Christopher Kiesling

Experienced Operations Manager

Detroit, MI 48223

ac4b9l@r.postjobfree.com - 313-***-****

An ambitious manager, educated in both engineering and business disciplines, Mr. Kiesling has exceptional technical and business development skills. He has demonstrated experience in building and motivating high- performance teams in a variety of manufacturing environments. Known for his ability to strategically evaluate current issues and determine long term solutions, he is also adept at asset management and commercial contract negotiation. A loyal and hard-working leader, he will quickly become a key decision maker and problem solver at any organization.

Authorized to work in the US for any employer

WORK EXPERIENCE

General Manager

Detroit Bikes - Detroit, MI -

2016-01 - 2017-07

• Oversaw daily operations of 30-person production facility including machining, welding, paint and assembly operations.

• Utilized Lean Manufacturing principles and process improvements to increase output from 20 bicycles per day to 40 bicycles, while reducing headcount by 30% across the facility.

• Collaborated with core team to develop bills of material and marketing strategies for all bicycle models, resulting in a 25% improvement in core brand sales.

• Wrote a grant application in collaboration with a new technology provider, leading to the award of a $1 million development grant for a new product offering.

• Designed new models, expanding catalog from three bicycles to twenty-six in one year.

• Maintained facility, conducting routine maintenance and repairs, and implementing engineering and design changes to increase uptime and reduce manpower requirements.

• Developed and communicated annual budget for the company, ensuring employees understood targets and responsibilities.

• Created and maintained financial models and strategic growth plan to identify and pursue new opportunities. Project Manager

DTE Energy Services - Ann Arbor, MI -

2014-07 - 2016-01

• Led the Safety Maturity Model (SaMM) assessment process for all business units in DTE Energy Services.

• Developed communication materials to improve employee understanding of the SaMM assessment and safety performance goals at the plant level.

• Completed safety assessments for all business units within the Power and Industrial group, and aided in developing improvements plans, resulting in significant improvements on subsequent evaluations.

• Headed a special project to revamp safety training and measure effectiveness of training for all business units within DTE Energy Services.

• Assisted continuous improvement team with several projects, including training sessions for Yellow Belt certification.

Plant Manager

DTE Energy Services - Pittsburgh, PA -

2013-03 - 2014-07

• Supervised a team of 150 employees (120 union/ 30 management) responsible for operation and maintenance of Shenango coke plant in Pittsburgh, PA, including safety, environmental, production and cost performance.

• Improved safety performance, setting records for longest span without a recordable injury.

• Honored with the 2013 Sarah Sheridan Award at DTE Energy Services for improving community relations in a difficult social environment, through direct engagement and positive media interactions.

• Fostered the use of continuous improvement tools and created opportunities for employees to gain Yellow Belt certifications, driving higher performance at the facility.

• Implemented Lean Manufacturing principles, improving employee engagement and resulting in fewer defects in material preparation.

• Filled 25 vacancies at the facility, including key management personnel -- maintenance, operations and assistant plant managers.

• Developed strategic business plans to improve the facility while maintaining operating and capital budgets. Business Development Manager

DTE Energy Services - Ann Arbor, MI -

2010-07 - 2013-03

• Coordinated development efforts to submit a proposal to the world’s largest steel company to construct and operate a new plant in Indiana.

• Renegotiated a commercial contract for compressed gas, saving $400,000+ per year with assured pricing over a 10-year contract.

• Partnered with customers in the steel industry to develop new projects and maintained commercial relationships with current customers and suppliers.

• Prepared strategy documents for Steel group, outlining growth opportunities and development focus over the next five years, including a plan for renegotiating key business unit supply agreements.

• Provided technical support for development opportunities in other business units, focusing on assessment of new business lines and feasibility of operations. Business Unit Manager

DTE Energy Services - Ecorse, MI -

2006-02 - 2010-07

• Managed 24-hour operations at the chemical plant, including 13 union employees.

• Led all safety and environmental activities, along with a major capital project to replace the plant’s emission control system.

• Instituted special projects and improved overall operations, increasing profitability by 15%, and light oil yields by 80%.

• Developed additional learning opportunities for employees and focused the culture on personal responsibility and employee engagement.

Technology Engineer

DTE Energy Services - Ecorse, MI -

2004-08 - 2006-02

• Provided technical support and managed projects at the coke battery facility in Ecorse, MI.

• Completed operations portion of computer control upgrade project ahead of schedule and under budget, with zero safety incidents and no downtime.

• Oversaw demolition of 50-year-old chemical units, including pipeline identification, isolation, and purging to ensure employee and contractor safety.

General Manager

National Industrial - Dearborn, MI -

2002-09 - 2004-08

• Managed daily operations of environmental service company with 35 field employees.

• Increased division sales by 60% in one year through improved bidding, more focused sales efforts and expanded service offerings.

• Directed all maintenance for mobile, computer-based CCTV inspections units at the lowest cost per unit corporate-wide.

Shift Foreman

National Steel Corporation - Ecorse, MI -

2000-06 - 2002-09

• Supervised crew of three employees operating the chemical plant, and conducted daily safety meetings.

• Developed a recycling program for waste material in the plant, saving over $1 million in disposal costs. EDUCATION

MBA in Business Administration

University of Michigan - Ann Arbor, MI

2008-08 - 2010-05

BS in Chemical Engineering

Michigan - East Lansing, MI

1997-08 - 2000-05

CERTIFICATIONS/LICENSES

Six Sigma Black Belt

2006 - Present

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