Howard Epps Email & Phone Number

Chicago, Il, Us

Malmö, Skåne, Se

Vevey, Ch

Executive leader for the multi-billion Pizza and Snacking division's supply chain, driving substantial growth, profit, and market share. Established best-in-class operational standards, resulting in robust financial performance and flawless execution. Led four manufacturing facilities with 2300+ team members. - Spearheaded a strategic initiative to advance our factories, leveraging end-to-end collaboration and problem solving tools. This initiative not only unlocked additional capacity, capabilities and cost efficiencies but also ensured seamless business continuity.- Implemented a culture of manufacturing excellence and Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) to foster operator autonomy, build maintenance proficiency and establish a solid foundation for operators. Introduced digital solutions to create Lighthouse facilities, fostering a more connected and efficient workforce. - Crafted an organizational structure and strategy to effectively lead product delivery, aligning with short and long-range divisional objectives. Successfully resolved requirements related to personnel, materials, and technology, ensuring the accomplishment of demand forecasts.

Chicago, Illinois, Us

Executive leader for all manufacturing, quality, R&D and commercialization for a high growth better for you food startup. Led eight contract manufacturing facilities to deliver YOY growth of 20% - 30%. Reporting to CEO and member of the Executive Leadership Team.- Nurtured the operations team to support ambitious growth plans effectively through firsthand coaching at co-manufacturers, ensuring alignment with company objectives. - Actively represented Simple Mills during sale process, presenting to Strategic Partners and Private Equity firms. Collaborated with the Executive Leadership Team (ELT) throughout due diligence, successfully closing all action items. The private equity acquisition was finalized October 2019.

Austin, Tx, Us

Key leader of Amplify Snack Brands (Skinny Pop) Supply Chain team leading manufacturing, quality, engineering and commercialization. Led seven contract manufacturing facilities to deliver $387M in revenue. Private Equity acquired by Hershey December 2017.- Expanded contract manufacturing footprint from two location to 10 within two years, enhancing capacity, fostering innovation, realizing cost savings, and minimizing transportation costs. - Formulated a comprehensive 3-year strategic plan addressing second sourcing of comans and raw materials, productivity/cost-savings initiatives, and sustainability efforts across the product portfolio.- Orchestrated the transformation of Skinny Pop production from manual to a fully automated process, leading a significant CAPEX project. This initiative significantly increased capacity, improved quality and eliminated labor reliance.

Chicago, Il, Us

Operations lead for Sauce's category leading commercialization, productivity, and quality improvements. Liaison between internal plans and the business team to deliver P&L targets.

Chicago, Us

Operations lead for Churny category leading eleven contract manufacturing sites and two internal sites. Member of Churny Leadership team driving and $640M P&L.

Chicago, Us

Managed all aspects of Oscar Mayer Unit 1 operations consisting of three Hot Dog lines, Lunchables, Classic Slice, Dry Sausage and Hard Salami. Led a team of 8 salaried supervisors and 328 hourly team members. Union Facility.

Chicago, Us

Completed 4-week Black Belt Certification. Black Belt certified March 2011.

Chicago, Us

Managed the Philadelphia Cream Cheese processing and packaging departments leading 3 salaried supervisors and 137 hourly team members.

Chicago, Us

Led second shift Enhancers(Miracle Whip/Mayo/Salad Dressing) packaging department (12 lines) and portion control with a team of 65 from 2002-2004.Led second shift Dinner(Mac & Cheese) processing and packaging department (6 lines) with a team of 48 from 2004-2006.