Lesa Wheat

* ****** **** ***. •. Laurel, MS *****

acth3c@r.postjobfree.com 706-***-****

Director of Manufacturing Operations

Seasoned, bottom-line focused leader with a history of enhancing profitability while controlling costs of start-up, turnaround, and multi-site manufacturing operations. Leverage Lean Six Sigma and 5S strategies to automate processes and streamline operations, improving operational efficiency without sacrificing safety or quality.

Forward-thinking with proven expertise in strategic oversight and forecasting, deftly aligning inventory and resource requirements with output. Talented staff manager, hiring and directing robust, capable teams and reliably achieving key performance metrics (KPIs).

Core Competencies

Just in Time (JIT) Inventory Mgmt

Cost Analysis and Reduction

Strategic Planning and Implementation

Quality and Safety Assurance

Forecasting/Planning

Purchasing and Vendor Relations

Staff Scheduling and Management

Contract Negotiations

Budget Tracking and Management

Capital Projects

Career Experience

Howse Implement, Laurel, MS

Human Resources Manager, 2015

Recruited to improve employee retention after company filed bankruptcy. Held full accountability for all aspects of payroll, recruiting, and safety for a farm implements manufacturing facility. Supported a management team of seven managers with 63 employees.

Key Contributions:

Eliminated 100% of all payroll errors within first three weeks of employment.

Managed data dependable in an environment of constant change.

Improved employee retention by investigating employee complaints and providing solutions, avoiding the need to escalate to a higher level.

Improved turnover by 16% be effectively screening the right applicants for the right positions, and updating reviews and evaluations on current employees, some who had not been reviewed or received compensation increases in excess of 3 years.

Investigated numerous EEO claims of which 100% initiated during my tenure were dismissed.

Mohawk Industries, Dalton, Georgia

Director of Operations, 2002 – 2012

Held full accountability for the Aladdin Mills Operation comprised of 1200 employees. Managed interviewing, hiring, and training, building a robust, stable work force. Allocated and tracked operating budget; monitored KPIs, identifying and capitalizing on opportunities for improvement.

Key Contributions:

Leveraged lean manufacturing strategies to restructure operations, creating a streamlined flow of materials and turning around this previously underperforming location.

Secured $800K+ in cost savings within the first year of employment through astute renegotiation of raw materials contracts.

Improved inventory turnover 117% by implementing enhanced procedures for planning and scheduling.

Utilized 5S in each department and automated key processes, resulting in improved KPIs and significant cost savings: $1M+ favorable YOY after the first quarter which resulted in cash turnaround of $4M+ in the first year, and $11M savings over five years.

American Weavers, LLC, Calhoun, Georgia

Customer Service and Planning Manager, 1997 – 2001

Recruited to expand product line and market reach for this textile manufacturer. Held full accountability for all aspects of customer service, forecasting and strategic planning, raw material purchasing, and inventory control.

Key Contributions:

Innovated and launched strategies for enhancing product line and business operations, increasing revenue from $18M to $80M in just four years; company sold to Mohawk on account of service index and cost improvements.

Played a key role in the purchase and acquisition of a competitor, integrating and consolidating operations to achieve record profits in less than two years.

Manual Woodworkers and Weavers, LLC, Hendersonville, North Carolina

Director of Procurement and Planning Logistics, 1996 – 1997

Tasked with implementation of MRP System to meet the growing needs of this gift and textile products company. Concurrently managed key operational areas, including purchasing, inventory control, forecasting, planning, and scheduling.

Key Contributions:

Expanded product retailers to include large department stores, nearly doubling sales.

Increased customer service index 27% by cultivating a robust management team and spearheading operational improvement strategies.

Delivered remarkable cost savings through process redesign, including $800K+ per year in cost avoidance.

Successfully negotiated raw material contract, realizing $500K price reduction within the first six months.

Education and Credentials

Bachelor of Science, Business Administration

University of Southern Mississippi – Hattiesburg, MS

Certifications

Six Sigma Green Belt, HPL, HPL II, Lean Manufacturing, TQM, 5S

Technical Proficiencies

Windows, Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint), AS400, JD Edwards, Kronos

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