Continuous Improvement, Lean Manufacturing

Keith Smith

Shelbyville, TN ***** • 931-***-**** • ********@*****.***

Professional Summary

Strong leader and problem-solver dedicated to streamlining operations to decrease costs and promote organizational efficiency. Uses independent decision-making skills and sound judgment to positively impact company success.

Skills

Team Leadership

Managing Multiple Tasks

Collaborate Cross-Functionally

Project Implementation

Operational Efficiency

Supplier Relations

MS Office (Excel, PPT, Word, & Outlook)

Value Stream Mapping

Cycle Time Improvement

Root Cause Failure Investigation

Work History

Cost Improvement Specialist, 06/2022 to 04/2023

Marelli North America, Inc. – Shelbyville, TN

Responsible for implementation of Marelli Manufacturing System Continuous Improvement Diagnosis and Training in (5) US Mfg Plants.

Monitored and analyzed plant performance to identify areas of improvement and make necessary adjustments.

Used industry expertise, teaching / mentoring skills and analytical nature to resolve plant concerns and promote profitability.

New Product Launch Specialist, 02/2021 to 06/2022

Marelli North America, Inc – Lewisburg, TN

Project Leader for Tariff Reduction through Product Insourcing & Component Resourcing. Coordinated Internal and Customer cross-functional team activities to maintain successful target implementation.

Monitored daily activities and implemented quick and effective problem resolutions. Maintained clear progress updates to Business Unit Executive staff weekly. Manufacturing Engineer, 04/2019 to 02/2021

Marelli North America, Inc. – Lewisburg, TN

Used lean manufacturing principles to develop, evaluate and improve Injection molding & assembly manufacturing methods.

Identified problems and specific resolutions to fix defective, damaged or malfunctioning parts, assemblies, equipment and systems.

Supported special projects for standard time improvement. Served as technical liaison between customer, manufacturing, quality assurance and supplier personnel to resolve technical and quality issues. Monozukuri Total Cost Reduction (MTCR) Manager, 04/2006 to 04/2019 Calsonic Kansei North America – Shelbyville, TN

Managed and motivated Cross Functional Teams to identify opportunities for cost reduction and profit improvement.

Monitored and analyzed business performance to identify areas of improvement and make necessary adjustments.

Defined and communicated clear target objectives to cross functional teams. Trained CFT personnel in CKNA V-Ops Basic skills (Root Cause Analysis / Problem Solving ) Facilitated Cost Reduction Activities at Corporate and Plant level to achieve targets. Production Control Manager ( Electronics Mfg. ), 04/2005 to 04/2006 Calsonic Kansei – Lewisburg, TN And Manchester TN

Developed and maintained inventory schedules for plant consolidation from two production sites into one.

Managed logistics operations to meet customer expectations. Assessed and adjusted priorities to align with inventory levels, production quantities and other variables.

Supervised production planning while using appropriate tools and analysis for smooth production output.

Quality Assurance Section Manager (Electronics), 04/2004 to 04/2005 Calsonic Kansei – Lewisburg, TN

Led team investigation into customer complaints and corrective action to resolve quality issues. Collaborated with cross-functional teams to develop and implement process and system improvements.

Guided teams in root cause analysis to identify and resolve quality issues and defects. Assessed product quality improvements by monitoring quality assurance metrics, reports and dashboards.

Parts Arrangement Manager, 04/1999 to 04/2004

Kantus North America – Lewisburg, TN

Provided strong leadership to newly established department responsible for leading cross- functional team success in New Model Launch and Design Change Implementation. Supervised and trained staff on product knowledge and customer service. Provided department leadership for strong customer interface. Maintained positive customer relations by addressing problems head-on and implementing successful corrective actions.

Purchasing Engineer, 02/1996 to 04/1999

Kantus North America – Lewisburg, TN

Leader of localization activities within Purchasing department. Analyzed vendors and suppliers to select most suitable to deliver high-quality products at competitive pricing.

Negotiated lead-time, cost and quality to obtain maximum company benefit. Interpreted engineering drawings, part lists and production bills of materials to make informed purchase decisions.

R&D Product Development Engineer, 08/1985 to 02/1996 Pelikan Inc. North America – Franklin, TN

Product development liaison between North America and Europe manufacturing locations. Strengthened communication skills through regular interactions with customers, suppliers, tool makers and cross functional team members.

Increased project management skills taking new product from design concept to production implementation within target deadlines.

Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in team environment. Education

Bachelor of Science: Industrial Production Technologies, 12/1984 Middle Tennessee State University - Murfreesboro, TN Certifications

Nissan V-Up Facilitator

CKNA V-OPS Basics Trainer

Patents: one for product design, one for product assembly

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