Operations Manager

Sandra K. Gladstone

**** **********, ********, ** *****

****************@*****.*** / 509-***-****

Experience Summary

Sandra Gladstone has over 25 years’ experience in business, manufacturing and project management. As Operations Manager for a non-profit medical manufacturer and Vice President of Operations for the manufacture of wheelchairs, she instituted numerous cost-saving and performance-enhancing measures. As Communications and Customer Relations Representative for Sandvik’s titanium golf and sports equipment, she contributed to increasing brand awareness and a growing market share. Her career has included other leadership and staff positions in engineering, maintenance, communications, customer relations, and human resources. Additionally, her background includes business and financial management of an Organizational Development consulting firm. Achievement-focused and goal-oriented, Ms. Gladstone has demonstrated her ability to accomplish results through effective planning, teaming and execution. She offers strong organizational skills and works well with all levels of staff and management. She has served on local boards, including the Tri-Cities Visitors and Convention Bureau and Columbia Industries, and is a community volunteer.

Professional Achievements

Served as Project Lead responsible for relocating the TiLite Corporation from its Port of Kennewick location to a new facility in Pasco. Provided planning, logistics, coordination, and oversight for successfully transferring all manufacturing operations and administrative services. The well-planned move resulted in an efficient continuity of production with the first wheelchair frame built by noon the first day. Coordinated all the sales and disposition of excessed equipment.

Implemented Lean Manufacturing, improving operational performance and customer value

Reduced production turn-around from 6 weeks to 10 days (average)

Revamped tubing/cut-off procedures achieving $150,000 in savings

Strengthened the production team and supportive work environments, improving performance

Created national exposure with a story of Sandvik Special Metals’ President (Eugene Astley) featured on the Paul Harvey Radio Program, The Rest of the Story, and a follow-up story about the company’s titanium wheelchairs

Authored an article on production of titanium golf shafts (published in Golfsmith Magazine)

Directed production of an award-winning video on TiShaft golf clubs

Guided creation of award-winning logo and stationery suite

Secured national television coverage (Turner Broadcasting) for Sandvik Special Metals, which hosted the Swedish Hockey team during the Goodwill Games. The show featured Steve Largent, football star and commentator for a special event on the Spirit of Washington Dinner Train.

Arranged national televised exposure of Sandvik Special Metals on USA Today TV

Work History

2015 - 2019 SIGN Fracture Care International, Richland, WA

Operations Manager and Facility Coordinator (August 2016 – July 2019)

Operation Analyst (November 2015 – August 2016)

Conducted time studies to assess production processes; reduced screws production time by 17% and QC time by 14%

Reduced reject rate for nails and screws by over 50% (3.3% to 1.5%)

Achieved over $10,000 annual cost savings for tooling

Directed completion of 24 new R&D parts in one year. (Best year in company history)

Eliminated a primary issue causing late shipments

Implemented a new process to bend 5 nails at a time verses 2, enhancing production time

Coordinated pre-sale inspections, repairs, and issue resolutions for purchase of the Port of Benton building

2001 – 2015 TiLite Corporation, Kennewick, WA

Facilities Manager (2013 to July 2015)

Managed facility maintenance and operations, procurements, deliveries, setup, excessing

Planned, directed and coordinated facility upgrades, remodeling projects, department moves

Managed maintenance of buildings and properties

Customer Service Project and Planning (2013 to July 2015)

Created and implemented a matrixed system for tracking and resolving Customer Service issues impacting production

Used the tracking system to mediate issues and institute production improvements

Performed time studies to identify opportunities for improvements in procedures, equipment or programs. Implemented changes that provided operational efficiencies and cost savings.

Led a project to transform the file system from boxes of paper files to digitally scanned files that reduced storage space and provided the Plant with easy access to electronic files.

Manager of Engineering (2011 to 2013)

Directed product development from concept to production, including FDA testing, prototype development, tooling development and testing, production processes and set-up, and product release.

Developed well-coordinated processes for integrating the activities of Marketing, Customer Service, and Finance departments in preparations for new product releases.

Managed completion of 127 outstanding Engineering Change Orders (ECOs).

Vice President, Operations (2001 to 2010)

Directed manufacturing of titanium and aluminum customized wheelchairs and other products for medical and commercial markets worldwide

Identified and implemented cost-saving production efficiencies

Created a tracking procedure for parts and products

Provided process control for fabrication, finishing, welding, assembly, sewing, powder coat, custom shop, maintenance, cut-off/tubing, shipping and janitorial services

Managed 70+ member production staff

2000 – 2001 Gladstone Group, Kennewick, WA

Vice President, Business and Finance

Provided overall business and finance management

1998 – 2000 Sandvik Sports Division / Titanium Sports Technology, Kennewick, WA

Vice President, Marketing

Managed marketing and trade show activities and supported new product development

Prepared and submitted applications for FDA approval of wheelchairs

1985 – 1998 Sandvik Special Metals, Kennewick, WA

Served in staff positions with progressive responsibility (HR, Marketing and Communications). Served in leadership positions for high-profile events.

Communications and Customer Relations Representative

Developed external affairs contacts and managed interactions with publishers, editors and news media personnel

Coordinated vendor production of promotional materials (videos, brochures, books, point of purchase materials, trade show booths and company newsletter)

Organized internal company events (service awards, banquets, President’s all-staff meetings, and staff training sessions)

Senior Administrator, Human Resources

Maintained personnel and salary files and state employment records; interviewed and conducted testing for clerical positions

Administered plan for Affirmative Action /EEO compliance

Special Assignments

Administration Director for company-sponsored, regional golf tournaments

Member of the Board of Directors for the Sandvik Washington Open and the Ben Hogan Tri-Cities Open golf tournaments

Advertising Administrator for TiShaft golf shafts (managed a $250,000 advertising budget)

Lead Marketing Representative for Sandvik’s Titanium Sports wheelchair product line

Education

Coursework at Spokane Community College, Spokane, and Columbia Basin College, Pasco, WA

Completed Lean Mastery program through South Seattle College

References

David Lippes, Founder of TiLite and Former Owner, 509-***-****

Rick Foreman, former President, TiLite, 509-***-****

Ron Boninger, former Vice President of Global Sales, TiLite, 602-***-****

Brian Barnes, IT Manager at SIGN, 509-***-****

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