Derrick Howard
Wellington
Summary
Results-oriented Operations Manager known for driving continuous improvement and fostering a culture of accountability. Strong analytical skills support effective decision-making, leading to enhanced performance metrics and employee engagement.
Overview
2026
2026
years of professional experience
Work History
Operations Manager
Autokiniton
2019 - 12.2025
- Oversaw daily operations, ensuring efficiency and adherence to quality standards.
- Streamlined workflow processes to enhance productivity across multiple departments.
- Implemented cost-saving initiatives, resulting in significant reductions in operational expenses.
- Led cross-functional teams in executing strategic projects, improving overall performance metrics.
- Analyzed operational data to identify trends and inform decision-making processes.
- Fostered a culture of continuous improvement through regular feedback and process evaluations.
- Empowered employees to take ownership of their responsibilities, leading to increased accountability and improved performance outcomes.
- Identified and resolved unauthorized, unsafe, or ineffective practices.
- Increased profit by streamlining operations.
- Analyzed and reported on key performance metrics to senior management.
- Implemented innovative programs to increase employee loyalty and reduce turnover.
Production Manager/Value Stream Manager
Shiloh
2015 - 2019
- Led production planning and scheduling to optimize workflow efficiency.
- Implemented quality control measures, reducing defects and ensuring product standards.
- Trained and mentored staff on operational procedures and safety protocols.
- Oversaw daily production operations, ensuring adherence to safety and quality standards.
- Streamlined workflow processes, enhancing efficiency across multiple production lines.
- Resolved issues quickly to maintain productivity goals.
- Managed continuous improvement initiatives to drive gains in quality, flow, and output.
- Standardized production procedures, job roles, and quality assurance guidelines.
Press, Weld/Assembly Supervisor
Shiloh
2001 - 2015
- Supervised assembly line operations, ensuring adherence to safety protocols and production standards.
- Trained and mentored team members on assembly techniques and quality control measures.
- Analyzed assembly metrics to identify areas for performance enhancement and cost reduction.
- Worked directly with QA personnel to identify and correct defects.
- Enhanced production efficiency by implementing lean manufacturing techniques and optimizing assembly processes.
- Increased safety awareness within the team by leading safety meetings and enforcing proper use of personal protective equipment.
- Implemented policies and standard operating procedures for continuous improvement.
Assistant Supervisor
Shiloh
1999 - 2001
- Led team to streamline workflow processes, enhancing operational efficiency.
- Analyzed performance metrics to identify areas for process improvement.
- Assisted in the development of training materials to ensure a consistent learning experience for new hires.
- Supported Supervisor by preparing production reports and collating quality documentation.
- Revised work practices to improve efficiency, boost quality and meet production goals.
- Led by example, demonstrating strong work ethic and commitment to excellence.
Die Setter
Shiloh
1998 - 1999
- Set up and adjust dies for various production runs.
- Operate stamping machines to ensure optimal performance and output quality.
- Troubleshoot die-related issues to minimize downtime during production.
- Train new team members on die setting techniques and safety protocols.
- Maintained a safe work environment by following all safety guidelines and procedures while operating machinery.
- Assisted in troubleshooting and resolving mechanical issues, minimizing interruptions to production schedules.
Senior Press Operator
Shiloh
1996 - 1998
- Monitored production processes, ensuring compliance with safety and quality standards.
- Adjusted machine settings to optimize production efficiency and minimize waste.
- Maintained strict adherence to safety protocols, ensuring a safe working environment for all team members.
- Upheld high standards of cleanliness throughout the workspace, adhering to established guidelines for equipment care and maintenance procedures.
General Laborer/Production Material Handler
Shiloh
1995 - 1996
- Operated heavy machinery to perform various labor tasks efficiently.
- Assisted in loading and unloading materials, ensuring timely project completion.
- Maintained clean and organized workspaces to promote safety and efficiency.
- Loaded, unloaded, and moved material to and from storage and production areas.
- Assisted team members with tasks that require group effort.
- Performed quality checks on products and materials to identify any defects.
Education
High School Diploma -
Wellington High School
Wellington, OHSkills
- Problem-solving
- Team leadership
- Operations management
- Inventory management
- Performance monitoring
- Employee motivation
- Process improvement
- Health and safety compliance
- Continuous improvements
- KPI tracking
- Consistent reliability in performance
- Customer service
Accomplishments
- Reduced overtime by 70% through process improvement and employee empowerment.
- Achieved faster changeovers through effectively helping with development of standard work for repeatability.
- Collaborated with team of 6 in the development of press tech training program.
- Reduced lost workdays and recordable incidents year over year thru employee engagement and introduction of standard work and floor monitoring.
- perfect attendance in 30+ years.
- Lead Kaizen event on poor performing processes to improve safety, quality and productivity.
- Started as general labor and learned hands on growing quickly in my company learning and leading others on the way.
- implemented 5'S program
- reduced equipment stops thru multiple improvement processes in material handling, set-up and standard work.
Timeline
Operations Manager
Autokiniton
2019 - 12.2025
Production Manager/Value Stream Manager
Shiloh
2015 - 2019
Press, Weld/Assembly Supervisor
Shiloh
2001 - 2015
Assistant Supervisor
Shiloh
1999 - 2001
Die Setter
Shiloh
1998 - 1999
Senior Press Operator
Shiloh
1996 - 1998
General Laborer/Production Material Handler
Shiloh
1995 - 1996
High School Diploma -
Wellington High School