Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
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Charlie Vaden

Danville,VA

Summary

Dynamic Plant Manager at Columbia Forest Products with a proven track record in optimizing operations and enhancing production efficiency. Skilled in continuous improvement and team development, I successfully reduced costs and boosted employee morale. Expertise in quality control management and strategic thinking led to significant enhancements in product quality and operational effectiveness.

Core Values - Customer Service, Absolute Integrity, Share the Success and We are Family

Overview

33
33
years of professional experience

Work History

Plant Manager

Columbia Forest Products
10.2019 - Current
  • Increased production efficiency by optimizing plant layout and implementing process improvements.
  • Reduced costs by eliminating materials waste and unnecessary labor hours.
  • Directed employees and related programs to maximize team productivity and facility output.
  • Provided direction and leadership to all levels of employees and managers.
  • Boosted employee morale and productivity through effective leadership and motivational techniques.
  • Led, trained and coached plant staff to facilitate high levels of productivity and quality.
  • Monitored and evaluated plant performance to identify areas for improvement and take corrective measures.
  • Balanced labor needs with production schedules to optimize workforce utilization while maintaining output targets.
  • Maximized plant safety through proactive strategies and well-structured training.
  • Created plant policies and procedures for safe and productive operations.
  • Collaborated with sales team to align plant capabilities with customer demands, fostering long-term business relationships.
  • Implemented quality control measures to reduce defect rates and enhance product quality consistently.
  • Conducted thorough root cause analyses on production issues, identifying solutions for continuous improvement efforts. The use of TSSC
  • Developed cross-functional teams to foster collaboration and improve communication across departments.
  • Led introduction of new technology to automate and improve production processes.
  • Spearheaded initiatives to improve employee engagement and job satisfaction.
  • Enhanced communication between shifts, ensuring smooth handovers and continuity.
  • Managed budget effectively, ensuring optimal use of resources.
  • Established metrics to measure performance and drive continuous improvement.
  • Optimized resource allocation for increased operational efficiency.

Quality/Product Manager

Columbia Forest Products
06.2018 - 09.2019
  • Communicated effectively with team members to deliver updates on project milestones and deadlines.
  • Developed product documentation to communicate upcoming features and products to internal teams.
  • Collaborated with sales teams to develop effective training materials that drove increased product knowledge among staff members, resulting in higher close rates.
  • Analyzed metrics to measure product performance.
  • Collaborated with sales, marketing, and support teams to launch products on time and within budget.
  • Maintained positive vendor relations to build strong partnerships.
  • Improved product functionality with innovative design solutions, resulting in increased sales conversions.
  • Launched successful products by conducting thorough market research and identifying customer needs.
  • Continuously monitored customer feedback channels after launch to gather insightful data for future iterations or updates.

Quality Manager

Columbia Forest Products
08.2011 - 06.2019
  • Managed root cause analysis investigations, determining underlying issues in product failures and implementing corrective actions as necessary.
  • Managed and archived quality documentation and participated in internal and external quality audits.
  • Facilitated cross-functional team collaboration, ensuring seamless communication between departments regarding quality matters.
  • Conducted thorough audits to ensure adherence to industry standards and regulatory requirements, maintaining compliance consistently.
  • Evaluated quality problems and performed assessments to identify and resolve issues.
  • Mentored and encouraged employees to strive for excellence while fostering professional growth.
  • Coordinated and oversaw periodic audits to evaluate product quality and safety and address non-conformances.
  • Provided training to employees on best practices in quality management, fostering a culture of excellence within the organization.
  • Updated quality control standards, methods, and procedures to meet compliance requirements.
  • Improved quality processes for increased efficiency and effectiveness.
  • Followed quality standards and procedures to minimize errors and maximize customer satisfaction.
  • Led cross-functional teams in root cause analysis, identifying and rectifying sources of quality deviation.
  • Maintained professional demeanor by staying calm when addressing unhappy or angry customers.
  • Identified and communicated customer needs to supply chain capacity and quality teams.
  • Recruited, interviewed and hired employees and implemented mentoring program to promote positive feedback and engagement.

QC Technician

Columbia Forest Products
08.1997 - 04.2010
  • Maintained a safe work environment by adhering to established safety protocols, reporting potential hazards, and participating in safety trainings.
  • Assisted in achieving company objectives by providing accurate and timely data analysis for continuous improvement efforts.
  • Contributed to customer satisfaction by promptly addressing quality-related issues, resolving complaints, and providing technical support as needed.
  • Enhanced production efficiency through meticulous monitoring of manufacturing processes and equipment calibration.
  • Documented quality control procedures and record-keeping practices, ensuring a comprehensive archive of data for future reference and analysis.
  • Coordinated internal audits to assess compliance with ISO standards, resulting in improved adherence to regulatory requirements.
  • Improved product quality by conducting thorough inspections and implementing corrective actions.

Pressroom Dept Head

Columbia Forest Products
02.2000 - 03.2010
  • Enforced organizational rules and incorporated policy changes into departments' day-to-day activities.
  • Promoted a positive work environment by fostering teamwork, open communication, and recognition of accomplishments among employees.
  • Mentored junior team members, providing guidance and support to foster professional growth and success.
  • Maintained organized inventory with accurate records through proper ordering, tracking and auditing procedures.
  • Served as a liaison between the department and other divisions within the company, facilitating strong working relationships that contributed to successful projects.
  • Improved department operations by capturing numerous opportunities to streamline processes and reduce waste.
  • Developed strong interdepartmental relationships to improve communication and collaboration across the organization.
  • Played a critical role in talent acquisition, interviewing, selecting, and onboarding new employees to build a strong, diverse team of professionals.
  • Identified and communicated customer needs to supply chain capacity and quality teams.

Spreader Operation

Columbia Forest Products
11.1992 - 03.1997
  • Laying up hardwood plywood

Education

High School Diploma -

Chatham High Shcool
Chatham, VA
05-1992

Skills

  • Plant and warehouse operations
  • Project management
  • Operations management
  • Production planning
  • Continuous improvement
  • Performance improvements
  • Production scheduling
  • Team building and development
  • Lean manufacturing principles
  • Cost controls
  • ISO compliance
  • Environmental compliance
  • Compliance
  • Troubleshooting skills
  • Forklift operation
  • Quality control management
  • Equipment operation
  • Employee hiring
  • Strategic thinker
  • Production problem resolution
  • Quality assurance
  • Employee performance reviews
  • Staff scheduling
  • Equipment troubleshooting
  • Product planning
  • Cross-functional collaboration
  • Lean manufacturing
  • Total quality management

Timeline

Plant Manager

Columbia Forest Products
10.2019 - Current

Quality/Product Manager

Columbia Forest Products
06.2018 - 09.2019

Quality Manager

Columbia Forest Products
08.2011 - 06.2019

Pressroom Dept Head

Columbia Forest Products
02.2000 - 03.2010

QC Technician

Columbia Forest Products
08.1997 - 04.2010

Spreader Operation

Columbia Forest Products
11.1992 - 03.1997

High School Diploma -

Chatham High Shcool

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Charlie Vaden