Christopher A. Aitken, Mba Email & Phone Number

Lake City, Mn

Led successful new product development (NPD) launches and R&D/innovation projects, ensuring on-time delivery and alignment with business goals.Drove team development through training initiatives, fostering internal career growth and skill-building.Streamlined processes by mapping material and information flows, eliminating inefficiencies and improving overall operations.Identified and executed cost-saving initiatives and quality improvements to meet annual KPIs.Developed and implemented strategies to reduce dependency on China-based replenishment, introducing dual sourcing for critical commodities to mitigate risk.Negotiated supplier agreements, led site-level Supplier Strategy Initiatives (SSI), and optimized total cost outcomes.Safeguarded supply chain continuity during the COVID pandemic, minimizing disruptions and maintaining profitability.Led post-COVID working capital optimization efforts to right-size inventory levels.Developed and implemented a Lean Management System (LMS) to drive continuous improvement in supply chain operations.Collaborated with the supply chain steering committee to define and execute long-term supply chain vision and strategy.

Lakeville, Mn

Led a Supplier Challenge Program, managing over 140 suppliers with $100K+ in annual spend, focusing on quality audits, cost-saving opportunities, material flow optimization, and risk mitigation.Planned and prioritized travel and budget for supplier quality audits to support continuous improvement projects.Developed and implemented a Supplier Quality Manual and trained suppliers on problem-solving techniques.Strengthened supplier relationships and collaborated with HHT manufacturing site leaders to drive improvements.Gained expertise in Strategic Sourcing Initiative (SSI) methodology, contributing as a key team member on an AIP project focused on SCR reduction and automation.Created frameworks for the Production Part Approval Process (PPAP) and Supplier Corrective Action Response (SCAR) processes to ensure consistent quality standards and compliance.

Lake City, Mn

Provided engineering support to purchasing and materials management teams, driving supplier onboarding to enhance quality, reduce costs, and streamline deliveries.Led supplier quality improvement projects, focusing on reducing service call rates for critical components.Assessed feasibility of cost-saving initiatives and insourcing opportunities to improve operational efficiency.Gained expertise in value stream mapping, lean material flow, waste elimination, problem solving, and standard work development.Led Rapid Continuous Improvement (RCI) events to drive process enhancements.Developed and implemented Non-Conformance Management (NCM) and Supplier Corrective Action Response (SCAR) processes and flow maps.

Lakeville, Mn

Lived on-site at contract manufacturers for 6-10 week rotations over two years, ensuring seamless new product launches, quality improvements, and cost-saving initiatives.Collaborated with the HNI Asia team to manage product launch timelines, improve quality, and ensure on-time container shipments.Traveled to sub-tier suppliers in China and Taiwan to support the timely completion of critical projects.Gained deep understanding of cultural differences, enhancing collaboration and communication with international suppliers.

Lake City, Mn

Led lean manufacturing initiatives to drive cost reduction, quality improvements, and process optimization.Managed new product implementations and engineering change orders (ECOs), ensuring seamless transitions and quality standards.Actively participated in Rapid Continuous Improvement (RCI) events to enhance operational efficiency.Evaluated in-sourcing versus outsourcing opportunities to optimize production strategies.Initiated engineering changes and product release orders, improving product development and delivery timelines.

Winona, Mn

Provided engineering support in the design and manufacturing of industrial rotary surface grinders, high-precision automotive rebuilding equipment, and bread blade sharpening systems.Developed and maintained PLC logic for Mitsubishi control systems and configured parameters for servo drives.Designed and updated equipment manuals to ensure proper operation and maintenance.Utilized AutoCAD and SolidWorks for engineering design, electrical schematics, and project documentation.

Master'S Degree, Business Administration And Management, General

Bachelor Of Science (B.S.), Manufacturing Engineering Technology

Activities and Societies: Phi Delta Theta International Fraternity, Interfraternity Council