ERIC A. CHISHOLM
Greensboro
NC, *****
Phone
************@********.***
P PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY
Results-driven Operational Excellence Leader with a track record of deploying Lean Manufacturing systems and driving continuous improvement in GMP-regulated environments. Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams, facilitate Kaizen events, and implement Six Sigma methodologies to reduce waste, improve throughput, and deliver measurable cost savings. Experienced in managing startup operations, optimizing production workflows, and embedding a culture of operational excellence. Strong foundation in engineering, military leadership, and regulated manufacturing environments with a patient-focused, people-centric leadership style. CORE COMPETENCIES
Lean Manufacturing & Six Sigma
Continuous Improvement Leadership
Production Planning & Execution
Cost Reduction & ROI Analysis
Safety & Compliance
Team Development & Training
Critical Thinking
Process Improvement
OEE Improvement
Quality Assurance
Takt Time Focus
PDCA Methods
Minitab
FMEA Analysis
AutoCAD
SigmaZone
Kaizen
Visio
CAPA
Problem Solving A3s
DMAIC
5S
Gemba
MS Access
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Operational Excellence Manager
Dart Container
Randleman, NC
2023 to 2025
Conducted root cause analysis and implemented corrective actions using DMAIC methodology, reducing downtime by 18% over 12 months
Led Lean deployment initiatives across GMP-regulated manufacturing processes, ensuring compliance with safety, quality, and operational standards
Facilitated Kaizen events focused on material waste reduction and line efficiency, delivering $2.3M in cost avoidance
Collaborated cross-functionally to embed standard work and visual management systems aligned with continuous improvement goals
Conducted Gemba walks and frontline huddles to foster a people-first culture of problem-solving and accountability
Plant Process Engineer
Hydro Extrusions
St. Augustine, FL
2018 to 2022
Scaled 5S implementation across seven departments, creating a sustainable culture of cleanliness and efficiency aligned with Lean Manufacturing principles
Reengineered product flow to increase throughput by 36%, using VSM and stakeholder alignment techniques.
ERIC A. CHISHOLM
Greensboro
NC, 27455
Phone
************@********.***
Continuous Improvement Manager
Hydro Extrusions
Burlington, NC
2016 to 2018
Increased Conduit product throughput from 587 to 800 parts per hour via process reengineering
Launched 5S program across 7 departments, embedding lean culture throughout operations Manufacturing Engineer II
Harris Corporation
Forest, VA
2008 to 2016
Cut packaging costs by 56% with innovative corrugated crate designs
Reduced material retrieval time by 60% through custom mobile replenishment tools
Spearheaded automation and layout optimization initiatives to streamline production lines MILITARY EXPERIENCE
Engineering Duty Officer
Retired Navy Lieutenant
United States Navy Reserve
Norfolk, VA
Managed inspections and audits for nuclear-grade manufacturing operations on submarines and aircraft carriers — reinforcing regulatory compliance and high-consequence quality standards. Equipment Operator
Petty Officer 1st Class
United States Navy Reserve
Greensboro, NC and Roanoke, VA
Operated heavy construction equipment in support of Marine Expedition Units TECHNICAL SKILLS
Power BI, Minitab, MS Project, MS Excel, SQL
ERP & MES Systems (SAP, Oracle)
Value Stream Mapping (VSM), 5S, PDCA, FMEA Analysis
Root Cause Analysis & Corrective Action (RCA/CA) EDUCATION
Lynchburg College
Master of Business Administration (MBA)
Lynchburg, VA
North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University Bachelor of Science (BSIT)
Industrial Technology Manufacturing
Greensboro, NC
North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University Master of Science (MSIT)
Manufacturing Systems
Greensboro, NC