Kara Kurtz

** ******* ****** ****, ********, CT *6480

860-***-**** – acrw1h@r.postjobfree.com

Profile Summary

Operations management professional with a background in engineering services, manufacturing, and logistics and significant experience in global business activities.

Proven expertise in motivating personnel, achieving goals, and measuring results.

Process and people focused, driven by continuous improvement and development. Key Qualifications

Passion for team building and employee development.

Change champion with continuous improvement mindset.

Dedicated to exceeding customers’ expectations while focusing on evolving requirements.

Committed to balancing customer, employee, and stakeholder needs. Experience Summary

QuEST Global – East Hartford, CT December 2006-Current Hiring and Onboarding Process Manager – Pratt & Whitney Virtual Business Unit (April 2015-present)

Lead team using DMAIC methodology to streamline hiring process and make it scalable.

Establish and report Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).

Map and create standard work for all hiring processes. Senior Manager, North America – Resource Management Group (June 2014-March 2015)

Worked with operations and talent acquisition teams on workforce planning and resource allocation, retention, and optimization.

Created and implemented standard work for Mobility of Resources Process. Special Projects Manager, North America Operating Business Unit (September 2013-May 2014)

Researched and presented business cases to executive leadership for potential company expansions to Mexico and West Lafayette, IN.

Created Excel tool to model yield for all centers in North America.

Prepared and facilitated two day leadership meeting for North America delivery leaders. Senior Global Solutions Leader (September 2012-August 2013)

Planned and facilitated workout sessions for multiple global customers, including work stream mapping and analysis.

Led project to achieve Level 3 Functional Maturity for Sales Operations Team.

Created standard work for Workstream Workout Process.

Collaborated with Bids and Proposals Team on customer proposals. Project Engineering and Supply Chain Center Manager (January 2009-August 2012)

Returned an average of 5% of revenue in productivity improvements and cost avoidances to the customer.

Developed and directed the implementation of goals, objectives, policies, procedures, and work standards.

Achieved customer satisfaction, on-time delivery, quality (escapes and turnbacks), and financial targets.

Collaborated with cross functional team to prepare and present material to customer for ACE Gold certification.

Increased revenue 300%.

Grew center 225% to headcount of 280.

Managed and developed a team of 6 Program Managers.

Participated in Value Stream Mapping event to reduce recruiting costs.

Created and implemented behavioral and technical training program for incoming project engineers. Program Manager (January 2008-December 2008)

Responsible for program management and growth.

Managed and developed a team of 8 Team Leads.

Team Lead / Project Manager (July 2007-December 2007)

Managed and developed a team of 7-10 project engineers and managed associated projects.

Continued working discrete statement of work deliverables listed below. Project Engineer (December 2006-June 2007)

Executed deliverables associated with Class I Engineering Change for F119 Turbine Exhaust Case, Augmentor, and Duct Integrated Product Team.

Managed assembly, instrumentation, and delivery of TEC modules for two development engine builds.

Responsible for Level III schedule and delivery of development hardware (vane panels and trailing edge boxes). Transwheel Corporation – Manchester, CT November 2003-November 2006 Assistant Plant Manager

Managed inventory to ensure that stock levels remained at target.

Responsible for efficient throughput of product to achieve daily goals.

Implemented quality system to achieve ISO9000 Certification at this site.

Managed all customer service issues for the plant. FedEx Ground – Willington, CT January 2000-October 2003 Operations Manager

Led training classes for incoming package handlers.

Ran all load areas, unload, and quality assurance (at various times).

Ensured efficient operation of assigned hub area.

Implemented system for handling damaged packages that reduced overgoods by 5%.

Responsible for coaching and counseling employees. Education

Goodwin College – Bachelors in Business Administration with a minor in Management and Leadership August 2015 – 3.98 GPA

Other Credentials & Training

ISO 9001 Auditor Certification, 2012

Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Training (40 hour class), scheduled to sit for ASQ Certification in December 2015 Awards

Best Proposal Award (team) in 2013

Center won Customer Satisfaction Champion Award in 2011

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