Lean Continuous Improvement Manager
Resume:
Kenneth Dayton
Lean Service Operations and Continuous Improvement Manager
Livermore, CA 94550 **************@*****.***
Lean Manufacturing and Operational Excellence Continuous Improvement Manager with proven strategy and breakthrough implementation in all levels of project, technical, and business processes. Leading Safety and Quality, by example, with high integrity, effective communication, Teamwork, customer first focus, and data driven 8D root cause problem solving expertise. Effective Directing proven results in all phases of Lean Performance Operations, Quality, and Safety. Extremely Technically proficient.
Areas of Expertise: Automotive Service Management, Complete Vehicle Diagnosis/Repair, Global Process Improvement and cost reduction directing Toyota Production System, McKinsey Lean Implementation, Lean Six Sigma, Continuous Improvement, Organizational Dynamics, Theory of Constraints, PPI, NPI, TPM, and Production Readiness. Proven Lean Manager Directing a culture of Quality, Compliance, Performance Continuous Improvement, and sustained Safety. Functional areas include Business Strategy, Manufacturing, Production, Supply Chain, NPI, Engineering, Planning and IT. Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite, Minitab, SAP, Oracle, MES, ERP, and CAD.
Work Experience
Automotive General Manager
Stress-Free Auto Care – Concord, CA
May 2024 to Present
Ensure efficient use of resources and high standards of service delivery.
Implement & enforce safety protocols and industry regulations.
Foster a positive work environment by providing ongoing coaching opportunities.
Uphold a customer-centric approach by ensuring prompt & courteous service.
Addressed customer concerns & complaints on Yelp & Google Reviews.
Maintain strong relationships with customers to enhance loyalty & satisfaction.
Stay updated with industry trends, technological advancements, & other markets.
Maintain accurate records of operations, financial transactions, & employee activities.
Prepare regular reports for management regarding shop performance & key metrics.
Ensure compliance with all legal & regulatory requirements.
Meeting Production Goals after only two months Directing Facility.
Completed vehicles in less than two months inherited from previous management that had languished at Concord for over a year.
ASE Master Technician
Marin Jaguar, Land Rover, Range Rover - Corte Madera, CA February 2022 to May 2024
•ASE Master Smog Technician and Team Leader.
•Established and implement site California Smog Inspection Program.
•Responsible for the diagnosis and repair of complex smog and drivability issues.
•Coach and Mentor safe, high quality vehicle repair.
•Perform all phases of vehicle repairs and client interface.
Team Leader/Technician
Mercedes Benz of Oakland
2018 to February 2022
•Team Leader Responsible for Safety, Training, and Production.
•Mercedes Master Technician and California Smog Test and Repair Certified
•Diagnostic Technical Specialist including electric and diesel vehicles
SERVICE MANAGER/MASTER TECHNICIAN
IMPORT MOTORS 2016 to 2018
•Managed facility daily operations, scheduling, and workflow
•Specialized in complex diagnosis and repair of Mercedes Benz (including Classic), BMW, Audi, and Mini Cooper OBD II, D2B, CAN, Automatic/Manual Transmission, Engine, Diesel, HVAC, ABS, ASR, ETS, and Electronics Systems
•Effectively use all electronic diagnostic equipment, tools, and MIG welder
•Mentor and coach technicians, communicate effectively with customers
SUPERVISOR COMPLETE COACH WORKS 2015 to 2016
•Supervising and performing complex retrofitting and fabrication on diesel transit buses. Includes interior, frames, body, and diesel particulate filter upgrades requiring MIG welding, rewiring, body, and paintwork.
•Responsible for all Safety, Lean Continuous Process Improvement Design, and Production Quality.
•Reduced DPF Retrofitting Process from 120 hours to 75 hours.
Supervisor Tesla Motors 2014 to 2015
Responsible for Large and Small Drive Unit, Battery, and Inverter Remanufacturing plus Dynamometer Production
•Safety First Focus with all operations. Created and instituted Hazard Identification Process for department, adopted as Best Practice at Tesla. Zero OSHA recordables in assigned areas.
•Lead by example with integrity. 5S workplace support and training for Team communicated daily.
•Drive Continuous Process Improvement of MI/Standard Work/Line Balancing by engaging Process Team.
•Increase dynamometer yield 15% from 2014, 92% average for 2015 using RCPS and countermeasures.
•Coaching and mentoring of all levels of Remanufacturing/Production Operations.
•Developed KPIs and training for accurate production tracking.
•RCPS training for Teams. Drive Product Excellence quality improvements and yield.
•Strategize and implement solutions for safety, inventory control, and production planning gaps.
•Current Teams meeting or exceeding production goals safely and with high quality.
•Determine, coordinate, and implement all teams' staffing requirements.
Collaborate and drive process with all levels and departments, including Safety/EHS, Engineering, IT, and Production, supporting Powertrain Remanufacturing and Tesla operations success.
PRACTICAL PROCESS IMPROVEMENT MANAGER: BUSINESS EXCELLENCE
ThermoFisher Scientific 2013 to 2014
Responsible for directing Continuous Improvement initiatives at the Pleasanton Oligo Center of Excellence Site
•PPI Process Manager to perform PPI 8 Step Kaizens and Training to improve Oligo process and GMP quality.
•Value Stream Mapping Oligo manufacturing and IT support function for Quality/process improvements.
•Developed Best Practices program to share, track, and document Pleasanton and Oligo Network Best Practices.
•Developed the 8 Step Leader Root Cause Problem Solving Method/Position and Training Materials Package.
•Mentored Quality, Safety, Manufacturing, Procurement, Planning, and Customer Service leadership and staff.
•Established Daily Stand Up Meetings/Visual Management Performance and Quality Boards utilizing KPI Metrics
PROJECT MANAGER: OPERATIONS EXCELLENCE
Bloom Energy
2013 to 2013
Improve Solid Oxide Fuel Cell processes and materials supply chain management by implementing world- class best practices for safety, quality, productivity & cost. Directed the process planning, materials supply chain, communication, problem visibility, accountability, 5S, alignment, standardization, and implementation of lean tools, practices, and metrics. Data collection and analysis for value stream mapping, SPC, DMAIC and PFMEA.
Divisional Lead
COBHAM 2011 to 2013
Implemented a global corporate Excellence in Delivery (EiD) project initiative for Standard Operating Framework (SOF) in Production Systems (PS) on-time, realizing stated process improvements, cost reductions, and training sustainment for Cobham principal West Coast North American microwave DOD, Aerospace, and Marine SAT COM locations.
•Delivered Production Readiness Engineering, Supply Chain and Sales Inventory Operations Planning (SIOP) process implementations including BD, HR and Agile IT processes, increasing efficiencies >10%.
•Developed and performed 8D Root Cause Problem Solving (RCPS) expert training for increased Quality.
•Delivered Performance Management/Organizational Dynamics implementation for a Lean Culture Mindset.
•San Jose and Concord on track to deliver Production Systems Operations cost benefits of 25%.
•Designed and implemented Performance Boards, Meetings and KPIs for Quality/Performance improvement.
•Designed and implemented Engineering NPI Continuous Improvement/RCPS performance.
•Instructed SOF PS "Boot Camp" and trained site Leadership Sustainment and Continuous Improvement.
Provided critical site reviews and insights to San Diego Operations and SOF Team for their site transformation.
CAR PAINT OPERATIONS SUPERVISOR/GROUP LEADER
NEW UNITED MOTOR MANUFACTURING 2006 to 2010
Responsible for managing Car Paint production group operations, Projects, while implementing all KPI/ Key Performance Indicators, Lean efficiency metrics, and Safety in a Union facility. Safety investigator and Accident reporting with root cause problem solving and Safety implementations. TPS Certified Train the Trainer for Toyota Way and Abnormality Management to establish and maintain Quality/Standard Work. Responsible for department groups annual Profit and Loss. Directed Lean Project Design and Implementation. Hoshin Kanri strategy and implementation in all endeavors. ISO 14001, OSHA, and Clean Room certified.
•Raised Paint Quality standing from last place to first in all of North America by directing quality Kaizens, KPIs.
•Saved $3.6M on annual costs, achieving full production within six days while directing training and workstation layout for a $70M facility addition.
•Reduced ramp-up time from 30 days to 6 days, eliminated rework, saving $3M for new model launch.
•Saved >$500,000 by eliminating rework and OSHA recordable events.
•Increased Quality and efficiency at rework positions by >40%.
•Lowered accidents and injuries by 70% through proactive Safety and Ergonomics with team members.
•Successfully directed cross-functional team design and implementation, resulting in cost and risk reduction.
•Improved TPM efficiency 20% by creating Prime Robot TPM visual controls and standardizing accountability.
Team Leader/Technician
Mercedes Benz of Pleasanton
2000 to 2006
•Team Leader Responsible for Safety, Training, and Production.
•Mercedes Master Technician and California Smog Test and Repair Certified
•Diagnostic Technical Specialist including electric and diesel vehicles
SERVICE MANAGER
Acura of Pleasanton
1997-1999
Ensure efficient use of resources and high standards of service delivery.
Implement & enforce all Safety protocols and industry regulations.
Foster a positive work environment by providing ongoing coaching opportunities.
Uphold a customer-centric approach by ensuring prompt & courteous service.
Addressed customer concerns & complaints promptly
Acura Precision Team, JD Powers. Maintained 100% positive Factory Relationship
Maintain strong relationships with customers to enhance loyalty & satisfaction.
Stay updated with industry trends, technological advancements, & other markets.
Maintain accurate records of operations, financial transactions, & employee activities
in a Union Flat Rate shop.
Prepare regular reports for Management regarding shop performance & key metrics.
Ensure compliance with all legal & regulatory requirements.
Education
14 years towards Associate's in Sociology/Business/English
Las Positas College and CSM. National Merit Scholarship Semifinalist
Skills
•SERVICE MANAGEMENT (5 years)
•TECHNICAL PRODUCT MARKETING (5 years)
•TPM (10+ years)
•PROCESS IMPROVEMENT (10+ years)
•CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT (10+ years)
•SUPPLY CHAIN (6 years)
•Lean Manufacturing (10+ years)
•Operational Excellence (10+ years)
•Organizational Development (10+ years)
•Business Analysis (10+ years)
•Management (10+ years)
•Change Management (10+ years)
•Mentoring (10+ years)
•Strategic Planning (6 years)
•Six Sigma (4 years)
•Lean (10+ years)
•5S (10+ years)
•ERP systems (8 years)
•Production management (10+ years)
•SAP (4 years)
•Root cause analysis (10+ years)
•Lean Six Sigma (4 years)
•Manufacturing (10+ years)
•Project Planning (10+ years)
•Transmissions
•Manual Transmission Experience
•Mechanic Experience
•Quality Assurance
•ISO 9001
•Agile
•Minitab (4 years)
•Value Stream Mapping (10+ years)
•Tableau
•Oracle (4 years)
Certifications and Licenses
Toyota Global Problem Solving
Toyota Train the Trainer Standard Work
Toyota Group Leader Development
Hendricks Fixed Operations Systems
Smog License EO106389
ASE Certified Master Technician
Air Conditioning Certification
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