Bryant Rutledge
Kingsport,TN
Summary
Seasoned Project Leader with expertise in managing diverse teams and projects. Demonstrated track record of high productivity and efficient task completion. Proficient in project lifecycle management, risk mitigation strategies, and stakeholder communication. Strong leadership, problem-solving, and adaptability skills to successfully navigate complex projects. Known for driving efficiency and productivity through process improvements and team collaboration. Committed to delivering projects on time and within budget while fostering innovation.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Senior Circular Solutions Project Leader
Eastman Chemical Company
Kingsport, TN
08.2022 - Current
- Spearheaded the formulation of effective operational readiness plans, enabling the successful startup of the Chemical Recycling Plant by collaborating with key stakeholders.
- Directed multiple high-impact projects, demonstrating strong leadership, strategic vision, and keen business acumen.
- Recruited, mentored, and coached talented Project Leaders and Six Sigma Belts, providing training opportunities, constructive feedback, and support for their development needs while celebrating team successes to foster professional growth.
- Fostered collaboration and communication across various departments and stakeholders to achieve project goals, showcasing exceptional team leadership and business-oriented decision-making.
- Championed best practices across the company, ensuring compliance and alignment with corporate priorities through effective coaching and development.
- Tackled complex and challenging projects, engaging with VPs and directors, and providing strategic recommendations for improvements, demonstrating a proactive business mindset.
- Led the 2nd Recycling Plant initiative, managing strategic discussions, project planning, and team alignment. Navigated complexities such as tax incentives, land acquisition, wetland studies, and regulatory compliance. Facilitated workshops to identify and mitigate risks, ensuring successful project delivery and alignment with corporate goals.
- Collaborated with diverse functional areas, including Circular Platform, Capital Program Team, Business Finance, Program Management, Circular Advocacy, Climate & Energy, Site Operations, Product Management, and Waste Management. Developed tactics for change management, presented critical paths for operational readiness, and identified potential opportunities through comprehensive project and stakeholder discoveries.
Lean Manufacturing Engineer
Hapco
Abingdon, VA
01.2020 - 08.2022
- Used DAMIC process to reduce paint usage, saving 136.9K YTD.
- Over 575.5K in document savings.
- Established Lean program via policies, procedures, work instructions, and training.
- Devised, evaluated, implemented and oversaw multiple manufacturing projects of large scope from planning to completion.
- Manage quick changeovers, standardize work, pull systems, WPO, visual management from concept to implementation.
- Developed and implemented lean manufacturing processes to reduce waste, improve efficiency and increase profitability.
Manufacturing Engineer
Kennametal
Johnson City, TN
03.2011 - 12.2019
- Used Kaizen event to increase productivity by more than 25%
- After determining root cause of inefficiencies, methods such as 5S, Gemba walks, and standardized work were implemented in order to reach the desired results
- Implemented JIT or Kanban system to ensure address bottleneck to improve on time delivery from 82% to 96%
- Perform effective troubleshooting of CNC and manual presses
- Train all new CNC and Manual Press Operators on safe and efficient handling of machines
- Enter operating instructions into computers to start and adjust Osterwalder machines
- Conduct research to test and analyze equipment and system feasibility, design, operation and performance
- Validate First Article Inspection Reports (FAIR)
- Identified the most efficient and acceptable resolutions to complex engineering problems
- Plan, schedule, and coordinate detailed phases of large-scale projects
- Recommend design modifications to eliminate machine and system malfunctions
- Coordinate contractors, architects, and other project team members to deliver high quality projects within specified time frames
- Create standards, methods, processes, and procedures for reviewing, evaluating and inspecting mechanical projects
- Identify design, process, and equipment options to satisfy client needs, minimize costs and limit potential operational problems
- Maintain open and effective communications with project teams to increase productivity
Manufacturing Production Supervisor
01.2015 - 03.2017
- Develop production tracking and quality control systems, analyzing production, quality control, maintenance, and other operational reports, to detect production problems
- Actively suggest operational improvements to enhance quality, improve production times and reduce costs
- Help achieve company goals by supporting production workers
- Ensure the most cost-effective production methods are used
- Hire and manage staff including overseeing any personnel grievances
- Inspect finished products for quality and adherence to customer specifications including monitoring and adjusting production processes or equipment for quality and productivity
- Monitor the production processes and adjust schedules
- Plan and lay out work to meet production and schedule requirements adhering to all applicable regulations, policies and procedures for health, safety, and environmental compliance
- Work with managers to implement the company's policies and goals reviewing operations and working with technical or administrative staff to resolve production and processing problems
- Review the performance of subordinates
Pressing Group Lead
06.2013 - 01.2015
- Troubleshoot problems with equipment
- Actively suggested operational improvements to enhance quality, improve production times and reduce costs
- Help achieve company goals by supporting production workers
- Inspect finished products for quality and adherence to customer specifications making adjustments as needed
- Adhere to all applicable regulations, policies and procedures for health, safety and environmental compliance
- Scheduled work to meet production and schedule requirements calibrating or adjusted equipment to ensure quality production
Equipment Operator
03.2011 - 06.2013
- Operate all equipment throughout manufacturing process including back filling Pressing Department
- Change equipment over to new product
- Inspect finished products for quality and adherence to customer specifications
- Cross train in Sintering operations
Kitchen Manager
KFC
Johnson City, TN
06.2010 - 03.2011
- Reviewed the performance of subordinates
- Took necessary steps to meet customer needs and effectively resolve food or service issues
- Communicated clearly and positively with co-workers and management
TN Treasurer/ Bartender
Elks Lodge Kingsport
Kingsport, TN
04.2007 - 10.2010
- Prepared internal quarterly and annual portfolio monitoring reports
- Implemented financial planning recommendations
- Interpreted data on price, yield, stability, future investment-risk trends, economic influences and other factors affecting investments
- Led the modeling, planning and execution of all financial processes
- Recommended innovative alternatives to generate revenue and reduce unnecessary costs
- Researched market trends and surveys and used information to stimulate business and revenue growth
- Analyzed complex regulation and policy documents that directly impacted budgetary and financial matter
Desk Sergeant E-4
USAF Security Forces
Warner Robins, GA
06.2003 - 01.2007
- Gathered preliminary investigation information as a first responder to crime scenes.
- Directed traffic during emergency and congested situations.
- Instructed suspects on field sobriety tests and used portable equipment to perform tests.
- Wrote reports on arrests made, activities performed, and unusual incidents observed.
- Patrolled designated districts in patrol cars, on bicycles, and on foot.
- Mediated domestic-related disturbances and protected victims from harm.
- Responded to and investigated security and burglar alarms.
- Searched vehicles, buildings, homes, and property for evidence and stolen property.
- Inspected squad vehicle and weapons daily, and arranged for routine and special maintenance.
- Military received Global War on Terrorism Service Medal.
- Received Airman of the quarter in March 2004.
- Received Airman of the quarter in September 2004. Received BTZ (below the zone) award, which allowed an early promotion to E-4.
- Personally, responsible for over $1.5 million of command equipment with no efficiencies, losses, or damages.
- Military received Global War on Terrorism Service Medal.
Education
PMP Certification - Project Management Institute
Villanova University
Villanova, PA01.2020
Bachelor of Science - Industrial Engineering Technology
East Tennessee State University
Johnson City, TN01.2017
Associate of Science - Pre-Engineering
Northeast State Community College
Blountville, TN01.2014
Skills
- ISO Standards
- Project Management
- Root Cause Analysis
- 5S Methodology
- Quality Auditing
- Lean Six Sigma
- Collaborative mindset
- Stakeholder Management
- Team motivation
- Mentoring
- Portfolio Management
- Risk Management
- Leadership experience
- Technical Writing
- Change Management
- Cross-functional team leadership
- Strategic Planning
- Prosci Change Management Certified
- Staff Training and Development
- Key Performance Indicators
- Data-driven decision-making
Interests
- ACTIVITIES AND HONORS
- H.O.P.E.-Volunteer; Youth group that focuses on college preparation
- National Society of Leadership and Success
- Volunteer Coach for Park and Recreation; Basketball, Football, Soccer, and Tee ‘Ball
- United Way Initials Club Member
- Kingsport Fun Fest Committee Member
- President of Kingsport City Lynn Garden Youth Football League (LVPWFL)
Affiliations
- Robinson Athletic Booster Club
- Fun Fest Event Chair
- United Way Youth and Vision Counsel
- Lynn View Pee Wee Football League
- EVETs Transition Assistant Lead
- Christ Fellowship Small Group Leader
- Coach for Kingsport Parks and Rec
Accomplishments
- Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
- Airman of the Quarter
- Below the Zone (Earlier Military Promotion)
- National Society of Leadership and Success
Certification
- Project Management Professional Certification (PMI)
- Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Certification (Lean Method Group)
- Prosci Change Management Certification
- Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification (Lean Method
- Value Stream Mapping (Six Sigma Development Solution Institution)
- Process Improvement Foundation (PMI)
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Senior Circular Solutions Project Leader
Eastman Chemical Company
08.2022 - Current
Lean Manufacturing Engineer
Hapco
01.2020 - 08.2022
Manufacturing Production Supervisor
01.2015 - 03.2017
Pressing Group Lead
06.2013 - 01.2015
Manufacturing Engineer
Kennametal
03.2011 - 12.2019
Equipment Operator
03.2011 - 06.2013
Kitchen Manager
KFC
06.2010 - 03.2011
TN Treasurer/ Bartender
Elks Lodge Kingsport
04.2007 - 10.2010
Desk Sergeant E-4
USAF Security Forces
06.2003 - 01.2007
- Project Management Professional Certification (PMI)
- Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Certification (Lean Method Group)
- Prosci Change Management Certification
- Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification (Lean Method
- Value Stream Mapping (Six Sigma Development Solution Institution)
- Process Improvement Foundation (PMI)
PMP Certification - Project Management Institute
Villanova University
Bachelor of Science - Industrial Engineering Technology
East Tennessee State University
Associate of Science - Pre-Engineering
Northeast State Community College
Similar Profiles
Lisa NeeleyLisa Neeley
Procurement Manager at Eastman Chemical CompanyProcurement Manager at Eastman Chemical Company
Jaclynn TownsendJaclynn Townsend
Security Officer at Eastman Chemical CompanySecurity Officer at Eastman Chemical Company
Evgeniia KreslovaEvgeniia Kreslova
Marcom Project Manager at Eastman Chemical CompanyMarcom Project Manager at Eastman Chemical Company