APRIL BARRERA
Pantego,TX
Summary
Accomplished Director of Manufacturing at Ricca Chemical, adept in plant and production management, and policy/procedure development. Spearheaded process improvements, achieving significant efficiency enhancements and cost reductions. Excelled in team building and training, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and operational excellence. Proven track record in implementing 5S/Lean Manufacturing principles, directly contributing to increased productivity and profitability.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Director of Manufacturing
Ricca Chemical
Arlington, TX
03.2022 - 12.2024
- Analyzed production data to identify trends and areas for improvement.
- Conducted root cause analysis on process issues related to quality or customer complaints.
- Ensured compliance with applicable laws and regulations governing the industry sector.
- Implemented process improvements using Lean Manufacturing principles while monitoring labor costs and efficiency ratios.
- Coordinated preventive maintenance on existing and new production equipment and performed routine calibration.
- Supervised production schedules, production quality and on-time delivery.
- Evaluated performance of personnel, identified training needs, and provided guidance for improvement.
- Facilitated regular meetings with team members to discuss progress on projects and set priorities.
- Participated in budgeting activities including capital expenditures planning and resource allocation decisions.
- Developed and administered budgets for inventory, labor hours and overhead expenses.
- Identified opportunities for automation within existing manufacturing processes.
Director of Plant Operations
SMOKEY MOUNTAIN CHEW
Coppell, Texas
01.2020 - 03.2022
- Instrumental in the setup of the Coppell Manufacturing and Distribution facility after manufacturing operations were assumed by Smokey Mountain from a co-packer.
- Managed all aspects of the manufacturing environment encompassing production, maintenance, warehousing, inventory, and distribution.
- Directed change processes aimed at increasing efficiency with a strong focus on both safety and quality.
- Participated in long-term planning activities such as forecasting future needs for resources and personnel.
- Established procedures and internal controls for Manufacturing, Sanitation, Inventory, Fulfillment and Receiving to efficiently guide operations.
- Organized staffing plans and directed the selection, assignment, training and development of employees.
- Closely monitored Food Safety and Sanitation in accordance with FDA regulations as the facility was being prepared for SQF implementation.
- Managed 12 to 35 direct reports during the setup of the facility, streamlining processes allowing reduction of labor to 11 direct reports.
Plant Manager
SMOKEY MOUNTAIN CHEW
Coppell, Texas
08.2016 - 12.2019
- Instrumental in the set up of the Coppell Manufacturing and Distribution facility after manufacturing operations were assumed by Smokey Mountain from a co-packer
- Established procedures and internal controls for Manufacturing, Sanitation, Inventory, Fulfillment and Receiving to efficiently guide operations
- Organized staffing plans and directed the selection, assignment, training and development of employees
- Closely monitored Food Safety and Sanitation in accordance with FDA regulations as the facility is being prepared for SQF implementation
- Managed 12 to 35 direct reports during the setup of the facility, streamlining processes allowing reduction of labor to 11 direct reports
Production Superintendent
KROGER MANUFACTURING/AMERICA'S BEVERAGE CO
Irving, Texas
12.2011 - 08.2016
- Oversaw operation of three shifts producing single serve bottles of water, carbonated soft drinks and hot fill juices on 5 production lines
- Managerial responsibility for 3-4 shift supervisors and 90+ hourly associates
- Lead process improvement teams that delivered $363K in material savings and 70 additional hours of line run time annually
- Support all plant programs to promote Safety, Quality and Reliability
- Monitor key performance indicators to work towards meeting company and plant goals
- Facilitate the Company Sustainability program
Production Supervisor
KROGER MANUFACTURING/AMERICA'S BEVERAGE CO
Irving, Texas
01.2011 - 12.2011
- Managed daily activities of second shift production associates with 25 direct reports running four production lines.
- Reduced expenses through effective cross-training of staff members.
- Promoted workplace safety during daily start-up meetings.
Plant Manager
RICCA CHEMICAL COMPANY
Arlington, Texas
04.2006 - 07.2010
- Managed up to 35 employees in an ISO 9001-2000 certified chemical manufacturing facility.
- Performed a full range of supervisory functions that included selecting personnel, evaluating workloads, promoting departmental quality and efficiency.
- Monitored key performance indicators to meet and exceed company goals.
- Coordinated plant inventory programs and implemented cycle counting process.
- Created a new-hire training process and position development schedules.
- Collaborated on the development and implementation of a capacity/productivity system.
Production Manager
RICCA CHEMICAL COMPANY
Arlington, Texas
05.2004 - 04.2006
- Scheduled and directed the daily activities of 15-20 direct reports, ensuring the timely preparation, testing and bottling of chemical solutions.
- Supported employee compliance with safety protocols, GMP standards, and ISO requirements.
- Contributed to creating and implementing a comprehensive master production schedule.
Production Planner
RICCA CHEMICAL COMPANY
Arlington, Texas
08.2003 - 05.2004
- Collaborated with customer service, distribution, and manufacturing in scheduling production runs to meet required customer service levels.
- Handled inter-departmental communication on scheduling issues.
- Managed inventory levels of raw materials and finished product.
Quality Control Chemist
RICCA CHEMICAL COMPANY
Arlington, Texas
08.2000 - 08.2003
- Conducted chemical analysis in accordance with GMP/GLP on production batches to meet quality specifications and production goals
- Trained to identify chemical and physical properties of substances by titration, conductivity, pH, turbidity, viscosity, specific gravity and spectrophotometry
- Developed standard operating procedures for laboratory testing
Education
Bachelor of Science - Biology
UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT ARLINGTON
Arlington, TX12.1999
Skills
- Plant & Production Management
- Policy / Procedure Development
- Project Management
- 5S/Lean Manufacturing
- Continuous Improvement
- Budget Management
- Food Safety & Sanitation
- Inventory Management
- Team Building & Training
- Resource Allocation
- Systems Implementation
- Scheduling and forecasting
Certification
- SQF Practitioner
- Advanced HACCP
- FSSC22000 Internal Auditor
- Kroger/Six Sigma Academy Green Belt
Timeline
Director of Manufacturing
Ricca Chemical
03.2022 - 12.2024
Director of Plant Operations
SMOKEY MOUNTAIN CHEW
01.2020 - 03.2022
Plant Manager
SMOKEY MOUNTAIN CHEW
08.2016 - 12.2019
Production Superintendent
KROGER MANUFACTURING/AMERICA'S BEVERAGE CO
12.2011 - 08.2016
Production Supervisor
KROGER MANUFACTURING/AMERICA'S BEVERAGE CO
01.2011 - 12.2011
Plant Manager
RICCA CHEMICAL COMPANY
04.2006 - 07.2010
Production Manager
RICCA CHEMICAL COMPANY
05.2004 - 04.2006
Production Planner
RICCA CHEMICAL COMPANY
08.2003 - 05.2004
Quality Control Chemist
RICCA CHEMICAL COMPANY
08.2000 - 08.2003
Bachelor of Science - Biology
UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT ARLINGTON
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