Manufacturing Manager

Katie McFarland

**** ******* ***, **** ***** Indiana 46814 260-***-**** ********@*****.*** LinkedIn

OPERATIONS MANAGER PLANT MANAGER MANUFACTURING DIRECTOR

Results-driven manufacturing management professional with 17 years of experience in the automotive industry, including 12 years in leadership roles. Proven track record of improving operational efficiency, reducing costs, and driving quality improvements while managing large teams and unionized workforces. Adept at fostering collaboration, mentoring teams, and delivering results in high-pressure environments. Skilled in safety compliance, process optimization, and lean manufacturing principles. Recognized for achieving significant cost savings, quality improvements, and productivity gains across multiple plants.

SKILLS & CORE COMPETENCIES

Operations Management Lean Manufacturing Continuous Improvement (OpEx) Process Improvement

Team Leadership & Mentorship Union Labor Relations Grievance Resolution Productivity Optimization

Safety Compliance Quality Assurance (BIQ 3 & 4 Certified) Cost Control Strategic Planning

Cross-Functional Collaboration Data-Driven Decision Making Launch Management

Experienced leader with a proven ability to develop and manage high-performing teams while fostering collaboration and accountability.

Adept at analyzing data and generating actionable insights to support decision-making and process optimization.

Strong communicator with a talent for conflict resolution, stakeholder engagement, and mentoring team members to achieve organizational goals.

Passionate about driving process improvements to streamline operations and reduce inefficiencies.

WORK EXPERIENCE

General Motors

06/2008 – Present

Chassis Shift Leader

Lansing Delta Township Assembly 08/2024 – Present

Lead a team of 7 direct reports and 193 hourly employees, ensuring safety, quality, and productivity targets are met.

Achieved 98.5% quality rate for the Chassis Department, contributing to a plant-wide 91% DRR (Defect Resolution Rate).

Championed General Assembly Quality for 8th-level BPD (Business Plan Deployment), driving continuous improvement initiatives.

Oversaw the production of 389 vehicles per shift at a rate of 54.1 JPH (Jobs Per Hour).

Resolved union grievances and conducted mid-year and end-of-year performance reviews.

Body Shop Shift Leader

Spring Hill Manufacturing 05/2024 – 07/2024

Managed 6 direct reports and ensured safety, quality, throughput, and cost targets were achieved.

Championed Cost for Level 2 BPD, delivering measurable productivity gains.

Oversaw Intelex cases for timely closure, improving operational efficiency.

Recognized as Safety Star Champion for maintaining a zero-incident record.

Vehicle Assembly Crew Leader

Spring Hill Manufacturing 06/2023 – 05/2024

Oversaw 2nd shift production across Body Shop, Paint Shop, IMN/Stamping, General Assembly, and Final Process.

Mentored 8th-level leaders, providing tools to enhance safety, quality, and efficiency.

Delivered a 50% improvement in GCA (Global Customer Audit) scores.

Production Superintendent

Marion Stamping 05/2022 – 06/2023

Directed daily production plans, achieving a 40.7% reduction in yearly NSOT (Non-Scheduled Overtime), saving $168,649.

Championed Workplace Safety Systems (WSS), maintaining a 4.3 Intelex safety rating.

Reduced door pad scrap by 60% in 2022, driving significant cost savings.

Trim Shift Leader

Fort Wayne Assembly 08/2020 – 04/2022

Managed 7 direct reports and 332 hourly employees, achieving productivity and quality goals.

Reduced Peps defects from 280 failures to zero, saving $16,000 annually.

Supported flawless launch initiatives and resolved union grievances.

Quality Shift Leader

Fort Wayne Assembly 11/2018 – 08/2020

Oversaw torque items and plant-wide quality, achieving a 95% quality goal.

Improved manpower planning and productivity gains across departments.

Business Manager

Fort Wayne Assembly 12/2016 – 11/2018

Coordinated manpower for 300+ employees, achieving a throughput goal of 444 trucks per shift.

Championed scrap reduction initiatives, improving department efficiency.

Per Diem Supervisor/Salary Supervisor

Fort Wayne Assembly 10/2013 – 12/2016

Managed 30+ employees and all lines in the Trim Shop, ensuring operational excellence.

Relief Operator/General Assembly

Fort Wayne Assembly 06/2008 – 10/2013

Trained in JES/SOS and covered Team Leader roles, gaining hands-on experience in assembly line operations.

EDUCATION

Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management – Organizational Leadership

Indiana Tech, Fort Wayne, IN 2016 – 2020

CERTIFICATIONS & ACHIEVEMENTS

BIQ 4 Certification (Marion Stamping)

BIQ 3 Certification (Fort Wayne Assembly)

PMN-E Board Member (Fort Wayne Assembly)

Improvement plan member representing Fort Wayne Assembly plant (GM-Silao Assembly, Mexico)

Successfully launched T1 (Fort Wayne Assembly)

GCA 50% improvement (Fort Wayne Assembly)

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