Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Military Experience
Languages
Interests
Timeline
GeneralManager

Edward Santiago

Worcester,MA

Summary

Dynamic operations leader with over 35 years of comprehensive experience driving excellence in manufacturing environments. Proven track record of achieving significant year-over-year improvements in safety, quality, cost, and delivery metrics. Renowned for decisive leadership and strategic decision-making, powered by strong analytical, organizational, and planning skills. Passionate about upholding rigorous quality standards while enhancing profitability through operational efficiencies. An advocate for a clean and safe manufacturing philosophy, adept at implementing 5S principles and leveraging a "pull" production approach to optimize processes. Experienced in cultivating high-performance teams, negotiating vendor contracts, and implementing systems that foster operational excellence.

Professional managerial candidate with deep understanding of operational excellence and team leadership. Proven ability to drive growth and enhance productivity through strategic planning and effective resource management. Emphasizes collaboration and adaptability to meet organizational goals, showcasing excellent problem-solving and decision-making abilities.

Professional leader with comprehensive experience in driving operational excellence and strategic growth. Proven track record of fostering team collaboration and achieving impactful results in dynamic environments. Skilled in navigating complex challenges, optimizing processes, and cultivating positive workplace cultures. Known for adaptability, effective communication, and strong decision-making abilities.

Overview

31
31
years of professional experience

Work History

General Manager

Ox Industries
05.2016 - 03.2025
  • Lead daily operations for a manufacturing facility with a workforce exceeding 50 employees, consistently driving productivity and maintaining top-tier quality standards
  • Negotiate vendor contracts and agreements, securing advantageous terms that enhance profitability and contribute to significant cost savings
  • Develop and implement tiered accountability frameworks to boost performance management and clarify objectives across all levels
  • Facilitate comprehensive staff training initiatives aimed at skill development, team enhancement, and a culture of continuous improvement
  • Spearhead process improvement meetings to pinpoint inefficiencies and execute strategic solutions for operational advancement
  • Managed budget implementations, employee reviews, training, schedules, and contract negotiations.
  • Managed a diverse team of professionals, fostering a positive work environment and high employee satisfaction.
  • Cultivated strong relationships with clients, vendors, and partners to ensure long-term success and loyalty.
  • Monitored financial performance, set budgets and controlled expenses to provide financial stability and long-term organizational growth.
  • Drove year-over-year business growth while leading operations, strategic vision, and long-range planning.
  • Formulated policies and procedures to streamline operations.
  • Implemented operational strategies and effectively built customer and employee loyalty.

Corrugated Superintendent

WestRock Corporation
06.2015 - 05.2016
  • Directed a two-shift Corrugator Department, effectively managing raw material inventory and procurement processes
  • Crafted and implemented production schedules, optimizing department productivity to satisfy order fulfillment demands
  • Oversaw staff performance, conducting evaluations, creating development plans, and managing disciplinary actions as necessary
  • Diligently monitored safety, quality, and productivity metrics, setting ambitious goals and formulating actionable plans for enhancement
  • Developed and executed initiatives to bolster safety, quality, and productivity across the department
  • Reviewed design specifications critically for accuracy, identifying potential issues before they escalated into costly delays or rework situations.
  • Resolved conflicts efficiently among team members, fostering a positive work environment that contributed to successful outcomes.
  • Developed and maintained productive working relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
  • Championed continuous improvement initiatives within the organization, introducing new methodologies to increase productivity and reduce overall project costs.
  • Managed 18 workers when performing duties in line with local and national building codes in construction.

Plant Manager

Unicorr Packaging Group/Massachusetts Container
05.2004 - 06.2015
  • Directed end-to-end manufacturing operations ensuring timely and cost-effective delivery of high-quality products
  • Managed logistics, shipping, and distribution efforts, emphasizing process improvement and strategic problem-solving
  • Leveraged Lean Manufacturing principles to refine processes, drive cost reduction, and elevate productivity levels
  • Effectively implemented a one-box set-up that delivered consistent year-over-year productivity gains
  • Supervised a diverse team of over 100 unionized and salaried employees, focusing on recruitment, training, and performance optimization
  • Achieved exceptional customer satisfaction ratings while minimizing inventory carrying costs through proactive management strategies
  • Formulated and communicated impactful policies related to absenteeism, vacation management, and performance evaluations
  • Increased production efficiency by optimizing plant layout and implementing process improvements.
  • Reduced costs by eliminating materials waste and unnecessary labor hours.
  • Balanced labor needs with production schedules to optimize workforce utilization while maintaining output targets.
  • Forecasted future production needs accurately, allowing for strategic decision-making regarding staffing levels, equipment investments, and inventory management.

Plant Superintendent

Rand Whitney Container
03.1994 - 05.2004
  • Drove customer satisfaction through the implementation of rigorous quality assurance practices, achieving consistently high ratings
  • Reduced inventory carrying costs and met production goals through strategic resource management and precise planning
  • Enhanced employee performance through targeted coaching and developmental feedback initiatives
  • Optimized workforce deployment by reallocating personnel to critical production areas, achieving enhanced operational efficiency
  • Led Lean Manufacturing initiatives that minimized waste and produced significant cost reductions
  • Led continuous improvement initiatives that resulted in enhanced operational excellence and cost savings across multiple departments within the plant facility.
  • Maintained safety and compliance of all operations.
  • Coordinated maintenance schedules to keep plant running at optimal levels.
  • Managed cross-functional teams to ensure smooth daily operations and timely completion of tasks.
  • Implemented cost reduction measures through strategic sourcing of materials and efficient resource allocation.

Education

High School Diploma -

Bassick High
Bridgeport, CT
06-1984

Skills

  • Operations Management
  • Process Optimization
  • Team Leadership & Development
  • Continuous Improvement through lean manufacturing
  • Training and coaching
  • P&L management
  • Team training and development
  • Employee development

Accomplishments

  • Staffing - Worked directly with Human Resources to streamline hiring and onboarding process.
  • Business Development: - Spearheaded acquisition of two competitor companies.Established and managed partner relationships on a daily basis. Developed new marketing strategy which increased customer base by 23%.

Military Experience

Combat Engineer, 06/01/83, 05/31/89, Army National Guard, Stratford, CT, Served in the Army National Guard as a Combat Engineer.

Languages

English
Native or Bilingual
Spanish
Native or Bilingual

Interests

  • Reading
  • I participate in a variety of outdoor recreational activities
  • Backpacking
  • Train Travel
  • Team Sports

Timeline

General Manager

Ox Industries
05.2016 - 03.2025

Corrugated Superintendent

WestRock Corporation
06.2015 - 05.2016

Plant Manager

Unicorr Packaging Group/Massachusetts Container
05.2004 - 06.2015

Plant Superintendent

Rand Whitney Container
03.1994 - 05.2004

High School Diploma -

Bassick High
Edward Santiago