General Manager Senior Executive

James C. Willis, MBA, CIA

Location: Naperville, Illinois 60563

Phone: 630-***-****

Email: ***.********@*****.***

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jwillis1/

Executive Summary

Dynamic and results-driven Senior Executive with over 25 years of proven success in financial leadership, operational excellence, and strategic transformation. Recognized for building high-performing teams, driving sustainable profitability, and integrating cross-functional departments into streamlined, efficient operations. Adept at identifying organizational inefficiencies, implementing lean methodologies, and positioning companies for long- term growth. Industry expertise includes consulting, manufacturing, technology, and services. Known for combining a sharp financial acumen with visionary leadership to deliver measurable results and create enterprise value.

Core Competencies

• P&L Management

• Executive Leadership and Planning

• Budgeting and Forecasting/Analysis

• Cost Reduction and Vendor Relations

• Mentoring and Training

• Strategic Planning

• KPI Measurement

• Interim Management

• Lean and Six Sigma Trained

• Financial Statement Preparation

Professional Experience

West End Tool & Die CFO (Interim)

2024 – 2025. New Lenox, Ill

• Chief Financial Officer who efficiently managed all aspects of this $20M company.

• Managed treasury and banking functions, payroll processing, monthly borrowing base, month end close and financial statements and inventory valuation.

• Over 8 months improved vendor payment timeliness by 50%.

• In conjunction with operating management, reduced OT by 50% resulting in improved cash flow. Advanced On-Site Concrete General Manager

2021 – 2024 Chicago, Illinois

• Oversaw full business operations including staffing, inventory, scheduling, customer and P&L.

• Tripled precast output and increased concrete pours by 30%.

• Reduced labor hours by 12% while increasing sales by 15%.

• KPI development and improvement on 10 operational metrics.

• Processed and executed all purchasing transactions resulting in a 12% reduction in overall inventory value.

• Greatly improved the quality of staffing in the retail store. Swingmaster Corporation General Manager

2018 – 2020 Chicago, Illinois

• Led Improvements in financial reporting, operations, sourcing and delivery.

• Implemented KPI’s, continuous improvement and inventory management systems.

• Supported significant revenue growth and team collaboration.

• Hired and new materials manager who reduced inventory and costs by 15%.

• Improved cash flow by improving on-time deliveries, reducing OT, and obtaining faster collections on AR. Newpoint Advisors Corporation Managing Director – Consulting 2017 – 2018 Schaumburg, Illinois

• Led small business financial assessments and operational improvements

• Delivered 20-day assessments and 100-day implementation plans

• Utilized 13-week cash flows, liquidity analysis and industry benchmarks for accurate financial status KCP Metal Fabrications, Inc. Vice President of Operations 2015 – 2017 Chicago, Illinois

• Executed all purchasing transactions.

• Directed a 30,000 sq ft facility with 25 employees.

• Negotiated cost-saving vendor contracts which saved 25% on many items.

• Improved production flow, on-time delivery and overall quality. Midwest Fuel Injection Services Director of Branch Operations 2013 to 2014 - Bolingbrook, Illinois

• Managed 7 nationwide service branches.

• Achieved profitability at all branches within 13 months.

• Developed budgets, improved inventory control and mentored branch managers. JW Consulting President

2012 to 2013 Naperville, Illinois

• Delivered profit improvement and KPI development for manufacturing/service firms.

• Clients included Caterpillar and other heavy machinery manufacturers. Viking Metal Cabinet Company President/Owner

2003–2011 Chicago, Illinois

• Grew company revenue from $4.5M to $7.5M.

• Implemented cost control, lean principles and Six Sigma.itu

• Manufactured gasket sealed cabinets which housed very important documents for prestigious institutions including the Smithsonian, Harvard, Presidential libraries and museums across the US.

• Sold company to strategic investor in 2010.

Education and Certifications

BS - Eastern Illinois University, Accounting

MBA - University of Illinois, Finance and Strategic Planning CIA - Certified Internal Auditor

Technical Skills

Epicor, PowerPoint, Access, E2, Quantel, QuickBooks, Vistage, MRP Packages, Kronos, Global Shop, JobBoss, WhenIWork, Verizon Reveal, Inventory Planner, Lightspeed POS, Zenefits, Heartland Payroll, Multiple Banking Packages

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