Product Development Supply Chain

Naperville, IL, ***** • ************@*****.*** • +1-331-***-****

PHILIP HIGDON

Engineering and Operations Leader

PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY

Accomplished Director of Engineering and Operations with a robust background in project management, team leadership, and the development and execution of engineering strategies for manufacturing and product design. Extensive experience in process optimization, equipment lifecycle management, and supplier collaboration within regulated manufacturing environments. Skilled in driving cross-functional initiatives, managing capital and expense budgets, and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and operational excellence standards.

SKILLS

Team Leadership & Coaching • Strategic Planning • Project/Process Management • Capital & Expense Budgeting • Supplier & Stakeholder Management • Risk Assessment & Mitigation • Change Control •Regulatory Compliance • Manufacturing & Product Design • Equipment Lifecycle Oversight • Cost Optimization • Continuous Improvement Quality/Operations Management • Documentation & SOP Development • Lean Six Sigma • ERP Systems (SAP, JDE, etc.)

EMPLOYMENT HISTORY

DIRECTOR OF SUPPLIER ENGINEERING Aug 2023 - Aug 2024

ZEUS Battery Products Bloomingdale IL

• Led global sourcing and supplier relationship management, establishing a new supply base and optimizing cost, quality, and delivery for battery manufacturing.

• Directed cross-functional teams in executing complex projects, ensuring process streamlining, documentation, and alignment with production, procurement, and finance.

• Managed financial analysis, capital projects, and cost control for manufacturing initiatives.

• Collaborated with R&D and Product Management to troubleshoot technical challenges, enhance processes, and accelerate customer support, integrating engineering strategy with operational execution.

• Maintained rigorous quality and safety compliance, supporting continuous improvement and operational excellence.

CONSULTANT Apr 2020 - Mar 2023

Self Employed (Covid-19 Gap) Philippines

• Developed and managed operations in agriculture, construction, and commercial projects, overseeing production, distribution, and multi-disciplinary teams.

• Delivered end-to-end project management for residential construction, including design, utilities, stakeholder engagement, and regulatory approvals.

• Applied risk assessment, process improvement, and resource management to ensure successful project delivery.

EXPAT DIRECTOR OF PRODUCT ENGINEERING AND MFG Jun 2018 - Mar 2020

Asurion TCP Philippines

• Directed a global engineering team of 160+ in remanufacturing and component refurbishment across multiple sites, delivering on KPIs for product readiness and performance.

• Led process automation, equipment optimization, and capital expenditure projects to improve productivity and process efficiency in high-volume GMP-like environments.

• Managed a $3M+ budget, driving strategic resource allocation and operational alignment with corporate objectives.

• Served as escalation point for complex technical issues, supporting process and equipment troubleshooting and deviation resolution.

• Implemented SOPs, technical documentation, and standardized methodologies to enhance compliance and asset lifecycle management.

DIRECTOR OF OEM PRODUCT ENGINEERING AND MFG Dec 2017 - May 2018

Asurion Nashville TN

• Oversaw OEM engineering systems, managing process evaluations, cost reduction, and compliance activities for multi-location repair operations.

• Collaborated with OEMs, global partners, Procurement, HR, IT, and Finance, aligning project execution with financial and regulatory requirements.

• Standardized best practices, led risk assessments, and supported change control and process documentation.

• Achieved substantial cost savings and contributed to cross-functional strategic planning.

DIRECTOR OF ENGINEERING Jan 2009 - Dec 2016

Motorola Mobility/Google/Lenovo Chicago IL

• Led advanced process development teams in the USA and China, managing product design, manufacturing, and launch with a focus on cost, quality, and yield optimization.

• Directed supplier integration for critical components (including stamped/fabricated metals), improving yields, on-time delivery, and compliance with engineering standards.

• Oversaw equipment lifecycle strategies, process improvements, and documentation in high-volume, regulated environments.

• Managed multiple engineering teams (60+), optimizing budgets and timelines, and driving process improvement using Lean Six Sigma methodologies.

ENGINEERING MANAGEMENT Jul 2001 - Dec 2008

Motorola Inc Libertyville IL

• Senior Engineering Manager 2007–2008, Engineering Manager 2005–2006, Section Manager 2001–2004

• Supervised 40+ engineers in the development and launch of high-volume mobile products, ensuring project delivery, regulatory compliance, and process optimization.

• Managed supplier deliveries, production scaling, and risk mitigation for global product launches, including process and documentation oversight.

EXPAT SECTION MANAGER Dec 1999 - Jun 2001

Motorola Inc Scotland UK

• Drove process improvements, design, tooling, and manufacturing for components and high-volume production in the UK and Germany.

• Introduced new products and established communications/processes between global design and manufacturing sites, reducing development time and ensuring compliance standards.

MECHANICAL ENGINEER Sep 1992 - Nov 1999

Motorola Inc Libertyville IL

• Senior Staff Mechanical Engineer 1996–1999, Mechanical Engineer 1992–1995

• Designed and integrated mechanical systems and components, including sheet metal/stampings and plastic housings, using CAD software (Pro-E, CREO).

• Conducted system integration, process optimization, and technical documentation for product development.

EDUCATION

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE (B.S.) IN MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

Southern Illinois University Carbondale IL, US

ASSOCIATE IN SCIENCE (A.S.) IN ENGINEERING

College of DuPage Glen Ellyn IL, US

ACHIEVEMENTS /AWARDS

DMAIC MODEL CERTIFICATION Motorola University

LEAN SIX SIGMA GREEN BELT CERTIFICATION – LEVEL II Motorola University

PATENT - Switch assembly for an electronic device #US6148183A

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