In my current role, I'm tasked with overseeing all new product development and operations for the N. American wear parts organization. This includes but is not limited to the following:● Oversee a dedicated team of engineers that support both new product development as well as process engineering● Develop and manage and Integrated Business Planning (IBP) Team to handle all aspects of the business planning process (e.g. Demand/Supply Planning, Budgeting, Forecasting, Inventory Management etc)● Oversee all operations activities in two factories located in Rock Island, Illinois and Hamilton, Ontario● Work together with my Sales counterpart to develop and manage the P&L's for both facilities

I was tasked with developing and implementing a robust process for planning, vetting and executing global outdoor operations initiatives that achieve specific goals within the organization utilizing resources as efficiently as possible. The Operations PMO not only worked closely with all Outdoor manufacturing facilities on operations led initiatives but also in conjunction with new product development teams to ensure the timely and successful execution of new product introductions. During my time in this role I successfully:● Managed the activities as well as career development of 3 Director Level associates and their combined teams● Designed and Developed a stage gate process tailored to Operations led initiatives to better track timing, capex spend and overall contribution margin● Developed an intake and prioritization process for all new operations led initiatives that factors not only the value of the opportunity but relative capex investment, cost to achieve requirements as well as timing● Contributed to the go-forward strategy of the global operations manufacturing footprint by leveraging capabilities and core competencies across facilities to optimize manufacturing efficiency and eliminate waste thru vertical integration and reduced handling

The primary purpose of the PMO was to manage a global portfolio of projects created to drive top line sales and improve overall profitability of the organization. The PMO works in partnership with engineering, product management, marketing, sales, supply chain and operations to ensure program as well as individual project success. The PMO assumes a leadership role in coordinating the efforts of both internal, and global cross-functional team members’ activities, as required to meet the prescribed design requirements, schedule, and production readiness. The PMO also serves as the primary project communication link between R&D and other company departments. As members of the PMO, Project Managers assume responsibility and accountability for meeting product development requirements, fulfilling product definition, meeting product and project goals, quality, and time-to-market objectives. In this role I have successfully:● Managed the activities as well as career development of 12 individual contributors to the PMO● Developed and implemented an electrification strategy for residential and professional wheeled outdoor power equipment leveraging core capabilities and assets in the short term while developing strategic competencies necessary to be competitive and profitable in the long term● Redefined the stage gate deliverables for the current new product development process● Helped to streamline the process of vetting of new project ideas to reduce the burden placed on resources actively working on projects currently in process● Eliminated non-value added activities as well as automated manual tasks of the PMO

In this role, I was part of a team tasked with providing the strategic direction of MTD's worldwide manufacturing footprint including the consolidation, reduction as well as addition of manufacturing technologies. My primary focus was on facilities in Europe, Asia and Mexico where I coordinated with sales, marketing, product development engineering, engineering services, manufacturing, forecast/demand management, purchasing, logistics, quality and service to ensure a successful outcome for all endeavours. In this role I have successfully:● Managed the vertical integration of die casting and related machining of components into MTD’s N. American operation. A multil-million dollar investment in robotic and machine automation yielding a lower total mfg cost than outsourcing overseas as well as significantly reduced overall working capital and improved RONA with respect to improvements in finished goods as well as WIP inventory. Total payback for this integration was less than a year.● Managed the consolidation of a large European manufacturing facility into 3 of our existing factories which had a significant impact on improving our overall return on net assets. The factory was from an acquisition that expanded the overall product portfolio into finished goods outside of the core competency adding further complexity to this already aggressive 9-month transition.● Initiated a parts classification system for our European operation with the primary goal of improving production efficiency through reduced downtime but also benefiting from the reduction of both WIP and finished goods inventory.● Reduced overall SKU count by nearly 30% by “globalizing” product ranges which resulted in higher turnover, lower finished goods inventory as well as improved manufacturing efficiencies related to fewer changeovers at the assembly line.

In this assignment I was responsible for managing the design, development & manufacture of new and existing products for Europe together with Engineering, Engineering Services, Manufacturing, Quality Assurance, Logistics, and Service in the U.S. with their counterparts in Germany and Hungary. I was also responsible for Product Safety Compliance for all European product and worked very closely with the European Union in Brussels as well as the French Ministry of Agriculture on OPE regulations. This assignment included the supervision and career development of 1 direct report (with 3 direct reports) and 1 indirect report (with 2 direct reports). During my 3 year assignment I successfully:● Launched 2 new tractor platforms which required a complete redesign of the factory layout to improve material flow, reduce WIP inventory and improve manufacturing assembly.● Helped to reduce the European supply base by over 40% by leveraging the existing US supply base and working with Engineering to eliminate custom parts.● Managed the joint venture between MTD and a competing worldwide manufacturer of outdoor power equipment from both a technical and business perspective. I managed the procurement of tooling, selection of vendors, offered technical expertise in the design and manufacture of each unit within the framework of this manufacturer’s design guidelines to reduce total cost to both companies. In addition, I was responsible for accurate product costing, detailed margin analyses, production scheduling, inventory as well as service parts forecasting and ordering on behalf of this customer.● Resolved any and all production issues related to the manufacture of product being designed in the U.S. by developing and nurturing relationships in Engineering and Manufacturing as well as between Purchasing, Quality, Service, Logistics, Sales/Marketing which reduced waste and improved overall efficiencies.

In this assignment I was responsible for the Product Engineering efforts of the global lawn and garden tractor product lines – the most critical product line in the company. In just under 2 years in this position, I directed a cross-functional, multi-platform focused team that included the disciplines of Engineering and Manufacturing Support developing products that would grow the global tractor business profitably. While in this roll:● Responsible for the design and development of 7 different lawn tractor platforms manufactured in Europe and N. America across 4 different manufacturing facilities● Worked with Sales to reduced SKUs by more than 10%● Developed successful projects that increased sales volume by more than 40% and increased market share by nearly 10%● Annually reduced product cost through innovative design changes. In FY2002, product cost in the ride-on category was reduced by over $10 Million through Engineering design modifications.● Managed multi-year product and technology roadmaps● Developed product-differentiating features that transformed the Rider Product Line margin mix from 90% Value & Economy and 10% Premium to 50% Premium and 50% Value & Economy products.

In this assignment I was responsible for the design and development of 7 different lawn tractor platforms manufactured in Europe and N America across 4 different manufacturing facilities. This assignment included the supervision and career development of 12 direct reports.● Instrumental in the adoption and creation of a project planning tool for new product development● Developed managerial discipline and fortitude resulting from 3 different individuals that I placed on 90-day probation for unsatisfactory work performance. Two individuals completed the 90-day program successfully resulting later in valuable contributions to the organization, and the 3rd individual I terminated.

In this assignment I facilitated the design and manufacture of ride-on equipment for the N. American market● Led the development of a rear engine rider platform for consumption in N. America, Europe and Australia● Achieved a design patent for the rear mount “Fast Attach” system on the RT-99 platform (double and triple baggers, sleeve hitch and tiller attachments)

In this assignment, I facilitated the design and manufacture of injection, blow-molded, and extruded plastic parts ensuring quality and profitability. Evaluated value-added features from an engineering and economic standpoint; determined operating costs of production and assessed feasibility; developed 3-D assemblies and models for mold manufacture.● Designed and developed a full line of outdoor storage cabinets resulting in both a utility and design patent

In this assignment I created digital 3D models and 2D drawings of injection-molded, blow-molded and extruded plastic parts using Pro-Engineer software.● Optimized product concepts ensuring manufacturability / moldability