Kathy Hallberg Mim Email & Phone Number

Kansas City, Missouri, United States

United States

Kansas City, Missouri Area

Transitioned the oversight of third-party retail inventory audits to non-supervisory personnel and reduced time required to install seasons thru simplification of paperwork and shipping information★ Designed and implemented a process utilizing input from 120 Territory Managers nationwide to eliminate shipping of programs without retailer support★ Drove standardization in card and ornament wholesale packaging, reducing field handling time by 50 percent

★ Collaborated with retail market managers, coached and advised them to resolve points of failure with display readiness🗸 Identified and resolved Point of Sale system and staff training deficiencies🗸 Achieved maximum display readiness for consumer shopping metrics🗸 Attained measurable improvements in retail metrics, consistently exceeding the 90% target★ Assured the proper application of engineering and Lean methodologies to reduce costs and improve efficiencies for 13,000 part-time field personnel supporting approximately 50,000 retail locations while driving revenue and profit★ Executed Lean methodologies and tools to problem solve and implement process improvements increasing field efficiency while enabling successful retail execution★ Provided cross divisional connection to ensure MSO aligned with corporate direction and operational strategies★ Maintained labor standards and completed new time studies as needed

Kansas City, Missouri

★ Evaluated and delivered supply chain expertise for internal business areas★ Served as a resource who understood the broader needs of business partners and delivered supply chain capabilities and solutions to support their needs★ Partnered with Product Director, Inventory Management, and Global Procurement leaders to complete a supply chain risk analysis, providing Global Procurement with the data needed for effective supplier negotiations to relieve capacity constraints★ Evaluated the supply chain operations of Hallmark Business Connections, recommended improvements to alleviate capacity constraints and bring third party production back inside

Kansas City, Mo

★ Led a team of seven inventory planners, oversaw and managed run strategies, product discard and obsolescence, air freight and wholesale serviceability for six everyday card lines and all-season card inventory★ Oversaw and managed Season and Everyday greeting card product inventory for multi-million dollars in assets; reduced season carryover by 25 percent in one year★ Integrated Lean methodologies and tools in the day-to-day work of the group enabling a 30 percent reduction in staffing thru attrition over an 18-month period★ Provided leadership, training and coaching to the Lean Planner as DIM Greetings implemented Lean strategies★ Utilized concepts including PDCA, Visual Management, Team Huddles and Kaizen events which resulted in reduced rework, streamlined process steps and role clarity★ Decreased inventory in slower performing items without negatively impacting sales, resulting in a 10 percent inventory reduction versus a goal of 8 percent★ Key player in the transition of a subsidiary brand to the Hallmark brand🗸 Facilitated process development to avoid multi-millions in product obsolescence🗸 Adapted inventory strategies to support retailers while decreasing overall subsidiary asset investment🗸 Engaged in a broad capacity to lead and facilitate key activities and decisions that were needed for the project🗸 Worked with all levels of the organization to finalize the card back change process, implement discard avoidance strategies and lot size changes for production runs, and support inventory systems conversion

Kansas City, Missouri

★ Launched Lean business system throughout company by learning and applying Lean methodologies in manufacturing and office areas. Acted as an internal consultant working with various divisions coaching and leading process improvement initiatives★ Hand selected to be one of four leaders to launch Lean strategies at Hallmark🗸 Team lead for original curriculum to train Lean principles and tools in manufacturing and office environments; training included monthly classes, multi-day seminars, and applied learning with ongoing one-on-one coaching🗸 Created the framework to identify needs and engage all Lean Strategy and Implementation Managers in content development and delivery; team created a mechanism to measure capabilities over time★ Developed subject matter expertise in value stream mapping, pull scheduling, kaizen events, visual management, PDCA problem solving and other Lean methods★ Trained Lean basic philosophies and tools to Lawrence manufacturing plant★ Designed and implemented a pull scheduling system in card packaging resulting in a 40% increase in throughput★ Facilitated current state and future state process maps for groups in HR, Tax, Manufacturing, Procurement and Inventory Management. Utilized PDCA problem solving to identify root causes and drive improvements.

★ Recruited by management to lead a team of eight professionals and collaborate with IT at five subsidiaries to manage a significant global spend on hardware, software, and technology services🗸 Reduced total spend by 22 percent over a three-year period🗸 Leveraged global spend, strategic inclusion of Legal and Senior leadership, participation in category best practice groups, and expertise in timing negotiations to suppliers' financial reporting to remove obstacles during negotiations🗸 Developed positive customer relationships with senior IT leaders at all entities and utilized a collaborative work style which resulted in IT consulting and engaging global procurement in strategic sourcing decisions★ Served as Business lead for the implementation of e-Procurement software and Global Procurement data warehouse for headquarters, plants, and subsidiaries★ Minimized risk and streamlined contract review by partnering with Legal to utilize and maintain standard contracts containing pre-approved language for software, hardware, and IT services★ Staff development included procurement seminars, IT and supplier technical presentations, subsidiary visits, and cross-training on category knowledge and contract structure and language

Mim, Finance, Asia-Pacific, Japanese

Activities and Societies: President of Asia Club

Bsba, Finance

Activities and Societies: Alpha Gamma Delta sorority, Charno Award winner