| Candidate Information | | Title | Project/Program Manager, Change Management, Continuous Improveme | | Target Location | US-NY-Middletown | | Email | Available with paid plan |
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Click here or scroll down to respond to this candidateContinued.Donald M. Little, PMPMiddletown, NY / Albany, NY EMAIL AVAILABLEStreet Address .573.4396 LINKEDIN LINK AVAILABLE Project Manager Senior Project Manager Program ManagerConsistently favorable outcomes effectively applying emotional intelligence to foster cohesive teams and bridge the gap between business and technical divide. With over 15 years of professional experience, I possess a comprehensive understanding of engineering and manufacturing operations. As a leader, I am personable yet assertive and dynamic, specializing in Strategic Planning, Project/Program Management, Cross-functional Team Leadership, Continuous Improvement, Product Design, Lean/Six Sigma, and Emotional Intelligence. I excel in concise verbal and written communication, coordinating, and collaborating across organizational levels to establish consensus on strategic/critical initiatives. Fostering open communication and providing constructive feedback is crucial to my leadership style to ensure long-term success. Leveraging my natural multitasking and problem-solving abilities, I can manage multiple fast-paced projects simultaneously, guaranteeing utmost accuracy, high quality, and organizational success. AREAS OF EXPERTISECapital Project/Program Management Cross-functional Team Leadership ROI/Continuous Improvement Initiatives Adaptability Standardization Emotional Intelligence Verbal/Written Communication Process Optimization Visual Management Six Sigma Dynamic Achiever Coaching Mentoring Delegation Conflict Resolution Strategic Planning Problem-Solving Prioritization Critical Thinking Stress Tolerance Attention to Detail Results-driven/oriented Root Cause Analysis Lean Methodology Contracts Negotiation Data-driven Decision Making KPI/Performance Metrics Change/Risk/Time Management Scope Setting Earned Value Management (EVM) Risk Mitigation Strategies Process/Technology Transformation Cost Estimation Gant Charts Organizational Skills Solid Works Process Flow 6S DMAIC Value Stream Mapping Stakeholder Management Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) Electrical Systems Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) Vendor ManagementDon consistently showcases a solid dedication to punctuality, establishing transparent goals, and promoting efficient interaction among his team, collaborators from other departments, and vendors. He exhibits outstanding skill in ensuring that timelines are adhered to while upholding quality, and his meticulousness guarantees that assignments are finished to perfection. I fully believe in his capabilities and believe he would bring immense value to any company. He embodies the dependability, responsibility, and leadership traits crucial for success. Carla Magner, Senior Enterprise Procurement Manager PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCEe-KRT LLC Remote 03/2022 to PresentSelf-propelled battery/solar powered, lightweight, and foldable beach gear transporter. FOUNDER AND DESIGN ENGINEERThe primary objective of this entrepreneurial venture was to develop a cost-effective, portable, and user-friendly solution for families burdened with bulky beach equipment. By offering a lightweight, collapsible, and self-propelled product, we aim to eradicate the necessity for multiple journeys, physical strain, and the requirement of a spacious vehicle, distinguishing us from our competitors.Researching to determine technical load requirements and appropriate materials for withstanding environmental conditions.Created 3D design to accommodate automobile transportation, beach items, and passage through doorways.Analyzed motor voltage, wattage, torque, and load to ensure cost and weight efficiency.Assessed each component for adequate factor of safety (FOS) to meet design and load requirements.Testing and troubleshooting battery, controller, throttle, and motor electrical system functionality and reliability.Engaging with international and domestic suppliers to procure products that align with technical and dimensional specifications to meet prototype testing deadlines successfully. AMSCAN INC. Chester, NY 09/2021 to 01/2024Amscan distributes all retail products for its parent company stores, Party City/PCHI, and is the nations largest party goods retailer. ENGINEERING PROJECT MANAGER 09/2021 to 01/2024I oversaw all operations of the Engineering department, including two Engineering Clerks. I also provided guidance to a team of~300 warehouse associates across two shifts at a distribution center spanning approximately 900,000 square feet. I successfully managed continuous improvement and capital projects utilizing earned value management techniques (EVMT).Successfully led 4-6 projects for a $1.3M eCommerce facility transfer Capital Expenditure (CapEx) project, ensuring its timely completion within eight months.I provided ~$1M in cost reduction for 2023 through various packaging supplies, processes, and efficiency improvements.Collaborated with enterprise Procurement during Chapter 11 bankruptcy vendor negotiations, ensuring the continuity of relationships with existing vendors and evaluating new vendors (RFP/RFQ) and products for operational use. Donald M. Little, PMP Page: 2Continued.As Party City enterprise team lead for the Transportation and Logistics Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Group projects, I played a crucial role in driving initiatives related to sustainability and responsible business practices. PLANT MANAGER Pearl River, NY 06/2022 to 02/2023 In this role, I procured essential equipment, supplies, software program updates, IT infrastructure, and staff to ensure the smooth operation of the facility within a tight two-week timeframe. I oversaw the facility's daily operations, including unloading International Products from containers, palletizing them, accurately recording inventory, and storing pallets in storage racks. NONNIS FOODS LLC Ferndale, NY 01/2020 to 08/2021Nonni's Bakery is a renowned leader in producing authentic Italian biscotti and has four plants in North America. BAKERY PLANT MANAGERIn my previous role, I oversaw the day-to-day operations of a prominent Italian Biscotti bakery with a total brand worth $35 million. I managed a team of 7 high-performing facility leaders, each responsible for different aspects of the high-quality food manufacturing process, such as production, warehouse management, human resources, inventory control, maintenance, sanitation, and quality assurance. This team and 75 hourly employees operated across three shifts. Additionally, I coordinated with procurement, sales, and marketing, which provided me the opportunity to have complete control over profit and loss accounting.Managed and implemented Capital projects, resulting in a significant 30% reallocation of associates per shift. This strategic move allowed for improved efficiency and productivity within the bakery.By implementing data-driven improvement activities and optimizing GMPs, we achieved a 12% cost avoidance compared to the bakery's financial plan. This result was due to utilizing data and implementing effective strategies.$3 million robotic Automation pick-and-place project involved various tasks such as scheduling, project planning, budgeting, stakeholder communication, quality assurance oversight (Food Safety/HACCP/SQF), and resource allocation.Performed troubleshooting, programming, and adjustment to Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs); Siemens, Allen Bradley, Rockwell Automation, and Bosch Rexroth controllers.During the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic, I relied on my emotional intelligence, agile leadership skills, and effective communication to successfully navigate my team. This enabled me to adapt daily to regulatory standards and the changing circumstances of local health regulations. KIMBER MANUFACTURING INC. NJ and NY 08/2014 to 12/2019Kimber Manufacturing is an American company that designs, manufactures, and distributes firearms. PROGRAM/PROJECT MANAGER, MIM COMMODITY SOURCING CONTRACT 12/2018 to 12/2019 I oversaw diverse, cross-functional internal and external teams in this remote role. We carefully assessed and chose the most suitable manufacturing process for 84 metal injection-molded components using data-driven analysis, cost-effectiveness evaluations, quality assurance measures, and efficient delivery methods.Successfully led 8-10 concurrent projects as part of the overall outsourcing program through their lifecycle stages: initiation/scope, planning, execution, monitoring, control, and final stakeholder approval.Worked with external vendors providing initial samples, First Article samples, and Capability lot samples for final Fit/Form/Function pistol and rifle live fire testing. MANAGER, MIM ENGINEERING AND OPERATIONS 11/2017 to 12/2018 During my time there, I assumed full leadership responsibility for 24 cross-functional associates in the technical and engineering sectors. I diligently conducted daily GEMBA walks to guarantee our processes' utmost safety (OSHA), quality (ISO9001), delivery, and cost-effectiveness.Held daily Production Meetings with Executives to align strategy and tactics.Engineered and deployed a progressive cross-training matrix to enhance learning potential and ensure sufficient coverage.Assumed responsibility for approving all departmental and engineering mold maintenance purchases. PROCESS ENGINEER, METAL INJECTION MOLDING (MIM) 06/2015 to 11/2017 I implemented an ongoing enhancement culture to guarantee the quality of MIM components. This involved collaborating closely with internal collaborators to answer critical issues creatively. Additionally, I established fresh product process procedures and design fixtures, utilizing value stream mapping, Lean/Six Sigma methodologies, and Poka-yoke methods.Utilized Six Sigma methodologies to decrease the defect rate of each component version from ~15% to below 5%.Achieved savings exceeding $1M by implementing continuous improvement initiatives in 2016 & 2017.Developed and revised standard operating procedures to ensure an efficient process flow, aligning with ISO9001 standards. PRODUCT DESIGN ENGINEER, PISTOLS 08/2014 to 06/2015 Engaged as a sustaining engineer for two current production pistols, collaborating with Process Engineering and Production to enhance product designs and optimize production efficiency, cost-effectiveness, reliability, and quality. Donald M. Little, PMP Page: 3Managed complex product design and testing processes to validate new enhancements. Supervised improvement initiatives, collaborating with different departments to guarantee on-time and cost-effective project completion.Evaluate test data, generate reports, and assess if designs and processes align with functional and performance specifications.Provide technical guidance in the stage-gate New Product Development process, developing product specifications and validation plans through engineering analysis and testing.Manage Bill of Materials and component status tracking and initiate Engineering Change Orders. REMINGTON ARMS INC. Ilion, NY 09/2011 to 08/2014Remington, Americas oldest gun manufacturer, designs and manufactures firearms for the public and military. PRODUCT DESIGN ENGINEER CONTRACT, LEVER ACTION RIFLES Created 3D models, 2D drawings including GD&T, and a comprehensive 3D SolidWorks assembly of several lever-action rifle firearms to analyze nominal interference detection, static, and kinematic tolerance analysis for various mechanical assembly positions. This was performed to execute design acceptance testing (DAT) and provide a production re-design for a smoother, non- interfering one-piece flow design for the assembly operation.Collaborated closely with process and quality engineers to enhance our current products' machining, eliminate outdated processes, and transition to CNC.Responsible for defining and reviewing the necessary information and layout for internal presentations and reports for the VP.Led a team of three engineers in accomplishing project tasks and provided daily updates to the VP.Responsible for weekly meetings with plant supervisors to inform them about project deadlines, the status of engineering issues, process tasks, and testing results.Collaborated with the custom shop to produce multiple DAT components, validating the effectiveness of the updated design. EVERETT CHARLES TECHNOLOGIES INC. Clifton Park, NY 04/2011 to 09/2011ECT is the world's leading manufacturer of POGO contact probes and bare-loaded printed electronic circuit board testing. DESIGN AND MANUFACTURING ENGINEER CONTRACTIn this role, I was responsible for troubleshooting manufacturing production order difficulties, resolving complex legacy Solid Works assemblies, and revamping test fixtures.Transformed 3D sheet metal components into flat patterns to streamline fabrication processes.Executed daily engineering tasks, including updating part revisions and maintaining accurate bills of materials (BOM).Devised and fabricated an aluminum alignment plate to enhance the precision of electronic board testing and a robust leg support system capable of holding a 10,000lb machine for testing electronic fixtures. XC ASSOCIATES INC. Stephentown, NY 05/2008 to 03/2011XCA provides design to manufacture advanced composite structures for the Medical, Aerospace, and Energy industries. COMPOSITES ENGINEERI was assigned 3-5 projects concurrently in this role and performed Project Management, Design, and Manufacturing tasks.Project manager on numerous small and large projects, awarded funds from $8K-$1.5M.Prepared detailed procedures/work instructions for manufacturers to prepare advanced composite parts.Collaborated with a team of engineers in requests for proposal (RFP) reviews and preparation for competitive bidding.Supported quality assurance systems and industry regulations by creating inspection reports for parts of the medical, aerospace, and military sectors.Don is a highly skilled and knowledgeable engineer, possessing exceptional expertise in manufacturing support, continuous improvement, and process development. His intelligence and professionalism are evident in his work. Don's enthusiasm and energy enable him to tackle new challenges diligently. Bryan Sherman, MIM Technology Engineering Manager EDUCATIONBachelor of Science, Mechanical Engineering Technology, SUNY Polytechnic Institute, Utica, NY Associate of Applied Science, Mechanical Engineering Technology, Hudson Valley Community College, Troy, NY CERTIFICATIONS AND TRAININGGenerative Artificial Intelligence (AI) Overview for Project Managers, Project Management Professional (PMP), PMI Certified Lean Six Sigma Green Belt, Rutgers University Lean Six Sigma Green Belt, Lockheed Martin and Rutgers Leading with Emotional Intelligence, Presentation Skills, Management Skills for New Managers, AMA Basic Powder Metallurgy Short Course, MPIF Multilift Select Robot Programming, Arburg Injection Molding Fundamentals of Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing TECHNICAL SKILLSMS Project MS Outlook MS Word MS Excel MS PowerPoint MS Navision MS Teams Zoom SolidWorks Pro Engineer Inventor Auto CAD Minitab SAP Visual 7 BPCS Monday Trello Smartsheet |
