Continuous Improvement Leader

Cynthia L Kakareka

Business Improvement Specialist

Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida 32082

*******.********@*****.***

PROFILE

* Strong leadership expertise with over 20 years in management roles

* Master facilitator, consultant, and trainer with a proven record of success in Change Management.

* 15+ years of comprehensive experience in Training & Development, Continuous Improvement, Process and Business Improvement, and Lean methodology

* Proven ability to lead and manage multicultural teams at all levels to success

* Certified Six Sigma Black Belt and Lean Manufacturing expert.

* Extensive background in Human Resources, Project Management and Operations

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

* Established Organizational Development in a rapidly growing business providing strategies, programs, and structure necessary to support sustainable growth, provide risk mitigation, and enhance profitability through resource optimization. Provided expert facilitation and coaching to executives, supervisors and managers regarding OD methods and tools, mentoring and coaching all levels of the organization.

* Served as Human Resource Officer to establish HR governance – Identified, developed and implemented critical policies relating to the personnel; areas including working practices, recruitment, compensation and benefits, conditions of employment, diversity, equal opportunities. Additionally, management policies on issues such as working conditions, performance management, training and development, career paths, disciplinary procedures and absence management, conflict resolution and grievances. Procured HR resource for continued compliance of laws and regulations, mentoring and guidance, and record retention and compliance.

* Developed a new Business Improvement model as a Founding Partner for Della Luce Solutions-a comprehensive approach to transform organizations and achieve optimum business results through employee engagement. Developed survey and analysis to customize training to meet the individual needs of each organization based on present culture.

* Business Improvement Leader accomplishments:

* Successfully developed and implemented a Margin Enhancement Program across 10 international projects resulting in excess of $7 million of savings in year one.

* Created a Strategic Sourcing Department for an international company to identify opportunities for cross-functional improvements between engineering design and procurement that resulted in cost savings, efficiency and recognition for the team.

* Implemented Lean Manufacturing at multiple sites, including training of all personnel, resulting in over $1 million in savings.

* Developed and conducted training for executives, managers, professionals, and hourly personnel in: Six Sigma Analyst 1 & 2, Lean Manufacturing & JIT (Just In Time) and Change Management.

* Facilitated identification of Risks and Opportunities that led to improvements in project profitability. Conducted Lessons Learned, tracked and utilized on future projects.

* Worked with Senior Leadership, President, Vice-Presidents and Senior Directors to identify and implement various Continuous Improvement projects that supported the business goals of increased customer and employee satisfaction, higher order intake and growing profitability.

* Designed and implemented a successful employee satisfaction survey across multiple international sites.

* Designed and implemented new processes, project leader training and supported all project leaders and their systems on numerous international projects as Project Management Officer.

* Founding member of Women in Leadership at Bombardier Transportation.

EXPERIENCE

Accelerated Tax Solutions, Jacksonville, FL 2012 - 2013

Director of Resource Development

Della Luce Solutions, Pittsburgh, PA 2009 - 2013

Founding Partner/Resource Development Expert

Bombardier Transportation, West Mifflin, PA 1998 - 2009

Business Improvement / Project Management Officer

Six Sigma Agent

Senior Planner/Manufacturing Control Analyst

Stores, Shipping & Receiving Manager

Petrie Corporation, Arnold Constable Company,

Reis-N-Sheimer Apparel 1979 – 1988

Retail Management / District and Multiple Stores

EDUCATION

Point Park University, Pittsburgh, PA

Bachelor of Science: Management

GPA 4.0 to date

The Wheeler School of Business, Pittsburgh, PA

Associates of Science: Management

Honors Graduate

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Six Sigma Black Belt, World Class Manufacturing, Lean,

Change Leadership, DISC Training, Project Management,

Women in Leadership, PRO Auditor Training, 7 Habits Covey Leadership, Serving Leadership, Value of the Person, Leadership for Project Mgmt., HRCI Training Modules, Time Management.

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