Manufacturing & Operations Leader (Powder Coating)

Kris Smart

Bessemer City, NC • 704-***-**** • ****.*******@*****.***

Professional Summary

Results-driven Manufacturing and Operations Manager with 20+ years leading production, powder coating, assembly, quality, maintenance, and shipping operations. Proven record of leading cross-functional teams, improving productivity, driving safety and quality, and optimizing automated paint systems. Experienced in lean manufacturing, continuous improvement, workforce development, and delivering operational excellence.

Core Competencies

Production & Operations Management • Team Leadership • Powder Coating & Paint Systems • Continuous Improvement • Lean Manufacturing • Safety & OSHA Compliance • Quality Systems • KPI Management • Scheduling • Inventory • Maintenance Coordination • Training & Development

Professional Experience

Powder Coat Manager The Farris Group 2023–2025

Directed remote manufacturing operations across production, quality, maintenance, shipping, painting, and assembly.

Led supervisors, leads, technicians, and production staff while improving safety, productivity, and quality.

Managed automated powder coating systems including Wagner, Gema, and Nordson equipment.

Production Supervisor General Steel Drum 2020–2023

Supervised 18 production employees.

Improved workflow, training, quality, and safety while meeting customer schedules.

Production Supervisor CornellCookson 2006–2017

Managed Powder Coat Department for 11 years.

Oversaw hiring, training, scheduling, inventory, payroll, wastewater compliance, and continuous improvement.

Earlier Experience

Senior Manufacturing Associate – The Rolling Door Company • Robotic Welder – Boysen • Alloy Lab Assistant – Albemarle • Production Lead – Shutterfly

Education

North Gaston High School

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