Michael Herman Email & Phone Number

Madison, Al, Us

Huntsville, Alabama, United States

Category Leader: Engines - Plastics & Rubber – January 2022 to Present (Remote: Madison, Alabama)Strategic Commercial responsibility (sourcing, negotiations, contracts, etc) for plastic injection & compression molded components (thermoset and thermoplastic), gaskets, rubber seals/O-rings, hoses (formed & molded).• Commercial responsibility for annual expenditures of ~$20 million (direct materials and tooling)• Support the North American Gasoline Engine plant (Hattiesburg, MS)• Develop and implement material strategies (sourcing, supply security, cost containment, material innovation/substitution)

Global strategic responsibility (sourcing, negotiations, contracts, supplier development, etc) for various resins (thermoset and thermoplastic), plastic sheet (cast, co-laminated, co-extruded, extruded), fiberglass, various chemicals, fillers, and pigments, subcontracted molders (injection and FRP).Commercial responsibility for annual expenditures exceeding $180 million (direct materials and subcontractors)Support Kohler’s North American plastics plants: Sheet molding compounding (SMC) & molding operation (Huntsville, AL); Fiberglass reinforced plastics (FRP) operations (Armstrong, BC Canada; Brownwood, TX; Spartanburg, SC); Plastics injection molding operation (Sheridan, AR), Cast iron foundry (Kohler, WI), Plastic composite molding line (Reynosa, Mexico)Support Kohler’s Global plastics plants: China, France, Thailand, United KingdomGlobal involvement on teams with associates from Kohler’s manufacturing operations around the world.Develop and implement material strategies (sourcing, supply security, cost containment, material innovation/substitution)

Responsible for the following functions: purchasing, materials, production planning, finished goods shipmentsAnnual expenditures that exceeded $59 million (materials, services, parts, supplies)Managed, hired, and trained staff/associatesReviewed with staff and periodically audited decisions regarding production schedules, shipment planning, inventory levels, material reorder points, supplier communications, and lead-times (internal & external). Pointed out areas that may need further review and discussion, but empowered associates to take ownership of their work/decisions and did not discourage smart failures. Encouraged candor and bold innovation (be open, think & work differently).Supported and assisted staff in the development and implementation of tools to ensure proper material supply, production scheduling, and shipment planning for finished goods shipments of 60 – 70 FTL/day and 15-20 LTL shipments/day.Reviewed monthly sales forecasts with management and collaborated on the determination of production volumes (daily/monthly targets).Sourced, selected, and negotiated with all suppliers not managed through corporate headquarters.Contributed and assisted corporate headquarters in negotiations with those suppliers whom they commercially managed but directly affected the Huntsville, AL operation.Collaborated closely with corporate headquarters to support the development and implementation of materials and procurement strategies.Worked closely with corporate Marketing, Sales, Engineering, and Purchasing to support new product launches.Maintained close surveillance on supplier performance in the areas of quality, cost, and delivery.Identified and streamlined processes for maximum effectiveness.Continually strived to meet or exceed individual and company business metrics.

Commercial responsibility for numerous plastic resins, extruded plastic sheet, fiberglass roving, gel coat, chemicals, etc., and brass rod & tubing for all of Kohler Plumbing Americas North American Operations.Commercial responsibility for annual expenditures that exceeded $52 millionTotal commercial responsibility with all the associated duties (negotiating & managing material contracts, supplier selection/management/development, problem resolution, etc.) for production raw materials for 4 plastics plants and 3 brass manufacturing operations located throughout the US and Canada.