Danielle Hess Email & Phone Number

Hometown, Pa, Us

As a member of the leadership team for POL, I am responsible for the development and execution of the company's strategy, as well as its financial and operational performance. With a $65M business portfolio, I directly manage a team of 16 individuals and provide oversight to 210 employees across two manufacturing facilities in Pennsylvania (Highwood) and one in Wisconsin (RPI). I coordinate and streamline multiple functions related to OEM sales, customer care, supply chain, operations, engineering, and HR to ensure maximum efficiency and effectiveness. My ability to manage these complex processes while maintaining a focus on team leadership and development has been crucial to the ongoing success of our organization. To drive operational improvement, I designed a framework for operations teams to exchange best practices and processes, while also ensuring seamless integration of future acquisitions. Additionally, I developed cost-saving measures to achieve EBITDA objectives in the event of a 20% sales drop, which is currently being executed.My implementation of the high-performance Work Systems (HPWS) framework at RPI has significantly improved operational efficiency. Furthermore, I identified and approved alternative materials that resulted in an annual cost savings of $1.2M in 2023.

Hometown, Pennsylvania, Us

As a manufacturing operations leader, I managed a workforce of 190 employees and 14 direct reports across two Pennsylvania locations. My contributions to the company's leadership team included developing and executing business vision and strategic direction, as well as translating these strategies into effective operational plans. Through leading strategic teams focused on OEM revenue, profit, continuous improvement, and employer of choice, I successfully delivered key metrics. Some of my notable accomplishments include coordinating the opening of a new 125K square foot assembly factory and optimizing alternative material plans, generating annual savings of $750K. I also played a crucial role in the sales and marketing of Highwood, managing the due diligence process and ensuring the purchase closed within the stated timeline. I successfully navigated the company through the Covid pandemic while meeting record demand and expanding capacity by 30%. Additionally, I spearheaded product development initiatives resulting in new customer acquisitions worth over $10M in annual sales. Finally, I increased gross margin by 20 points between 2018 and 2020 through top-line growth and gross margin improvements.

Hometown, Pennsylvania, Us

As the leader of a $22M plastics extrusion and assembly facility, I oversaw day-to-day operations while implementing a fully integrated ERP system. By bringing several items in-house from a contract manufacturer, I improved quality, delivery, and cost efficiency. Additionally, I spearheaded the implementation of a High-Performance Work Systems (HPWS), including developing the structure, communication systems, pay system, rewards and recognition system, and culture.Under my leadership, we established a safety culture that improved RIR from 21.6 in 2008 to under 2.0 in 2015, resulting in SHARP certification. I also supervised a LEAN problem-solving team to identify and address the root cause of a quality issue, which eliminated returns from +$250K in 2012 to $0 in 2013. Additionally, I implemented LEAN initiatives such as Hoshin planning, Value stream mapping, Daily management systems, Pull systems, 5S, and SMED(REC) to enhance efficiency and productivity.Through my leadership, we also evaluated and replaced raw materials with substitute materials, resulting in a reduction of annual costs by +$1.1M.

Austin, Tx, Us

Additional Experience as Business Unit Manager – Laundry Care at The Dial Corporation, West Hazleton, PA, Personal Care Area Manager at The Dial Corporation, West Hazleton, PA, Plant Financial Manager at The Dial Corporation, West Hazleton, PA, Accountant, Quebecor Printing, Hazleton, PA, and Auditor, KPMG Peat Marwick, Allentown, PA