality, safety, maintenance and
scheduling of production. Completed analysis of production and operating reports that
resulted in resolved operational, manufacturing, and maintenance problems to ensure
minimum costs and prevent operational delays. Cost accountability within the $10M
operational budget processing over 100M pounds of sugar annually. Train, coach and
evaluate employees. Coordinate liquid syrup production, barge/rail unloading and bulk
transfer loading.
Selected Contributions:
Improved Quality Standards which resulted in first AIB Superior Rating
Process improvements that reduced waste stream saving over $100K annually
Reduced overtime by 15% by implementing process improvements
Liquid Plant Manager/Manager of Shipping and Receiving - Cleveland, OH
Developed production schedule for liquid melt operation, packaging of drums, pails and
totes of sugars and corn syrups and rail unloading for a 2 shift operation. Provided
leadership and support, initiating, monitoring, assisting, and improving all aspects of key
metrics: safety, quality, productivity, delivery, cost, and continuous improvement.
Designed improved loading and unloading procedures and trained staff to minimize
product damage and loss. Established and maintained effective business relationships
with freight carriers, improving on-time deliveries and unloading time.
Selected Contributions:
Played integral role in start-up of new product line into existing operations
Reduced overtime by 25% by implementing procedure and process
improvements
Improve on time performance of deliveries by 30%
EDUCATION/TRAINING
MBA – Master of Business Administration -2015 (expected)
West Texas A&M University
Master’s Certificate – Lean Six Sigma Black Belt -3/2014
Certificates: Green Belt (9/2013), Lean Six Sigma (11/2013), Black Belt (03/2014)
Villanova University
Bachelor of Science - Aerospace Management Technology - Minor in Business- 1992
Kent State University – Kent, Ohio
Cane Sugar Refiner’s Institute 2011
Nicholls State University
Thibodaux, Louisiana
References Available Upon Mutual Interest