Susan Whitehead Email & Phone Number

Greenville, South Carolina Area

• Assists client companies through SCMEP’s Competitive Assessment methodology to determine activities to positively impact profitability• Instructs client companies in lean and quality tools such as Value Stream Mapping for manufacturing and support processes, 5S- Workplace Organization, Problem Solving (DMAIC, 8D, A3), Total Productive Maintenance (TPM), Quick Changeover (SMED), Visual Management, Leadership, Lean Culture, Training Within Industry (TWI) Job Instruction (JI) and Job Relations (JR)• Leads client Kaizen events implementing 5S- Workplace Organization, Value Stream Mapping, Visual Management, Lean Office, and Problem Solving tools• Serves as adjunct instructor for the South Carolina technical colleges for lean classes• Achieves typical ROI for client investment of $24 to $1

Blythewood, South Carolina

• Responsible for manufacturing lines producing amplifiers for domestic, European, and Japanese automotive customers (including GM, DaimlerChrysler, Audi, Nissan) in a TS16949 facility • Key member of cross functional team achieving quality, cost and delivery goals - reduced PPM 65%, increased yields 19% and increased production rates 37% within 8 months• Leads team in continuous improvement including use of Six Sigma tools (Statistical Process Control, Failure Mode and Effects Analysis) and Lean techniques (Value Stream Mapping)• Develops business intelligence reports (using Business Objects) enabling timely response and analysis of test and rework data• Facilitates root cause investigations, development and implementation of corrective and preventative action plans using tools such as 8D reports, 5 Whys, and Drill Deep/Drill Wide

Blythewood, South Carolina

• Supervised technicians performing process and product audits and analysis of customer returns• Reduced PPM by 62% utilizing DFM, lean (value stream mapping) and APQP tools as lead Quality Engineer on team redesigning flagship product and developing automated production line • Received Bose Engineering Award as part of a team moving two transducer production lines to a Bose facility in Mexico while meeting quality and delivery goals• Developed and taught statistical process control curriculum for operators and supervisors• QS9000 internal auditor

Sumter, South Carolina Area

• Led a team of Quality Engineers, technicians and inspectors in supporting manufacturing to meet customers’ quality system (QS9000) and product requirements • Key technical support for problem resolution and continuous improvement of products, processes and systems• Primary customer contact regarding quality issues and corrective action plans• Reduced appraisal costs 40% by minimizing redundant product inspections and focusing on prevention including workstation, process and control plan audits

Fayetteville, North Carolina Area

• Supervised personnel evaluating purchased product, internal processes, and finished product• Reduced appraisal cost 35% by developing standards and training inspectors• Developed a quality organization to support start-up at a new facility• Recruited and trained auditors and technicians

Greer, South Carolina

Formally AlliedSignal Engines• Implemented manufacturing and quality planning for new and existing products based on customers’ technical requirements• Developed process flow, work instructions and tooling in conjunction with manufacturing engineering to ensure compliance to customer requirements and drive continuous improvement • Audited to ISO 9002 requirements and assisted in the development and implementation of corrective action• Improved suppliers’ processes through review of APQP documents and on-site visits to ensure appropriate quality planning and conformance to technical and system requirements• Supervised up to twenty-nine associates performing inspections at the receiving, in-process and final levels• Managed the Material Review Board function ensuring proper identification, control and disposition of non-conforming material• Reported to government representative regarding quality requirements and quality status• Conducted training for associates as a TQ II (Total Quality) Facilitator