Manufacturing Leader

Bruce Tabbert

*** **** ****** ** ** Mars, IA ****1 712-***-**** *****@**.***

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Accomplished Lean Manufacturing Operations Servant Leader with a proven track record of nurturing the continuous improvement culture and ensuring safe work environments in diverse industries by eliminating waste, mitigating risks, standardizing best practices, and championing team members while refining the strategic vision as necessary to deliver positive, sustainable financial performance for a variety of family-owned businesses in northwest Iowa. PROFESSIONAL PROFILE

Adept at planning and delivering professional development curriculum to a wide variety of audiences, while maintaining individual focus on all participants. Calm crisis manager and creative problem solver with a passion for helping colleagues set realistic goals and working deliberately every day to achieve those goals. Confident, articulate, and influential, even without direct authority, helping diverse groups of people reach consensus when they may have conflicting expectations. Formally trained in HACCP principles, ISO 9001 & TS 16949 Technical standards, Lean Manufacturing practices, Six Sigma Improvement processes, and SQF programs. Servant Leader with over 20 years of experience building high performing teams to refine Logistics Processes, Manufacturing Operations, and the entire Supply Chain. WORK EXPERIENCE

VT INDUSTRIES

Program Manager, Holstein, IA (April 2018 to Present)

Defined the scope requirements to assess a new ERP system and established selection criteria to consistently evaluate vendor presentations.

Participating in daily Production Meetings and weekly Focused Gemba Walks to realize frequent, incremental improvements on the factory floor.

Assessing the current corporate Hot Melt Glue strategy to provide consistency in all applications and to potentially coordinate with fewer suppliers.

Planning and executing capital improvement projects to increase plant throughput by 33% before January 1, 2020 at the flagship facility in Holstein, IA.

Implementing the Project and Process Management Program for nine sites across the country in the Architectural Wood Door and Countertop Divisions. WELLS ENTERPRISES, INC.

Continuous Improvement, Le Mars, IA (2015 to 2018)

Led the most comprehensive production line technology infrastructure upgrade in the 104-year history of the company.

Initiated a quarterly internal newsletter highlighting continuous improvement strategies and results for three production plants.

Planned and managed capital improvement projects to attain a 41% reduction in changeover time across 11 ice cream production lines.

Developed a Maintenance Technician Apprenticeship Training Program with a local Community College to improve skills and enhance service.

Increased Engineering Fabrication Shop throughput by 30% by completing Value Stream Mapping events, followed by dedicated Kaizen events.

Lowered OIR by 41% over one year by implementing Behavior Based Safety Observations and Ergonomic Assessments for process improvements.

Standardized work practices and organized workspaces to increase flow, remove waste, and reduce rework to improve finished good product quality.

Utilized the latest technology combined with simulation and test plant environments to develop and deliver world-class hands on training for skilled crafts. Logistics Operations Manager, Le Mars, IA (2011 to 2015)

Attained 100% rating on the initial Level 3 SQF Facility Audit.

Initiated a Supervisor Progression program to consistently evaluate supervisors and to help them prepare for career progression.

Divested a remote production facility and integrated the capacity from three bulk production lines into the Le Mars, IA manufacturing site.

Led the Process Safety Management team to define the Emergency Response Plan and conducted regular audits to refine the plan as needed.

Implemented a 100% Certificate of Analysis (COA) verification process combined with a Positive Release Hold (PRH) program for all ingredients.

Started the First-Time Supervisor Development program to identify hourly employees with leadership skill sets and interest in earning a supervisor role.

Planned and executed an online dock schedule for suppliers, internal carriers, and customers to improve equipment utilization and reduce costs by 17%. Warehouse Supervisor, Le Mars, IA (2007 to 2011)

Reduced a $2.4 million annual labor expense by more than $660 thousand.

Assigned as Emergency Coordinator, Confined Space Rescue team member, and Rope Recovery team leader.

Drafted the inaugural Wells Done Well nomination to celebrate extraordinary employee efforts or accomplishments.

Coordinated a pallet-racking project with a 100% reset of available warehouse storage space to increase capacity by 13%.

Initiated an on-boarding program for all new internal salaried employees and all supplier contacts interacting with the supply chain team.

Converted company-owned material handling equipment to a long-term lease and maintenance agreement, saving over $750 thousand annually.

Started a recycling program and highlighted landfill reduction efforts to earn advocacy from the CEO and defined the corporate sustainability plan.

Developed a Supplier Scorecard to evaluate supplier performance and conducted audits of supplier facilities to guarantee conformance to standards. INTERSTATES

Project Manager, Sioux Center, IA (2006 to 2007)

Developed scope of work requirements such as environmental studies, surveying needs, and field services for grain handling facility upgrades.

Sourced and approved final payment for all purchased parts, mechanical equipment, and construction materials for capital projects in northwest Iowa.

Updated project budgets, estimates, forecasts, and timelines for instrumentation projects in grain handling facilities and ethanol plants in the Midwest. LINK MANUFACTURING

Production Supervisor, Sioux Center, IA (2005 to 2006)

Delivered and installed cargo management systems for the death care industry throughout the continental United States and Canada.

Fabricated, tested, revised, and installed air-ride suspension systems and lift axles for the Class VIII heavy truck industry in a TS 16949 qualified facility.

Assigned daily work tasks to CNC operators, plasma table operators, welders, painters, assemblers, and shipping clerks in an ISO 9001 qualified facility.

Revised procurement, delivery, inventory management, scheduling, and production processes to increase daily plant output from 425 units to 700 units. TONY ROMA’S OF SIOUXLAND

Restaurant Owner, Sioux City, IA (2003 to 2005)

Developed and executed the business plan for a family-owned franchise restaurant.

Conducted all Human Resource and Payroll functions in accordance with applicable regulations.

Hired and trained assistant managers, front of the house managers, back of the house managers, and all staff to operate a restaurant.

Sourced, inventoried, and approved payment for all merchandise, equipment, utensils, and food products to ensure food safety and quality. Bruce Tabbert

345 17th Street SE Le Mars, IA 51031 712-***-**** *****@**.*** WORK EXPERIENCE (continued)

SACRED HEART SCHOOL

School Teacher, Sioux City, IA (1994 to 1996)

Taught Math, Science, Spelling, and Computers to 7th and 8th grade students in a parochial school.

Installed a new computer network and initiated technical support with the local Area Education Agency IT department.

Developed lesson plans and delivered instruction based on assessments and individual needs to classrooms of up to 25 students. GENERAL & MECHANICAL CONTRACTORS

ASME Code Certified Welder & Project Manager, Sioux City, IA (1989 to 2003)

ASME 6G Position Code Certified Welder.

Ironworker Foreman and Project Manager for contractors building and remodeling manufacturing plants and cold storage facilities in the Midwest.

Installed, serviced, and repaired production line equipment, conveyor components, and mechanical room equipment for mechanical contractors in Iowa. NATIONAL GUARD & US ARMY RESERVE

Infantry Officer, Iowa, South Dakota, South Korea (1994 to 2000)

Distinguished Military Graduate.

Graduated from Airborne School.

Graduated from Infantry Officer Basic Course.

US ARMY – ACTIVE DUTY

Tracked-Vehicle Mechanic, Fort Carson, CO & Berlin, Germany (1984 to 1988)

Enlisted as Private (E-1) and promoted to Sergeant (E-5) in 23 months.

Graduated from the Professional Leadership Development Course (PLDC).

Trained in gasoline and diesel engine maintenance & repairs, tracked-vehicle repair procedures, and vehicle recovery operations. BURLINGTON NORTHERN RAILROAD

Laborer, Onida, SD (1983 to 1984)

General laborer and welder on railroad track refurbishment crew. FCR WELDING

Structural Ironworker Foreman, Gillette, WY (1982 to 1983)

Structural Ironworker Foreman contracted to General Contractors throughout Wyoming. DANIEL CONSTRUCTION COMPANY

Laborer, Wright, WY (1981 to 1982)

General laborer on coal mine construction site.

Promoted to Ironworker Helper in August, 1981.

EDUCATION

HOW TO INFLUENCE WITHOUT DIRECT AUTHORITY

UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN MADISON, WI 2016

2016 ICE CREAM SHORT COURSE

PENN STATE UNIVERSITY STATE COLLEGE, PA 2016

THE LEAN EXPERIENCE

LEAN LEARNING CENTER TROY, MI 2015

SQF PRACTITIONER

SQF INSTITUTE LE MARS, IA 2012

PRINCIPLES OF HACCP

INTERNATIONAL HACCP ALLIANCE LE MARS, IA 2012

CRITICAL THINKING

BUENA VISTA UNIVERSITY STORM LAKE, IA 2011

BUSINESS FINANCE

BUENA VISTA UNIVERSITY STORM LAKE, IA 2010

STATISTICS

WESTERN IOWA TECH COMMUNITY COLLEGE LE MARS, IA 2009 BACHELOR’S DEGREE – EDUCATION

UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH DAKOTA VERMILLION, SD 1994

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