CHRISTOPHER VATTER
Cleveland,TN
Summary
Results-oriented Lean Manufacturing and Supply Chain leader with 37 years of diverse experience in manufacturing, logistics, and quality control. Adept at implementing Lean principles, driving continuous improvement, and optimizing operations across multiple industries—from solar panel manufacturing to heavy equipment and beyond. Proven track record in leading multi-functional teams, developing robust quality programs, and executing ISO implementations to enhance productivity and reduce costs. A strategic thinker with exceptional analytical and communication skills, I excel in delivering projects under budget and ahead of schedule while fostering a culture of excellence and operational efficiency.
Overview
38
38
years of professional experience
Work History
Manager
MARQUIS SOLAR FRAME WORKS
01.2024 - Current
- Established and implemented a comprehensive quality management system, including raw material, in-process, and final product inspections to ensure compliance with industry standards.
- Developed skills assessments and a Training Matrix to enhance workforce competency in Quality and Material Control.
- Led on-site ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and ISO 45001 implementation, collaborating with corporate leadership to align operations with regulatory requirements.
Special Projects Manager / Continuous Improvement Manager / EHS Manager
AMERICAN ALUMINUM EXTRUSIONS
11.2023 - 01.2024
- Oversaw multiple roles assigned by corporate management, ensuring operational efficiency and compliance.
- Designed a manufacturing cell for rapid integration of new customer designs, increasing production capacity to one truckload per shift.
- Conducted a comprehensive ISO & OSHA compliance audit, identifying 1,400+ non-conformities and developing corrective action plans.
- Developed a structured training program to achieve full AAE compliance by May 2024.
Plant Manager
PRIORITY SIGNS INCORPORATED
05.2022 - 12.2022
- Led a 22-member team across Fabrication, Graphics, Paint, Assembly, and Supply Chain to improve efficiency.
- Increased on-time shipments by 60% by implementing a capacity-based production schedule.
- Developed a Lean Manufacturing Plan to enhance performance metrics by 2024.
- Implemented a monthly coaching-based personnel development program for supervisors and staff.
- Conducted a wall-to-wall inventory audit, achieving 98.5% accuracy on $890K inventory across 1,998 SKUs.
Supply Chain Manager
GENERAC MOBILE PRODUCTS
03.2021 - 08.2021
- Directed 3 managers, 4 supervisors, 1 material analyst, and 38 associates in Purchasing, Production Planning, Material Control, and Cycle Counting.
- Created and maintained the Plan for Every Part (PFEP) Database for supply chain optimization.
Operations Manager
RED STAG FULFILLMENT
09.2020 - 01.2021
- Led 6 supervisors and 270 associates across key logistics functions, processing 8,000–12,000 shipments daily.
- Secured rental vehicle sources to mitigate carrier shortfalls.
- Optimized Receiving Department layout, reducing inventory from 2 days to 8 hours on hand.
- Ensured PFEP accuracy during a 150,000 sq. ft. warehouse expansion to support dock-to-shelf operations.
Operations Manager
DYNASTY KITCHENS & BATH
03.2019 - 08.2020
- Managed 6 Leads and 70 team members across key production and logistics functions.
- Eliminated part shortages in Assembly with a “by cabinet/by order” control system.
- Implemented quality standards to ensure compliance with industry finishing requirements.
- Increased first-pass quality from 69.6% to 96.4% in six months by standardizing tools and settings.
Operations Manager
HILLPHEONIX
03.2017 - 11.2019
- Led a team of 270+ supervisors, leads, and associates across 13 departments, overseeing second and third shift production operations.
- Managed 13 direct reports in a 660,000 sq. ft. facility, supporting over $1 Billion in annual sales.
- Enhanced department performance tracking by developing a new reporting format for second shift, improving decision-making and operational insights.
- Optimized 97 Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to eliminate production shortages across three assembly lines and ten subassembly departments.
Production Planning Manager / Contract Admin
DUPONT PIONEER
05.2015 - 07.2016
- Led a seven-member team responsible for Quality, Scheduling, Material Control, Logistics, and Training departments in a 24/7 production facility following the Dow DuPont merger announcement.
- Developed and maintained SAP-based training records for 62 full-time employees and 24 contract workers in alignment with DuPont’s Quality Management System (QMS).
- Managed contracts with 20 seed transport providers and 28 local service providers, ensuring consistent and reliable service delivery.
- Chaired the Process Safety Management (PSM) team, overseeing compliance with safety and regulatory standards.
- Earned the following certifications: Six Sigma Green Belt, Lean Practitioner Certificate, Lean Practitioner Certificate of Champions, Contract Administration Certificate
Plant Operations Manager
DUPONT PIONEER
08.2012 - 04.2015
- Monitored and tracked Safety, Quality, and Productivity metrics, providing detailed progress reports to executive management and department leadership.
- Developed 193 Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and 57 Job Safety Analysis (JSA) records, standardizing and optimizing the production process.
- Created a comprehensive shift report system to track production progress, enhancing interdepartmental communication and operational efficiency.
- Introduced a two-hour rotation schedule in the six-station box wash department, reducing repetitive motion injuries and improving employee well-being.
Supervisor, Material Control, PDC
NISSAN FORKLIFT CORPORATION
09.2010 - 03.2012
- Led a ten-person Distribution Center team supporting Receiving, Packaging, Picking, and Shipping functions, contributing to $41 million in annual aftermarket sales.
- Optimized daily operations by improving scheduling processes, reducing monthly overtime from 208 hours to 13 hours, resulting in savings of $6,000 per month or $72,000 annually.
- Conducted root cause analysis on returned materials, identifying errors and tightening picking and packaging procedures, leading to a 69% reduction in quality defect returns (from 437 parts per million to 135 parts per million).
- Enhanced productivity from 35.7 lines per hour to 52.6 lines per hour, resulting in $400,000 in annual savings through headcount reduction, process improvements, better scheduling, and cross-training.
Supervisor, Material Control, Assembly
NISSAN FORKLIFT CORPORATION
04.2005 - 09.2010
- Supervised 40 material control associates and 3 cycle count personnel, supporting multiple assembly, paint, weld, and fabrication lines.
- Applied Lean Manufacturing (Nissan Way) to support the production of 52 vehicles per day, maintaining an eight-minute TAKT time.
- Eliminated 103 mast chain SKUs by implementing an automated chain cutter, improving Mast Assembly efficiency.
- Led the implementation of a new RF system, increasing warehouse picking accuracy from 92% to 100%, delivered ahead of schedule and under budget.
- Reduced on-hand line inventory from 60 minutes to 30 minutes while ensuring on-time delivery.
Account Executive
FIRST INVESTORS, INC.
03.2003 - 04.2005
- Provided financial services and client support in wealth management.
- Developed strategies to optimize investment portfolios and financial planning.
- Built and maintained strong client relationships to ensure long-term financial success.
- Resigned to pursue a career opportunity with Nissan Forklift Corporation.
Materials Manager
DUR-O-WAL, INC.
09.2001 - 11.2002
- Supported operations in the production and distribution of masonry reinforcement products.
- Ensured quality control and efficiency in manufacturing processes.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to optimize supply chain and logistics.
- Position eliminated due to company downsizing.
Production Manager
PURSUIT MARKETING, INC.
06.1999 - 08.2001
- Specialized in the design, manufacturing, and distribution of high-quality paintball markers and accessories.
- Position eliminated due to the relocation of production operations overseas to China.
Chief Production Planner
HENRY PRATT COMPANY
07.1997 - 06.1999
- Company Overview: Butterfly & wastewater treatment valves
- Resigned for better opportunity with Pursuit Marketing, Inc
- Butterfly & wastewater treatment valves
Production Control Manager
LOVEJOY, INC.
07.1995 - 06.1997
- Company Overview: Power transmission couplings
- Position eliminated – owner downsized the company
- Power transmission couplings
Production Control Manager
RIXSON-FIREMARK
04.1994 - 06.1995
- Company Overview: Door closures & hardware
- Resigned for a better opportunity with Lovejoy, Inc
- Door closures & hardware
Inventory Control Supervisor
MILLER FLUID POWER
07.1987 - 04.1994
- Company Overview: Pneumatic & hydraulic cylinders
- Resigned for a better opportunity with Rixson-Firemark
- Pneumatic & hydraulic cylinders
Education
Master of Science - Industrial Management
Northern Illinois University
DeKalb, IL05.2012
Bachelor of Science - Operations Management
Northern Illinois University
DeKalb, IL05.1987
66 Hours - Industrial Engineering
University of Wisconsin
Platteville, WI05.1984
Skills
- TECHNICAL SKILLS
- Lean Manufacturing & Process Improvement
- Supply Chain & Logistics Management
- Operations & Production Management
- Regulatory & Compliance Expertise
- SOFT SKILLS
- Problem Solving & Decision Making
- Collaboration & Communication
- Change Management
- Attention to Detail
- Team leadership
- Staff training and development
- Operations management
Timeline
Manager
MARQUIS SOLAR FRAME WORKS
01.2024 - Current
Special Projects Manager / Continuous Improvement Manager / EHS Manager
AMERICAN ALUMINUM EXTRUSIONS
11.2023 - 01.2024
Plant Manager
PRIORITY SIGNS INCORPORATED
05.2022 - 12.2022
Supply Chain Manager
GENERAC MOBILE PRODUCTS
03.2021 - 08.2021
Operations Manager
RED STAG FULFILLMENT
09.2020 - 01.2021
Operations Manager
DYNASTY KITCHENS & BATH
03.2019 - 08.2020
Operations Manager
HILLPHEONIX
03.2017 - 11.2019
Production Planning Manager / Contract Admin
DUPONT PIONEER
05.2015 - 07.2016
Plant Operations Manager
DUPONT PIONEER
08.2012 - 04.2015
Supervisor, Material Control, PDC
NISSAN FORKLIFT CORPORATION
09.2010 - 03.2012
Supervisor, Material Control, Assembly
NISSAN FORKLIFT CORPORATION
04.2005 - 09.2010
Account Executive
FIRST INVESTORS, INC.
03.2003 - 04.2005
Materials Manager
DUR-O-WAL, INC.
09.2001 - 11.2002
Production Manager
PURSUIT MARKETING, INC.
06.1999 - 08.2001
Chief Production Planner
HENRY PRATT COMPANY
07.1997 - 06.1999
Production Control Manager
LOVEJOY, INC.
07.1995 - 06.1997
Production Control Manager
RIXSON-FIREMARK
04.1994 - 06.1995
Inventory Control Supervisor
MILLER FLUID POWER
07.1987 - 04.1994
Bachelor of Science - Operations Management
Northern Illinois University
66 Hours - Industrial Engineering
University of Wisconsin
Master of Science - Industrial Management
Northern Illinois University
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