René Wautelet

Milford, MI *****

www.linkedin.com/in/renewautelet • 248-***-**** • ac46vh@r.postjobfree.com

CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT MANAGER

Accomplished, solutions-oriented management-level professional with a Six Sigma Transactional Black Belt and over 20 years of success overseeing engineering projects and coordinating effective product and process improvements.

Leverage strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills to manage cross-functional teams and analyze designs and processes for improvements. Notable success facilitating over 300 workshops to promote cost reduction and continuous improvement. Highly adept in multiple areas of automotive engineering, especially product design and development. A team-building leader with a demonstrated ability to effectively supervise and mediate between various corporate and diverse groups, soliciting feedback and inspiring engagement.

Mechanical Engineering • Project Management • Continuous Improvement

Team Leadership • Strong Communications • Stakeholder Relationships; • Business Process Improvements

TECHNICAL PROFICIENCIES

Core Engineering Skills

Stamping, Plastic Molding, Powder Metal, Coatings, Testing, and Statistical Analysis

Areas of Functional Experience

Chassis, Power Train, Drive Train, Seat Mechanisms, Electro-Mechanical Door and Seating Systems.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

PROJECT MANAGER (2014 – Present)

Nissan Technical Center, Farmington, Hills, MI

Led the coordination and facilitation of over 213 joint supplier/company investigation workshops, resulting in the identification of over $33M in potential savings. Introduced new process improvement initiatives. Liaise with internal stakeholders on all aspects of project status including updates to program management and engineering directors. Managed projects generating accurate timing plans, open issues lists, critical issue resolution and escalation, KPI reporting and analysis.

Key Achievements:

Increased investigation workshop output by 40% by revamping internal part investigation processes.

Streamlined the gathering and continuity of key supplier information.

Coordinated and led three plant line-walks, resulting in over $6.2M identified in technical savings opportunities.

TECHNICAL COST REDUCTION SPECIALIST (PURCHASING) (2013 - 2014)

FCA, Auburn Hills, MI

Oversaw life-cycle change management for supplier generated engineering cost reductions. Facilitated internal and supplier cost reduction workshops and events. Served as the supplier key contact for all continuous improvement activities pertaining to engine and chassis systems, and Body in White for NAFTA built FCA vehicles.

Key Achievements:

Increased the number of supplier-submitted cost reduction proposals by 32% by establishing task plans to meet their annual targets.

Successfully established regular progress review meetings with supplier to effectively increase process improvements by 28%.

TEST ENGINE BUILD MANAGER / CHANGE MANAGEMENT COORDINATOR (2011 - 2013)

Daimler Trucks North America, Detroit, MI

Coordinated prototype engine builds and parts availability, builds and test scheduling, and Bill of Materials accuracy. Directed meetings to resolve issues and presented reports. Delivered weekly assessment presentations for corporate engineering warranty reviews. Oversaw the global release of engineering change management processes

Key Achievements:

Chaired ~40 weekly management cross-departmental meetings.

Coordinated the implementation of a new Change Management global release process between North American and German engineering operations.

Implemented tracking tools to effectively identify inconsistencies in production engine test schedules.

TECHNICAL COST REDUCTION SPECIALIST (PURCHASING) (2010 - 2011)

Chrysler Group LLC, Auburn Hills, MI

Managed corporate vehicle database for all chassis supplier initiated cost reduction proposals. Maintained accountability for all activities regarding supplier annual cost reduction target achievements. Served as Purchasing Cost Reduction Liaison between chassis suppliers and Chrysler.

PROJECT MANAGER (2007 - 2009)

Disher Design & Development, Grand Rapids, MI

Oversaw multiple contracted projects, minimizing costs and improving efficiencies. Managed the re-engineering of an assembly. Produced a cost reduction idea tracking system, including database and executive dashboard documentation.

Key Achievements:

Avoided threats by General Motors to withdraw Cadillac Instrument Panel and Headliner business by identifying and documenting 31 potential process and product design optimization proposals.

Identified hazardous chemical ingredients in supplier manufacturing processes, resulting in the company's receipt of its first product Environmental Certification Award.

ENGINEERING MANAGER/ SIX SIGMA BLACKBELT/ LEAD ENGINEER (2000 - 2006) Johnson Controls, Plymouth MI

Created and managed engineering processes including integrating mechanism warranty testing and evaluation capabilities into corporate business units’ product development. Streamlined in-house product development and testing capabilities.

Key Achievement:

Doubled capabilities and yearly output while minimizing daily operation costs.

Six Sigma Transactional Blackbelt with 5 completed projects

Engineering Manager for Dura Automotive Systems, Senior Engineer Specialist for Magna Dortec Industries, and Senior Value Management Engineer for SKF Automotive Division.

EDUCATION & CREDENTIALS

Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering, Concentration in Machine Design

Lawrence Technological University (ABET Accredited), Southfield, MI

Certification and Patent

Six Sigma Black Belt (Transactional), 2001- 2003

Patent # 5,497,578 -- Window Regulator Cushioned Up-Stop

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