KARLUS SMITH

***** ******** ******

Franklin, Michigan 48025

419-***-****

acuw1t@r.postjobfree.com

Profile

Corporate Program Manager with extensive and diverse experience in the automotive industry. Demonstrated ability to deliver quality improvements, on time launches and cost savings. An accomplished leader with an exemplary record of managing Engineering teams through Process Quality Optimization and Advanced Forward-Model Virtual Manufacturing Engineering analysis.

Areas of Expertise

Implementation Development and Executed Quality Operating Systems PLM / PPAP /APQP, Processes & DFSS Implemented and Developed TQM-Six Sigma Process Control & WCM Standards

High level Engineering and Mechanical expertise Management and Supervisory Skills

Extensive Knowledge of Production and Assembly Union Negotiations and Management

ASME and ISO Standards Creative Problem Solving

Knowledge of Launching Techniques Customer / Vendor Relationship Building

Professional Experience

2014 to Present – Takata Corporation- Auburn Hills, Michigan

Corporate Program Manager/ Root Cause Analysis/Procurement Manager

Represent Takata at root cause procurement meetings; build events and other means of communication.

Plan and develop methods and procedures for implementing new program launches, direct and coordinate program

activities. Exercise control over personnel responsible for specific functions or phases of program. Supervised

the preparation and conditions of the contract and subcontract, list of approved suppliers and subcontractors dealing with

Passenger and Driver airbags. Review reports and record activities to ensure progress is being accomplished toward specified

program objectives and modify or change methodology as required. Meet with customer and appropriate plant personnel to review

status of program launches with full program layout and revision levels. Prepare program reports Identify and track program

Milestones. Ensure corrective action plans are effective in resolving issues. Visit plants during major milestone events to support team

Initiate and maintain detailed program timelines and open issues list in proper format that supports requirements. Such as tooling,

materials, purchasing, machines, and vehicle testing. Maintain close liaison between the procurement managers on all project

procurement activities. Manage Project Budget, LQOS, GPDS Milestones, and Design Reviews.

2011 to 2014 - Chrysler Corp.- Technical Center – Auburn Hills, Michigan

New Model Launch Manager / Program Manager /Launch Tooling Supervisor

Supervised and launched new tooling and processes for manufacturing. Also, launched the engineering processes and changes for production and assembly. Supervised salaried bargaining unit tooling engineers and hourly workers union. Supervised the tooling engineers in developing process, tooling for trim, chassis and final operations . Responsible for the launch of new tooling for the vehicle headliners, side trim and dashboard tooling for assembly. Supervised from the design concept through to the development of the final product. Manage complex projects from the beginning to the end, and meet project budget, prototype, timing targets, analysis, and drive root causes. Utilize tools such as fishbone diagram, 5 whys, FMEAS, and Red X. Manage and drive design, work with all of the out side vendors to drive time lines, costs and ownership of there product. Empowering a solid team atmosphere and making direct reports to take ownership of ones process.

2005 to 2010 - General Motors Corp.- Willow Run Plant Ypsilanti, Michigan

Business Team Manager/Operation manager

Utilize and facilitate the team concept in every department of Assembly, Sub assembly and Automatics. Serves as a department liaison - coordinating projects and communicating design changes with product engineering, manufacturing, procurement, programming and varies personnel areas as well. Manage 7 teams totaling of 78 people with team members, supervisors and engineers. Serves as a liaison communicating with vendors, PC&L, suppliers and shop floor personnel. Also, lead teams to build the 4L80 transmission for the military contract going into the Hummer for the United States Army. Developing, planning, and managing energy projects for the assembly area along with water and oil consumption for the final test area. Plain and provide project submission for maintenance. Coordinated with other managers on energy and water consumption on down time and plant closers.

2002 to 2005 – General Motors Corp - Romulus Transmission (RTO) Romulus, Michigan

Area Coordinator /Operation Supervisor/Production Supervisor

Responsible for managing the overall assembly and final assembly area for the R.T.O plant. Utilize and facilitate the team concept in every assembly department within the RTO facility. Develop policies and procedures and processes to implement for the site assembly area. Responsible for the overall safety - training, house keeping projects for the plant. Also, responsible for overseeing the development and implementation of continues process and improvements. Provide leadership and implementation of G.M.S and S.P.Q.R.C in each of the assembly areas. Management responsibilities included budgeting in each area, providing hands on leadership, coaching and mentoring while complying with terms of both the local and national agreements. Work in conjunction with the local union to ensure maintenance requirements for the engineers.

1999 to 2002 – General Motors Corp- Toledo Transmission – Toledo, Ohio

Maintenance Supervisor / Die Casting Supervisor (Plant II)/General Foreman

Responsible for supervising and coordination the activities of both the maintenance and tool and die makers for the plant II area. Assigned skilled tradesmen and die tradesmen to respond to daily production and breakdown incidents. Provide a safe working environment and enforced safety procedures. Participated in the implementation of the equipment, PM’s, equipment relocations and installation of both high and low pressure die-casting machines and trim press. Served as a management representative and coordinated with the local union on resolving grievances as well as negotiated all open issues related to the skill tradesmen. Maintained excellent working knowledge of QS9000 and procedures and die casting machines. Perform and provide mechanical and electrical engineering design services for local site projects and develops project programming documents, Engineering Project justification submission documents, and review Installation Engineering Projects

1997 to 1999 – General Motors Corp. – Toledo Transmission – Toledo, Ohio

Assembly Maintenance and Facilities Supervisor

Supervised and coordinated the activities of the assembly area, maintained and coordinated any maintenance issues dealing with assembly. Ensured the utilization of trades and equipment by executing planned maintenance and a comprehensive scheduling environment. Which would allow the departments to obtain maximum output. Established and adjusted work methods and procedures to meet a maintenance and production goal. Participated in the establishment of MAXIMO in the assembly area. Perform design review on all construction and renovation projects for validation of compliance with local Energy and Water Management statutes, requiring implementation of cost effective options for the plant.

1994 to 1999 - General Motors Corp. - Toledo Transmission – Toledo, Ohio

Production Supervisor / General Foreman

Managed the assembly area and supervised approximately 100 assembly line workers. Supervised three assembly lines including final assembly. Served as the general foremen’s replacement on an interim bases in assembly. Managed the relationship between several departments that function with the assembly area. Work in conjunction with a team on the creation of lean manufacturing for assembly. Participated and developed COCM for assembly.

1992 to 1994 – General Motors Corp.- American gear and Axis- Huntsville, Alabama

Co-op Student to full time Mechanical Engineer

Mechanical Engineer for the front gear and car alignment in the assembly area. Carried out engineering assignments related to the planning and design of the mechanical and environmental control systems related to assembly. Responsible for monitoring production down time, operation installations, maintenance, test and repair of mechanical and electro- mechanical equipment. Also, managed design changes, standards and heat transfers.

1990 to 1994 – Boeing Aerospace and Defense – Huntsville, Alabama

Co-op Student to full time Mechanical Engineer

Mechanical engineer for the space- station freedoms engine, capsule design and mechanical functions. Responsible for all mockups and design for out side vendors, new specification creations and experimental projects. Managed a group of four mock up engineers on the project design changes. Also, was involved with the buoyancy projects with the astronauts that would be installing the space capsule project on the Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, Alabama.

Education

1992- Alabama A&M University- Normal, Alabama

Bachelors of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering Minor – Physics

Affiliations

Member of New Hope Baptist Church- Wayne, Michigan Member of CAAN

Member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. Big Brother Big Sister of Michigan

Member of NSBE AAM Mentoring Program

Member of ASME Member of GMAAN

References Available

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