Steve A. Klancnik

Barrington, IL ***** 847-***-****

www.linkedin.com/in/steveklancnik acx046@r.postjobfree.com

Operations Executive

Turn Around Troubled Operations Using Strengths in Process Improvement, Project Management, Product Development and Team Building

Expert in identifying root cause of issues and translating complex processes into clear, understandable and actionable steps. Goal-oriented and collaborative leader who consistently meets commitments with integrity. Logical problem solver who bases decisions on experience and data. Enthusiastic coach willing to listen to alternative ideas for improvement. Skilled in material fabrication and electro-mechanical assembly in consumer products companies.

Lean Manufacturing Project Management Profit & Loss Management

Team Building Process Control Management Facility Management

Stage Gate Process Management

Professional Experience

SERTA SIMMONS BEDDING, Hoffman Estates, IL 2013 to Present

Parent company for Serta, number 1 and Simmons, number 3 mattress manufacturers in the US.

Vice President, New Product Introduction and Sustaining

Oversaw all product introductions, engineering specifications, testing and compliance for both Serta and Simmons branded products produced in 40 plants across North America. Managed the successful integration and standardization of engineering processes, testing, product introduction and compliance between 2 research centers and minimized redundancy between divisions. Led separate product introduction teams in Atlanta and Chicago.

Implemented Stage Gate project management methodology, allowing product introduction 2 months earlier than previous years.

Created efficiencies and over $10M savings by consolidating material specifications.

Standardized engineering change control by implementing general manufacturing specifications between brands with shared point access.

SERTA INTERNATIONAL, Hoffman Estates, IL 2006 to 2013

Number 1 mattress manufacturer in the US and 1 of the most recognized home furnishing brands in the marketplace. Privately-held company owned by 6 licensees and represented by 23 manufacturing facilities in the US and 4 in Canada.

Vice President, Research and Product Development 2010 to 2013

Maintained competitive position as market leader through research and development of unique and creative initiatives. Capitalized on industry trends by leveraging benefits of new material developments in products, specialty bedding and the refinement of current merchandise.

Introduced gel memory foam with the launch of the iComfort product line, generating over $150M revenue in first year and 20% subsequent year growth rates.

Value-engineered material specifications, saving over $100M annually.

Designed a new fire-resistant barrier system for mattresses, meeting federal open flame regulations efficiently while saving over $2M.

Steve A. Klancnik acx046@r.postjobfree.com Page Two

SERTA INTERNATIONAL (Continued)

Director, Research and Product Development 2006 to 2010

Coordinated programs leading to development of new products, equipment and processes to support strategic plans of marketing and manufacturing. Developed staff of 9 engineers and operating budget of $12M. Provided engineering support to 27 plants and licensees. Oversaw maintenance for the custom, 110K square foot corporate headquarters and research center facility, including contract negotiations, security, HVAC and landscape maintenance.

Established a corporate-level research center for qualitative testing, performance capability, compliance verification, process control and competitive analysis, developing clear manufacturing specifications and a functional test laboratory.

Developed federal compliance strategy and documents, meeting mandatory regulations: 16 CFR Part 1633, 1632 and CPSIA.

Implemented engineering control process to manage specifications across 27 plant locations, allowing smooth product changes and standardization of assembly.

LIFE FITNESS

Global leader of the fitness industry. Cardio product lines include treadmills, exercise bikes, elliptical cross-trainers, summit trainers and stairclimbers; their strength lines include selectorized, plate-loaded and circuit series equipment.

Director, Global Manufacturing Integration, Franklin Park, IL 2003 to 2006

Directed integration of international manufacturing operations as key liaison between Life Fitness-US and priority global manufacturing partners and suppliers. Managed new product introductions, including evaluation and coordination of production capability, inventory management, quality control and logistics.

Managed expansion of operations into Hungary with production start of Signature Strength equipment line, generating incremental revenue and profit of $1.7M and $0.7M respectively.

Overcame significant language barriers while integrating design, quality, sourcing and manufacturing from the US, ramping up production from 0 to 50 units per day.

Directed a threefold expansion, introducing a cardiovascular line and second line of strength equipment, adding an additional $3M in revenue.

General Manager, Paso Robles, CA 1999 to 2002

Directed the day to day operational activities of the CA Strength Division overseeing approximately 300 employees. Complete responsibility for operating results in terms of cost, methods, quality, quantity and personnel.

Changed the workplace culture by developing improved policies and procedures that were consistently and fairly practiced resulting in 31.5% turnover reduction, 61.5% increase in plant production capacity, 42% increase in raw turns, 80% reduction in lost time due to safety and 16% increase in productivity.

Created a functional maintenance department that reduced machine downtime by 75%.

Designed and installed an automated weight plate line reducing cost by $1.4M/year.

Additional Relevant Positions Held

Production Manager, Franklin Park, IL Process Control Engineer, Franklin Park, IL

Production Line Supervisor, Franklin Park, IL Treasury Analyst, Franklin Park, IL

Education

Masters of Business Administration (MBA), Keller Graduate School of Management, Chicago, IL

Bachelor of General Studies (BGS), Business Program, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA

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