Continuous Improvement Manager

Vladan Markovich

Aurora, Ontario L*G *S* • 416-***-**** • **********@*****.*** • linkedin.com/in/vladan-markovich

SUMMARY

I am a confident, values-based, hands-on, and self-driven leader with a growth mindset. With extensive continuous improvement and operational excellence management experience across complex manufacturing environments. I possess a deep understanding of cost and quality drivers. I have successfully coached, mentored, and trained people with varying experiences to work in teams to achieve the highest level of performance and continually create and deliver value to customers and shareholders. Known for excellent collaboration and relationship-building skills, I am data and results-driven, with strong analytical, financial, problem-solving, team-building, and operational excellence expertise. I bring a proven track record of success within complex business environments and manufacturing operations, supported by my engineering degree, global and multi-site experience, and start-up expertise. A true team player, I thrive in challenging and dynamic settings.

Core Competencies:

Strategic Planning & Execution

Operational Improvement & Cost Reduction

Product Development & Launch

Continuous Improvement & Lean Manufacturing

P&L Management & Financial Oversight

Safety & Risk Management

SQF Certified & High-Volume Manufacturing

Automotive and Fabrication Industry Expertise

HIGHLIGHTS OF EXPERIENCE

Led strategic operational improvements across global, multi-site, and start-up manufacturing environments.

Increased sales by $40 million through values-driven leadership and strategic market expansion.

Launched over 175 new programs for OEM and aftermarket customers within tight deadlines.

Improved right-first-time rates from 80% to 98% and on-time shipping from 65% to 100%.

Directed multiple CAPEX projects, including equipment upgrades, facility expansions, and ERP implementations.

Reduced operating costs by 50% through supply chain optimization and outsourcing non-core processes.

Enhanced equipment reliability, achieving a 15% reduction in downtime and a 50% improvement in schedule attainment.

Achieved zero safety incidents for over two years by fostering a culture of safety excellence.

Improved overall efficiency from 53% to 88% through Kaizen events and Lean initiatives.

Reduced conversion costs by 20% and increased efficiency by 27% through continuous improvement strategies.

Successfully implemented ISO 9001, IATF 16949 and SQF quality systems, achieving zero quality incidents.

Developed innovative products, including patented utility trailers and personal snowplows.

Directed global quality improvement efforts, achieving a 67% enhancement in performance within four months.

Spearheaded operational turnarounds, improving safety, quality, throughput, and profitability in underperforming divisions.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Plant Manager

Crown Metal Packaging • Toronto, Ontario

11/2022 – 09/2024

Led strategic and operational performance improvements, focusing on safety, quality, and production excellence.

Increased throughput by 5% and reduced aluminum can weight by 9% through strategic cost-reduction initiatives.

Implemented Lean practices, including visual factory and kaizen, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.

Plant Manager

Signature Aluminum Canada • Pickering, Ontario

08/2021 – 11/2022

Reduced unplanned downtime by 15% and improved schedule attainment by 50% through alignment of teams to strategic goals.

Enhanced equipment reliability and productivity through targeted operational strategies.

General Manager

Util Canada • Vaughan, Ontario

01/2020 – 02/2021

Built strong cross-functional teams, launching 46 OEM programs and 130 aftermarket programs in under 8 months.

Reduced operating costs by 50%, improved efficiency by 27%, and reduced inventory by 23% through supply chain optimization.

Established a new 54,000 sq. ft. facility in Monterrey, Mexico, boosting annual sales by $22 million.

Vice President of Operations

Samuel Roll Form Group • Cambridge, Ontario & Iuka, Mississippi

09/2017 – 12/2019

Achieved over $4 million in annual savings through Lean methods and strategic capital investments.

Directed the seamless implementation of Dynamics 365 ERP, ensuring no operational downtime.

Vice President of Operations

Welded Tube of Canada • Concord, Ontario

09/2013 – 05/2017

Increased efficiency by 10%, improved yield by 4%, and reduced conversion costs by 20%.

Introduced Lean practices, including 5S and error-proofing, to improve product flow and operational uptime.

Process Improvement Consultant

Self-Employed – Aurora, Ontario 01/2012 – 08/2013

Consulted on operational alignment, safety compliance, and Lean Manufacturing across automotive and other manufacturing sectors.

Delivered significant improvements in safety, quality, and efficiency.

Chief Operating Officer

Snowbear Limited • Guelph, Ontario

07/2008 – 10/2011

Improved right-first-time rate from 80% to 98% and on-time shipping from 65% to 100% by implementing Lean methods.

Increased annual sales by $15 million through operational restructuring and new product development.

EDUCATION

Bachelor of Electrical Engineering Technology

Ryerson Polytechnical Institute, Toronto

CERTIFICATIONS & PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Six Sigma Black Belt

Leadership Development Program – Schulich School of Business

Lean Manufacturing

Constraints Management

Financial Modeling

Supply Chain Management

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