Experienced continuous improvement leader and consultant with a proven track record in driving operational efficiency and effectiveness. Successfully led transformational programs in manufacturing, sourcing, and business process improvement within the medical device and aerospace industries. Demonstrated expertise in crafting and executing strategic and tactical plans, while developing people, optimizing processes, and implementing tools to drive results. Certified Master Black Belt with deep expertise in coaching and training in Lean, Six Sigma, and Design for Six Sigma (DFSS) methodologies.
Sigma Strategies, Llc - Owner & Principal Consultant
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Consultant - Continuous ImprovementSigma Strategies, Llc - Owner & Principal ConsultantTempe, Az, Us
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Strategic Sourcing - Supply & Cost Optimization DirectorMedtronic Aug 2021 - Aug 2024• Led multidisciplinary team of program managers, data analyst, and value analysis expert to identify, charter, and drive sourcing cost optimization projects. Exceeded cost optimization goal by 113% in 1 year by building and leading a team to improve the process, tools, and governance.• Standardized and streamlined supplier cost optimization efforts and created a structured process for soliciting, tracking, and celebrating supplier project ideas. -
Senior Program ManagerMedtronic Aug 2015 - Aug 2021Northridge, Ca• Reduced sensor variability, enhanced performance, and decreased scrap and rework through the variability reduction program for continuous glucose monitoring sensors. Implemented SPC strategies and continuous improvement projects using Lean Six Sigma DMAIC and advanced statistical methods. • Applied Lean Six Sigma DMAIC to reduce defects, improve equipment uptime and improve capacity at sterilization supplier.• Coached Lean Sigma Belts and Engineers in Medtronic Lean Sigma DMAIC and Design for Reliability and Manufacturability. -
Program ManagerMedtronic Oct 2012 - Aug 2015Tempe• Conceptualized and led the Preventive Culture Improvement Initiative with suppliers which included an assessment and supplier development process to improve suppliers quality, delivery and cost. Won Medtronic Supply Management quarterly award.• Generated $400,000 annual savings and a 6.2% supplier price reduction on an ICD (defibrillator) with a key flex circuit supplier project that decreased lead time and inventory, reduced scrap, and lowered unit cost.• Improved supplier yield of defibrillator lead coil from 78% to 94% to reduce scrap cost, improve capacity, and reduce supply disruption risk.
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Lean Six Sigma Master Black BeltMedtronic Oct 2008 - Oct 2012Tempe, Arizona, United States• Led the Tempe site “No Rework” strategic initiative which eliminated rework, reduced hybrid manufacturing defects by 68%, and reduced scrap cost by $6.5 million. Won 2011 Corporate Star of Excellence Award.• Reduced Burn-In from 7 days to 1 day for all hybrid manufacturing value streams, delivered a 43% reduction in the overall hybrid manufacturing lead time, and a $3.8 million reduction in inventory through the Burn-In Optimization project. Won the 2013 Cardiac and Vascular Star of Excellence Award. • Developed an improved yield tracking methodology and mindset for the Tempe Campus applying Rolled Throughput Yield to focus effort on elimination of rework and the hidden factory. -
ConsultantSigma Strategies Llc Aug 2001 - Oct 2008Tempe, Arizona, United States• Led and facilitated several high-profile medical device supply chain, engineering, manufacturing, quality, and business improvement projects including wafer contingency inventory optimization, fab transfer “lifetime build” inventory optimization, engineering disposition streamline, incoming inspection kaizen, and non-wet shield defect elimination. • Trained and mentored the initial class of a medical device companies Black Belts, the Site Leadership Team, led 2 Green Belt classes, and taught Design for Six Sigma and supply chain simulation.• Saved $10.5 million in platinum and other precious metal inventory costs for a global metal manufacturing company. Led three separate process improvement teams to improve lead time and yields for sputtering targets. • Saved $150 million+ over 5 years by assisting Six Sigma directors in developing and implementing the corporate Six Sigma strategy for a global materials science and digital solutions company. Developed the Master Black Program and mentored, trained, and certified MBBs over a period of 5 years. Taught DFSS to product/process engineers.• Led 2 waves of Black Belts to achieve $1.5 million in savings and certified 10 BBs for a global plastics manufacturer.• Trained, coached, and certified Black Belts and Master Black Belts and developed curriculum for a large health system.
Tom Thornton Education Details
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Mechanical Engineering -
Industrial Engineering
Frequently Asked Questions about Tom Thornton
What company does Tom Thornton work for?
Tom Thornton works for Sigma Strategies, Llc - Owner & Principal Consultant
What is Tom Thornton's role at the current company?
Tom Thornton's current role is Consultant - Continuous Improvement.
What schools did Tom Thornton attend?
Tom Thornton attended Arizona State University, Arizona State University.
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Tom Thornton
Greater Phoenix Area2intuit.com, keap.com -
Tom Thornton
Enthusiastic Connector Advising Technology And Business Executives On Technology Strategy Initiatives, Alignment And Enhancing Ways Of Working.New York City Metropolitan Area4gmail.com, ey.com, ey.com, jefferies.com3 +121228XXXXX
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Tom Thornton
New York, Ny -
Tom Thornton
Business Growth Team Leader: Profitable Operations | Negotiation | Business DevelopmentSt Paul, Mn3msn.com, honeywell.com, honeywell.com3 +131032XXXXX
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