Thomas Voss Email & Phone Number

Illinois, United States

I concepted and have been leading a transformation of the method and message of Procurement Governance knowledge. I am leading the initiative to principally change the way Procurement Governance information is communicated by analyzing the entirety of the Governance documentation and converting the information from a narrative approach with hidden, vague and confusing expectations, to a "Knowledge In The Flow" approach and interface. Utilizing a logical process based hierarchical approach, rather than a random subject related approach, the interface will allow users to understand the required when, what, and how of their responsibilities. The incorporation of process related metrics enables the aspects of 'how well' so the user can evaluate their performance levels. While performing the preparation of process information also allows for the identification of additional automation opportunities.

Mossville, Il

I am responsible for engaging and collaborating with subject matter experts to Identify, document, distribute and apply Lean principles and Rummler Brache Methodologies (process improvement and optimization practices) to all enterprise Procurement and Logistics processes. The role includes the governance and maintenance of all Purchasing related processes and standards.I have developed an innovative digital process document management tool that has allowed for a unique approach to process communication and learning. By owning the responsibility for process documentation processes and tools (UI, documentation templates, repository management) I have been able to create a means for employees to access the standard work for all documented Procurement ( Purchasing / Source to Pay, Logistics, Product Supply, Supplier Management, Category Strategy, New Product Introduction) processes. This information is made available via tools I have created using Lectora authoring software and are housed within the SharePoint structure of sites I created and maintain for the Procurement Division.I also identify opportunities for, and create, digital workflow and decision modeling tools to aid in the completion and automation of complex process and disciplined decision making activities.

Peoria, Illinois Area

I have progessed though the years from Learning Consultant, to Senior Learning Development Consultant, to Sr. Organizational Development Consultant.I performed the role of Corporate Subject Matter Expert for Engineering Learning / Training. I have been closely involved with the New Product Introduction and Product Development processes while in my learning as well as my engineering roles. I have led corporate wide 6 Sigma projects in Learning / Training and Human Resources, with international and domestic vendors and Subject Matter Experts. I led an enterprise-wide 6 Sigma project resulting in the documenting and developing domestic (USA only) career “Pipeline” Process for the Manufacturing Skilled Workforce (Production Employees). I have and continue to be involved in the transformation of the learning culture within Caterpillar from a "traditional" learning culture to a knowledge capture and delivery culture.The bulk of the early years in my learning / training roles were associated with course development ( e-Learning, Instructor Led, Simulations). My field of expertise has been Engineering related, all types of engineering and engineering support topics. My responsibilities also included the development and maintenance of global Engineering curricula for the Enterprise.This role required excellent collaboration, project management, learning development, and authoring/writing competency.My success comes from being able to see beyond the current state and create plans, tools, and processes that lead to the realization of innovative approaches to complex issues. I am responsible for the concepting and development of the original New Product Introduction (NPI) process information management tool that has been continuously improved and is currently still in use enterprisewide today.

Peoria, Illinois Area

As a Certified Gallup Feedback Manager, I performed approximately one thousand individual feedback sessions with leadership candidates and facilitated nearly five hundred leadership selection decisions. As a Certified Strengths and Manager and Team Coach, I performed career counseling and team optimization activities utilizing the Gallup StrengthsFinder 34 tools. I led, and participated in, several projects that resulted in significant cost reduction/avoidance, product quality improvements and enhancement of employee engagement at Caterpillar, including the ”Right work, Right Place” initiative utilized to determine the value of outsourcing Human Resources activities and "right placing" displaced employees. I continue to participate in feedback activities within my organization as well as for past clients.

Mossville, Il, Caterpillar Technical Center

While working in Cat Electronics, I managed an annual budget in excess of $3 million for several multiyear New Product Introduction (NPI) projects. These projects led to the introduction of several new operator controls products, such as; switches, turn-signals, shifters, joysticks. My final design activities were associated with the prototyping and initial development of the first commercial application of three axis joysticks that were implemented on Caterpillar product application.Because of my proficiency in statistical analysis, and problem solving abilities, I was asked to manage the Continuous Product Improvement (CPI) / Warranty Engineering activities for the Operator Controls group within Cat Electronics. This role drew on my multi-tasking and team building abilities, at times being engaged in a dozen projects at a time. In this role I was responsible for the reduction of warranty dollars and the establishment and maintenance of product performance metrics. Utilizing reliability and quality engineering tools and techniques, I achieved, in the first partial year of this role, a reduction in product warranty by $1.4 million, the second year resulted in $6.1 million savings.

Peoria, Illinois Area

In this role, I was responsible for price and contract negotiations and establishment of logistical plans for $39 million of products for several groups within Cat Electronics including Operator Controls, Switching Products and Electro Hydraulics.

Peoria, Illinois Area

My first role at Caterpillar was in Central Purchasing in Technical Purchasing. I was responsible for the purchased finished material provided by 159 domestic and offshore suppliers. I was accountable for resolution of product quality and delivery issues, auditing of supplier products and processes, ensuring completeness of corrective action, supplier design and process FMEAs, and APQP activities. In order to solve many of the supplier quality issues, I led the suppliers through the application of root cause analysis utilizing such tools as Shainin/ Taguchi/ Classical DOE, 5 whys, 8D, and the like. I was also responsible manufacturing analysis as well as investigation, justification and recommendation of supplier capital expenditures.

Morton, Il

Quality Liaison for John Deere product lines - Responsible for ensuring that quality issues raised by the customer were fully addressed. writing and evaluating our quality plans, as well as developing design and manufacturing plans for sheet metal products.

Leland, Nc

My first Engineering position allowed me to where several Engineering and Management hats. I began as the ISO 9001 Facilitator, responsible for the preparation of the facility's readiness and attainment of the ISO 9001 Certification - 1st company in North Carolina to attain Certification. I was the sole Supplier Quality Engineer responsible for all Supplier products, electronic, electrical and mechanical, as well as management of the six person Receiving Inspection department. I gained great experience with printed circuit board (both through hole and surface mount) production, wire harnesses assembly and development, plastics production, plating, painting, and sheet metal production.I progressed to Manufacturing Engineer responsible for the in-house development and production of harnesses, through hole circuit boards, and final product.The last several months I was appointed to Assistant Operation Manager over all of the plant's second shift operation responsible for the production activities of 110 associates.

Masters Of Science, Industrial Engineering

Activities and Societies: Undergraduate Industrial Engineering Senior Project Advisor, ASQ (ASQC) memberConcentration in Quality.

Bachelor Of Arts (Ba), Psychology

Activities and Societies: Psychology Club Officer, Intramurial Sports, Track and Field, Cross Country

Bachelor'S Of Science, Industrial Engineering

Activities and Societies: ASQ (ASQC) Student Chapter Treasurer Internship, St. Lukes Hospital performing Time Studies, Process and Flow.