SHANNON M. AUSTIN

**** * ****** ****, *******, KY 42406

205-***-**** (Cell); ac0v7x@r.postjobfree.com

EDUCATION

**** ** ********** *** ******* Engineering Cum Laude (G.P.A. 3.4) AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Auburn, Alabama

ISE specialization in production and manufacturing systems with Business Minor

DYNAMIC RESULTS-ORIENTED MANAGEMENT PROFESSIONAL OFFERING EXPERIENCE IN

Lean Manufacturing

Operations

Management

Project Management

Human Resources & Training

Customer Service

Distribution

Quality

Accounting/ Financials

PROFILE

Multi-talented, detail oriented professional with experience & knowledge in a variety of areas. Proven record of success both on teams and individually. Highly effective time management skills capable of meeting tight deadlines. Well-organized and adept at multitasking and prioritizing. Excellent interpersonal skills having dealt with a broad diversity of populations. Skilled communicator capable of persuasively delivering information. Strong analytical skills competent in brainstorming/ troubleshooting processes and out-of-the box thinking. Action-oriented problem solver effective in crisis situations. Computer skills include Warehouse and Labor Management Systems, Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, WordPerfect, Kronos, Arena, Oracle, and Internet applications.

HIGHLIGHTS OF CAREER ACHIEVEMENTS

Managed LMS implementation project resulting in 8% labor savings

Developed customer order tool resulting in reduced processing times of 50% and $20K in increased revenue.

Implemented lean manufacturing principles to improve labor-intensive manufacturing process enabling the plant to absorb $100K in new business annually.

Re-established and enhanced plant internal quality system in preparation for ISO quality audit.

Managed all operations of Birmingham branch of major southeastern distributor while facilitating consolidation of 3 other outlying branches leading to 30% anticipated reduction of overhead costs.

Successfully analyzed and advocated upgrading paint system resulting in savings of over $150,000.

Instituted accurate production hour estimates, optimized scheduling, and other systems improving accountability, assembly completion statistics, and on-time delivery by over 10% in each position held.

Spearheaded multi-process structural manufacturing cell reducing work-in-process (WIP) and non-value-added time by 50%.

Introduced new quality tracking system and follow-up process that reduced design errors to factory by 15%.

Streamlined engineering administrative processes reducing annual expenses by $15,000.

Reduced annual engineering group operating budget by 8% (approximately $80K).

EMPLOYMENT HISTORY

Columbia Sportswear Company Robards, KY 6/10 to 6/17

Leading innovator in the global apparel, footwear, accessories and equipment markets. Design, develop, market and distribute active outdoor and lifestyle products under the Columbia, Sorel, Mountain Hardwear & Prana brand names from 4 Distribution Centers globally including the 560K sq. ft. 4-Star facility in Kentucky.

Senior Distribution Engineer

Owned numerous capital, cross-functional, and interdepartmental process and production improvement projects ranging from eCommerce capacity, processes, and products to plant layout changes, material handling equipment recommendations and modifications to capacity storage solutions including all aspects from initial analysis through sourcing and implementation

Collaborated with Operations team to improve efficiency, establish & maintain labor standards and work methods, and reduce costs throughout all areas of the DC

Teamed with Customer Account Representatives and Account Logistics to ensure customer packaging requirements were met, develop solutions to reduce chargebacks to DCs and streamline returns processes

Produced monthly capacity models for storage and process capacity; determined necessary staffing levels

Conducted extensive data analyses, simulations, and testing to optimize product and process flows.

UNILEVER – Ragu Plant Owensboro, KY 11/08 to 6/10

“Largest spaghetti sauce factory in the world” at 600K sq. ft. with over 450 employees and production of over 400 MM jars of sauce per year

Production Supervisor

Ensured compliance with plant and OSHA safety standards, GMP and food quality practices, and personnel policy requirements

Monitored and controlled quality objectives related to yields, labor variance, and holds to achieve annual targets

Supported and led TPM activities throughout the organization

Developed, organized, directed, and coordinated plan for production team members daily and weekly to ensure adequate staff levels to achieve production plan requirements

HON COMPANY Owensboro, KY 3/08 to 11/08

Wood seating manufacturer and part of HNI corporation, the 2nd largest office furniture manufacturer in North America

RCI/ Engineering Manager

Initiated material flow improvement process to eliminate a minimum of $150K in indirect labor.

Delivered $50K+ cost savings through design engineering changes.

Managed coordination of all facets of new product launch.

Partnered with Quality Manager to identify and implement process improvements relating to customers’ top concerns.

Collaborated with union leadership to co-lead 6S initiatives throughout the facility.

Developed & implemented standard work instructions, visual management, and pull systems within facility.

Planned, coordinated, assisted, and led kaizen teams driving performance improvements in cost, quality, & safety.

Directed activities and schedule of 4 fulltime and 4 rotational RCI members.

Trained members on lean manufacturing principles including 1-piece-flow, 5S, takt time, and the 7 wastes.

Maintained department expenses within monthly budget.

SONOCO PRODUCTS COMPANY Cincinnati, OH/ Morganfield, KY 9/04 to 3/08

$3.7G Global supplier of industrial and consumer packaging and a provider of innovative packaging solutions.

Production Manager

Assisted with planning, organizing, directing and controlling operations including implementing and managing plant, division, and corporate safety initiatives designed to maintain current world-class safety record.

Managed staff of 2 shift supervisors, scheduler, and lead shipper with indirect responsibility for 50 floor employees.

Performed cost justification of new equipment; assist in development and achievement of annual business plan.

Counseled employees on attendance, quality, and other disciplinary issues, including issuing commendations for good performance and conducting semi-annual performance reviews.

Developed system for and maintained all employee training records. Commendations as “best in division.”

Assembled and helped conduct complete training and evaluation program for saw tenders.

Managed initial deployment of Kronos payroll system; Trained others in use of system.

Coordinated with customers onsite to establish mutually beneficial solutions including new product concepts, alternative packaging for better space utilization, and kanban system responsible for improving inventory turns and reducing days on hand inventory by 75%.

Created, documented, and instituted new quality systems and procedures. Conducted training on documents.

Answered customer concerns regarding quality concerns; conducting investigation and develop corrective action(s)

Performed scheduling functions in absence of plant scheduler.

WARDS CABINETRY COMPANY Clanton, AL 3/04 to 9/04

Manufacturer of fine quality European style kitchen and bath cabinetry for over 30 years.

Operations Manager

Renovated scheduling process to enhance material availability and improve on-time delivery statistics.

Adjusted staffing to achieve maximum productivity and ensure fulfillment of production schedules.

Supervised staff of 20+ full-time and temporary employees and counseled for improved performance.

JF DAY & COMPANY Birmingham, AL 10/03 to 3/04

$25M sales, assembly, distribution, and service provider of Pella windows and doors for southeast territory encompassing Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Tennessee.

Operations Manager

Restructured layout of facility to accommodate consolidation of 4 southeastern branches into one single distribution center and to optimize flow of product, virtually eliminating waste of product backtracking.

Conducted and participated in process improvement kaizens for service and delivery departments resulting in increased accountability, waste elimination, and productivity gains.

Implemented installation scheduling process resulting in improved management and productivity of subcontractors, reduced leadtime for installations, and increased customer satisfaction.

Established visual management and workplace organization standards resulting in 15% productivity improvement of production and warehouse personnel.

Conducted first complete inventory process under new software system, achieving one of the lowest variances in recent company history.

Responsible for hiring, managing, and evaluating all operations personnel including new additions to support consolidation efforts.

Established and managed 6-person customer service call center in preparation for consolidated distribution and service, including hiring and training of new employees.

Established positive rapport with dissatisfied customers and sales associates, gaining their ultimate trust and satisfaction.

Conducted inspections of incoming product and outbound deliveries to ensure complete quality order fulfillment.

ALTEC INDUSTRIES Birmingham, AL 6/99 to 7/03

Manufacturer of aerial devices, digger derricks, bodies, and accessories for the utility industry with maximum site size of 534 employees and revenues of $110 million.

Engineering Manager 10/01 to 7/03

Managed all facets of engineering department operations including order entry, scheduling, design, programming, processing and customer service. Administered $1 million annual staff and department operating expenses budget.

Oversaw design of custom sheet metal utility body manufacturing plant. Coordinated schedules of 5 departments and 10 national customer sites ensuring timely delivery. Prioritized workload using visual management techniques.

Conducted weekly scheduling and engineering group staff meetings to communicate and resolve production, delivery, and design issues allowing maximum lead time notification to customers. Modified schedule as necessary.

Resolved shop floor issues communicated during daily production inspections.

Reviewed, reported, and tracked department performance statistics including financial status, on-time delivery, productivity, and quality.

Supervised 19 associates – Project Engineer, Designers, Programmers, Order Entry, and Processing Personnel.

Administered human resource functions including reviewing resumes, interviewing, hire recommendations, referral for termination and performance evaluations. Counseled staff on attendance and performance issues, Instituted policies on vacation and late shift ensuring adequate plant staffing.

Trained staff on new processes, procedures, and quality standards.

Established strict policies with internal suppliers ensuring timely customer deliveries.

Handled customer inquiries on previous builds, replacement parts, custom options, and quality.

Investigated engineering related warranty claims for validity and planned resolution.

Rapid Continuous Improvement (Kaizen) Coordinator 6/00 to 10/01 & 11/02 to 7/03

Oversaw and participated in Kaizen lean manufacturing implementation process.

Steered over 20 RCI events leading to over $1.5 million in annual improvements such as inventory reduction, better floor space utilization, enhanced labor efficiency, quality improvements and lead time reduction in both plant and administrative processes.

Employed value stream mapping, detailed time studies, standard work, workplace organization techniques, value added/ non-value-added analysis along with pull systems to realize goals and objectives.

Managed all disciplined follow up and preparation efforts.

Increased RCI program participation from 59 to 166 new associates and conducted all training of lean principles.

Industrial Engineering Intern 6/99 to 9/99

Designed cellular layout for fabrication department, mapped process flows, implemented pull systems, and conducted time studies.

Eliminated numerous obsolete items from inventory.

VULCAN THREADED PRODUCTS Pelham, AL 6/98 to 9/98

Manufacturer of steel threaded products including anchor bolts, steel rod, and wire.

Industrial Engineering Intern

Conducted studies including machine and operator time and motion, work sampling, efficiency along with an ergonomic study using NIOSH lifting equation.

Established production standards, ran cost analyses and facilitated ABC warehouse layout.

Developed and initiated manufactured parts routing system.

CAREER TRAINING

OSHA Safety Training

Internal Auditor Training

Supervisory Leadership Training

Employment Law & Labor Relations Training

Communication Skills Training

Academic honors, scholarships, and extracurricular involvement available upon request.

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