New Product design, process improvement, cost reductions

New product development and tooling management for Horticultural products in the greenhouse, nursery and retail markets. Manufacturing processes include thin wall injection molding, thermoforming, blow molding, direct printing and packaging.

Directed high performing engineering staff with an annual budget developing new delivery systems and packages. • Implemented Lean / Rapid Learning techniques in NPD process.• Adapted Agile / Scrum project management process improving ability to meet milestones on time. • Participated in creation of three-year R&D strategic plans including product and technology roadmaps which led to improved focus and cycle time reductions.• Implemented A3 knowledge management program to improve collection and sharing of technical knowledge. • Built high performing Product Engineering group improving overall company capability from mechanical to electrical-mechanical delivery systems.• Worked in collaboration with local University to develop and provide leadership for project management training workshops improving cross-functional teaming and communication based on attendee feedback.

Managed budget and engineering staff of skilled technical resources to support new product development including cost and product improvements.• Directed development of touch-free battery operated delivery systems.• Led development and implementation of new pump technology.• Identified and executed significant cost savings over five year period. • Implemented electronic engineering capability to support IoT (internet of things) strategy.• Implemented packaging development team to support innovation, sustainability and cost savings strategies.• Developed and implemented an in-house R&D Model Shop.

Led Engineering team and in-house tool shop support manufacturing mold maintenance and process improvements. • Developed products and tooling for new garage storage products on-time for leading retailer to meet advertising program requirements.• Identified and implemented significant cost savings through cross-functional efforts and reducing weight of parts, cycle times and assembly techniques.• Implemented improved model shop capabilities to reduce cycle times and cost.• Supported 24/7 tool preventative maintenance program for manufacturing for improved productivity, reduced production downtime, and significant cost reductions.

Led new product development efforts, contract manufacturing and operations for a startup company. • Built virtual Supply Chain organization, outsourcing manufacturing and fulfillment of all products.• Designed and developed 30 new pet and wild bird feeding products in four years.• Supported company growth to over $5MM in sales in four years positioning company for sale

Managed technical resources including Product Engineers and CAD Designers, Tool Engineers, Cost Engineers, Quality Engineers, Model Makers, ECR and CAD Administration. Responsible for new product development, tooling engineering (quoting, procurement, development & PM) costing, cost reductions and quality improvements.