Operations Manager - Lean Manufacturing Leader

Wayne Dziadosz

**** ***** ******* ******, *******, Illinois 60646

312-***-**** ************@***.***

Professional Summary

A results-driven Operations Manager with over 35 years of progressive experience in manufacturing, warehouse operations, and team leadership. Proven track record of improving plant efficiency through lean manufacturing, Six Sigma practices, and data-driven decision-making. Skilled in managing large teams of salaried and hourly employees while maintaining the highest standards of safety, quality, and on-time delivery.

Objective

Seeking an Operations Manager position within warehousing and/or manufacturing operations to leverage expertise in productivity optimization, cross-functional collaboration, and continuous improvement to deliver exceptional customer results.

Experience

TRG Gencorr Packaging Alsip, IL 2022 – 2026

Operations Manager

Greif Bros, Inc. / ITW - Down River / Signode Industrial Group Dixmoor, IL 2006 – 2022

Plant Manager

Led end-to-end plant operations for corrugated specialty products and shipping protection manufacturing

Directed daily production scheduling, workforce management, and operational performance

Drove 18% improvement in plant efficiency by implementing lean manufacturing techniques and data-driven process optimization

Led safety team initiatives, maintaining compliance standards and fostering a culture of workplace safety

Managed procurement of all raw materials, reducing input costs while estimating new jobs to capture business with competitive margins

Controlled labor and material budgets through analytical cost tracking and continuous improvement

Managed 22 hourly employees across shift operations while building strong customer and vendor relationships

Collaborated cross-functionally with Safety, Quality Assurance, and HR teams to develop and execute business objectives

Pride Container / Strive Group Chicago, IL 1999 – 2006

Plant Superintendent

Led operations for manufacturer of corrugated boxes and point-of-purchase displays

Managed daily production activity, maintaining safety, quality, and delivery standards

Improved plant production by 15% through process improvement and workforce optimization

Led capital equipment acquisition projects, evaluating and selecting new machinery to improve plant capabilities

Developed and implemented safety procedures as a core member of the safety team

Managed labor costs and audited maintenance expenditures using data-driven analysis

Led and mentored a workforce of 100+ hourly employees and 8 salaried supervisors across multiple shifts

Maintained over 90% on-time delivery rate by optimizing productivity and workflow efficiency

Built and maintained strong customer and vendor partnerships to support business growth

Managed monthly inventory processes, ensuring accuracy and minimizing shrinkage

Display Graphics LLC / Pride Container Chicago, IL 1995 – 1999

Plant Manager

Directed all areas of manufacturing operations, ensuring quality and efficiency targets were achieved

Managed labor, supply, and maintenance budgets to optimize operational costs

Ensured efficient production workflows and consistent on-time delivery performance

Built and executed production plans through order routing and plant scheduling

Established comprehensive safety programs, rules, and regulations for the plant

Maintained complete engagement with customers and vendors to drive business results

Managed procurement of all plant supplies, negotiating favorable terms

Maintained inventory accuracy and organized monthly physical inventory counts

Tri-Pack Corporation / Jefferson Smurfit Chicago, IL 1985 – 1999

Plant Superintendent

Supervised all areas of the converting processes, ensuring operational excellence

Monitored and enforced quality standards across all phases of operation

Scheduled employee shifts, overtime, and vacations to maintain optimal coverage

Partnered with plant leadership to establish quality work teams, drive productivity improvements, and reduce waste

Education and Credentials

Holy Trinity High School Chicago, Illinois Graduate

ISO 9000 certified

Lean manufacturing practices proficiency

Six Sigma practices proficiency

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