Erik Larson Email & Phone Number

Austin, Texas, United States

Responsible for global manufacturing, validation, and lean engineering in addition to our Austin-based test and prototyping facility.

Austin, Texas, United States

• Lead and develop several teams responsible for systematic analysis and optimization of manufacturing processes across the YETI global operations landscape• Partner with Procurement Director to optimize factory start-up and capacity expansions• For new products, support development of supplier startup plan and project schedule that aligns with the category speed to market objectives• Create baseline models for cost, cycle time analysis and throughput improvement, and identify optimization opportunities• Develop project scope, gain executive approval and manage the full project lifecycle ensuring delivery within budget and on schedule• In coordination with Procurement Managers, build a cost reduction roadmap based on the should-cost analysis and drive out waste through Lean and VA/VE initiatives to ensure cost targets are achieved• Lead initiatives to improve pass-through rates and drive continuous process improvement at supplier factories

Austin, Texas, United States

• Own delivery of new products according to product roadmap• Guide a team of Engineering Program Managers who are responsible to lead multiple NPD projects each from concept to in-market launch. Manage resources according to business needs and priorities.• Champion the process improvement, training and adherence to YETI’s stage-gate NPD process• Drive accountability within the team and cross-functional organization, related to new product development, maintenance, and customization activities• Create discipline around process and ensure consistency from project-to-project• Partner with cross-functional team leaders for project prioritization and team alignment• Be accountable for all aspects of schedule, budget, cost, and scope for assigned products• Coach and support staff to ensure individual and team success. Set goals and objectives, create development plans and oversee performance assessment process.• Build relationships with vendors and supply chain partners to ensure design for manufacturability, production process planning, capacity, execution, tooling and process approval, product validation, and launch into mass production• Collaborate with internal partners in Category Management, Industrial Design, Engineering, Sourcing & Procurement, Quality, Finance, Marketing and other staff• Lead team meetings that drive cross-functional activity. Report project status and project updates.

Austin, Texas Area

Austin, Texas Area

Austin, Texas Area

• Lead the project management, engineering and execution of new YETI products. • Evaluate and select manufacturers for components and final products. • Lead cross-functional team meetings and maintain all product and project documentation. • Research existing and new materials & processes relevant to product.

Portland, Oregon Area

• Brought to market over 100 SMU (Special Make-up) SKUs for major retail chains such as Wal-Mart, Target, Lowes, and Home Depot. • In constant communication with Asian supply chain, including travelling to China, to solve problems with tooling, machining, injection molding, packaging, etc.

Portland, Oregon Area

• Developed and implemented a first article inspection procedure for new and legacy products to drive a company goal of 98% initial submission pass rate. • Responsible for managing non-conformances and actively driving corrective and preventative action to improve supplier quality performance. • Supported and optimized incoming, first article, and pre-shipment inspection by developing efficient processes, reducing equipment setup, streamlining test methods, and organizing quality assurance standards.

Milwaukie, Or

• Responsible for planning, directing, and coordinating customers' new product along with reverse engineering, designing, modeling, developing, and testing over 600 new parts.• Managed a 5s Kaizen project which eliminated entire inventory “supermarket” of more than $40,000 by consolidating product families and implementing a specific build-to-order system.• Completed numerous continuous improvement projects involving engineering and production processes, standardization, line balancing, floor layouts, and value stream mapping.• Designed complex fixtures, tooling, and jigs for product line in SolidWorks/SheetWorks.

San Marcos, Tx

• Designed process layout with optimal efficiency for new manufacturing facility.• Oversaw scheduling and production control.

San Marcos, Tx

• Performed process capability and tool performance analysis using six sigma techniques.• Completed various tool design projects using 3D and 2D modeling software.• Developed excel macros to assist in ply-orientation and statistical modeling.

San Marcos, Tx

• Designed and implemented inventory and Kanban system.• Performed time-motion studies and developed work standard.

Austin, Tx

• Served as DMR Focal (discrepant parts analysis and corrective actions).• Completed extensive time study and top non-value added project to improve line efficiency.