David A. James Email & Phone Number

Greater Lexington Area

Provider of lean thinking and practical problem solving with the goal of helping companies look for simple solutions to their business challenges rather than focusing on complex , long term initiatives. Hands on coaching style with 30 plus years of experience in manufacturing and service organizations around the world . Proficient in Problem Solving, Process mapping, Job breakdown and waste identification, coaching/ training and event facilitation . Able to work with you one on one or as part of your contractor team.Currently working on a multi year project with Lean Business Solutions, a global team comprised of primarily Toyota alumni, providing lean coaching and implementation from the boardroom to the shop floor. Contact me for current availability.

Lexington, Ky

As the Director-Continuous Improvement for Internal Manufacturing, David had the unique opportunity to partner his passion for continuous improvement/lean methodology with his longtime hobby of gems and gemology. Working with the Internal Manufacturing team, David coordinated CI activities in multiple locations as well as worked with leadership to build corporate CI strategy and help to develop training and coaching programs.

Greater Memphis Area

After a brief transition from his role in manufacturing as a Lean Master Coach in China, David was positioned as a Sr. Lean Coach in the Process Excellence group for Nike North America Supply Chain , supporting multiple US distribution centers. As part a growing team, David supported this dynamic part of Nike's supply chain by working closely with both the local Memphis area and European DC 's as well as some of Nikes largest retail customers to improve quality metrics and drive overall process improvement activities.

Qingdao, China

As part of the Global Sourcing and Manufacturing group, David lived and worked in Northern China as Nike's first Asia- based "Lean Master-Coach". David provided daily coaching both to corporate leadership and to the factory floor; optimizing conventional manufacturing techniques and integrating them with the latest modernized manufacturing processes using an enterprise-wide approach to Leadership, People, and Process. David worked side-by-side with a global team of regional Lean Master Coaches and Lean Coaches, production and design engineers, and sustainable manufacturing personnel to develop strategy and proliferate lean thinking across the Nike supply chain.David repatriated in late 2016 in anticipation of a role in the North America Supply Chain group.

Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), Vietnam

As the Lean Training Director, David had responsibility for coaching and developing factory partner and corporate leadership, as well as teaching a diverse group of students from around the globe. Simultaneously, he acted as an internal process improvement coach and lean SME by providing implemention support in multiple factories and office environments. David's team of trainers and local coaches helped to develop future change agents by applying the tools of lean in Footwear, Equipment, and Apparel through the use of interactive workshops, classroom lectures, and hands-on floor activities. As an active coach, David traveled extensively to Nike partner factories throughout much of Asia to coach and mentor local change agents, support localized training programs,and to teach advanced sessions in problem solving, kaizen, and other TPS tools.David's​ methodology emphesized the development and use of local talent, the incorporation of diversity and local culture into the programs, and the importance of leadership development, coaching, and mentoring.David and his team have also worked to integrate "Lean Thinking"​ into Nike's Sustainable Manufacturing and Modernized Manufacturing programs.

North America And Se Asia

David began working with Nike as a contractor in Asia as one of the original lean coaches assigned to implement Lean Manufacturing into the footwear and apparel industry. As part of the initial implementation team and one of the architects of Nike's "NOS" lean foundation, David helped to not only establish 'lean' in the footwear industry, but worked closely with both Nike and factory partners to design and deliver a global lean training and leadership development program that continues through today (2016).

Lexington, Kentucky Area

David was a senior consultant for TSD under the leadership of John Allen; former Toyota Motor Manufacturing KY Training Manager.David developed his consulting skills and sharpened his coaching and people development abilities under the mentorship and guidance of former Toyota-trained teammates.

Ky Truck Plant Louisville, Kentucky

Responsible for managing all facets of a high volume automotive paint shop: process flow, improvement projects, production operations, and supervision of 100 plus salaried and hourly employees. Duties included attaining daily productivity and quality goals, coaching and training, ISO compliance, problem solving, and employee mentoring and support. Extensive work with multiple engineering groups in support of new material and new model production trials in a new state of the art waterborne facility.

Georgetown/Lexington Ky

ASSISTANT ENGINEERING MANAGER –PAINT OPERATIONS • Supervised a staff of process and project engineers while responsible for the coordination of a major paint shop expansion and several new model/ new material introductions. Extensive hands-on problem solving, project management, and process improvement skills required. Close interaction with Japan R&D and US based design, engineering, product groups and equipment suppliers.PROJECT ENGINEERING SPECIALIST-PAINT OPERATIONS• Responsible for new model introduction, new material introduction and multiple pilot activities throughout the paint shop and across multiple plant departments. Interaction with product development groups and supplier base in both the US and Japan.PROCESS ENGINEERING SPECIALIST-PAINT OPERATIONS • Provided technical support, process improvement, and problem solving assistance for multiple shop process areas while supporting production workers and implementing both cost saving and quality improvement ideas.GROUP LEADER –PAINT OPERATIONS • Supervised shop personnel, provided training and mentoring, and responsible for daily safety, quality, productivity, and cost goals. Responsible for 1st and 2nd shift start-up: hiring and training, and development of department personnel.• Extensive one on one, hands-on training with a Toyota “sensei” both in Japan’s Tsutsumi factory and during the KY plant launch and ramp up. • One of the initial wave of personnel hired to launch Toyota’s first US based factory.

Bachelor Of Business Administration (Bba) With Minor In Economics, Business Administration, Management And Operations

Activities and Societies: Varsity Rifle Team, Alumni Association, K Club Varsity Letter Association

Associate Of Science (A.S.), Mechanical Engineering Technology

Mechanical Engineering

Activities and Societies: Intramural Rifle Team, Small Arms Expert ribbonFirst year Cadet and Commandant's List recipient.

Permanent Deacon Formation Program, Theological And Ministerial Studies

Graduate Gemologist, Gemology