Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline

Christopher Yates

Summary

Dynamic Manager with a proven track record in organizational development and employee coaching. Successfully led cross-functional teams to enhance plant performance and reduce operational costs. Skilled in complex problem-solving and fostering teamwork, driving initiatives that resulted in improved accountability and efficiency. Strong background in driving organizational change Professional and process optimization. Known for adaptability, reliability, and focus on achieving measurable outcomes.

Overview

33
33
years of professional experience

Work History

Transformation Manager

Ford Motor Company
10.2024 - 05.2025
  • Reduced operational costs by optimizing hourly and skilled trade UAW resource because of line speed reduction.
  • Led cross-functional teams, Plant, UAW, third party IE team and V.O. to successfully execute strategic initiatives, improving plant performance.
  • Introduced data-driven decision-making processes throughout the organization, leading to more accurate forecasting and increased accountability.
  • Monitored project progress closely, adjusting plans as needed to address emerging challenges or changing priorities. Transfers out, absenteeism and versatility.

Launch Manager

Ford Motor Company
09.2022 - 10.2024
  • Streamlined communication channels among cross-functional teams to improve efficiency during product launches.
  • Collaborated closely with external and internal partners ensure smooth execution of product launches on a global scale.
  • Recruited, interviewed and hired employees and implemented mentoring program to promote positive feedback and engagement.
  • Mentored junior team members in best practices for product launch management, fostering a culture of excellence within the organization.
  • Managed end-to-end product launches, ensuring timely delivery and seamless integration across all channels.

Final Area Manager

Ford Motor Company
08.2021 - 09.2022
  • Led a team of 48 salary to achieve company goals and exceed targets consistently, fostering a positive work environment.
  • Managed daily operations for optimal performance of 2500 plus UAW and skilled trades employees.
  • Conducted monthly score card reviews performance evaluations to identify areas for improvement and develop action plans for growth.
  • Conducted training sessions to educate employees on best practices and procedures to achieve employees year end goals.

Stamping Area Manager

Ford Motor Company
07.2020 - 08.2021
  • Led the press room and sub assemble teams to achieve and exceed launch targets for the all new full size Bronco while fostering a positive work environment.
  • Managed daily Ranger operations for optimal performance, ensuring quality and delivery during the Bronco launch.
  • Conducted regular performance evaluations and audits to identify areas for improvement for fit and finish for both sheet metal and aluminum concerns
  • Delivered workshops sessions to train employees on "LQOS" Launch Quality Operating Systems to ensure flawless launch for Bronco.

Body, Paint and Final Area Manager

Ford Motor Company
09.2015 - 07.2020
  • Managed the Body team in launching the all new aluminum F150 truck to achieve company stretch objective, outperform targets for JPH and creating a positive workplace.
  • Next move to the Paint shop to led the team to world class paint quality and maintain JPH for a c crew plant.
  • Move to Final Area manager to led a salary team of 61 starting back from COVID shut down and chip shortage.
  • Managed daily operations for optimal performance, ensuring timely completion of tasks and projects for all three departments.
  • Conducted regular performance evaluations to identify areas for improvement and develop action plans for growth.
  • Transformed underperforming teams into productive, profitable teams.
  • Developed strong relationships with UAW, leading to increased productivity and presentation to ensue achieving Plant objectives.
  • Coordinated with various departments to facilitate smooth communication, enhancing operational effectiveness during COVID and Chip shortages.
  • Oversaw inventory management during the time off site storage because of Chip shortages.

Supervisor to ME Manager

Ford Motor Company
05.1993 - 09.2015
  • Oversaw daily operations of the new paint facility 1993, Ford's first C crew Plant in 1995 and new body shop in 1996. Switched over from F150 and Bronco to Expedition and later Navigator.
  • Applied strong leadership talents and problem-solving skills to resolve daily constraints. Layer process audits, Deep Knowledge reviews and PJO's to put PCA in place
  • Increased team productivity by setting clear expectations for year end goals and monthly reviews.
  • Enhanced communication within the team by holding regular meetings and encouraging open dialogue among all members. UAW and Salary
  • Demonstrated commitment to the organization''s core values, leading by example and fostering a culture of excellence as a LL6 manager.
  • Reduced salary employee turnover by fostering a positive work environment and providing ongoing feedback through mentoring.

Environmental Engineer

Ford Motor Company
11.1992 - 05.1993
  • Improved environmental compliance by conducting thorough site assessments and identifying potential hazards.
  • Obtained and maintained permits and plans.
  • Ensured regulatory compliance by preparing accurate documentation for government agencies and corperate alike.


Education

Bachelor of Science - Engineering

Lawrence Technological University, Southfield, MI
05-1992

Skills

  • Organizational development
  • Positive attitude
  • Teamwork and collaboration
  • Multitasking
  • Reliability
  • Employee coaching and mentoring
  • Hiring and training
  • Complex Problem-solving

Timeline

Transformation Manager - Ford Motor Company
10.2024 - 05.2025
Launch Manager - Ford Motor Company
09.2022 - 10.2024
Final Area Manager - Ford Motor Company
08.2021 - 09.2022
Stamping Area Manager - Ford Motor Company
07.2020 - 08.2021
Body, Paint and Final Area Manager - Ford Motor Company
09.2015 - 07.2020
Supervisor to ME Manager - Ford Motor Company
05.1993 - 09.2015
Environmental Engineer - Ford Motor Company
11.1992 - 05.1993
Lawrence Technological University - Bachelor of Science, Engineering
Christopher Yates