Ken Grindle Email & Phone Number

Greater Boston Area

Recruited to this role. Oversee production team of up to 30 in the preparation and processing of Craisins (trademarked brand) and cranberry juice concentrate. Manage all aspects of night operations including human resources, EHS, facility and equipment maintenance and schedule crew coverage.

East Hartford, Ct

Asked to fill in warehouse supervisor vacancy as of October 2011. Provide oversight of raw materials and inventory levels and supervise employees in warehouse operations.As Production Supervisor, manage union employees in manufacture and bottling of soda and soft drinks in a fast-paced, demanding production environment. Ensure that GMP/SOP protocols are followed; conduct internal audits as needed. Verify equipment is in optimum working order and downtimes are minimized. Facilitate shift changeovers and administer employee corrective actions when required. Provide management coverage in other areas that include warehouse operations, shipping and receiving and fleet dispatch.- Within first 5 months of hire, approached by facility manager to lead 3 new corporate mandated 5S initiatives.- Consistently beat purchasing order (PO) attainment goals month-over-month.- Ensured safety/GMP/SOP protocols are followed and have had no safety or OSHA reportable incidents to date under my management shift.- Minimized production downtimes by adhering to a regular preventive maintenance schedule, (TPM).

Oversaw all quality and lean manufacturing functions for a $6+ million division of a global components manufacturer. Analyzed performance metrics and reported findings to senior management. Acted as liaison to division's sole customer, a Fortune 50 giant - IBM.- Consistently outperformed divisional goals for quality, safety and profitability by significant margins.- Led and completed numerous Six Sigma, Lean Manufacturing, Kanban and Kaizen projects cross-divisionally that have measurably and positively impacted operating efficiencies and processes, saved in labor costs and improved quality outcomes. - Served on and head up quality and safety committees- Trained and mentored several employees to attain Six Sigma Green Belt certification.

Called upon by executive management to orchestrate the downsizing and eventual planned closure of division in addition to primary role as Quality Manager. Oversaw employees and daily operations.- Identified ways to reduce operating costs through reductions-in-force (RIF), and decreasing number of work shifts while keeping turnover low and morale high.- Achieved first ever high profitability in 25 year history despite business downturn.

Process Technician, Quality Control Supervisor and Operations Supervisor