ERIC DRES
Valparaiso
Summary
Efficient Plant Operations Manager known for productivity and task completion. Specialize in workflow optimization, safety protocol adherence, and team leadership. Excel in communication, problem-solving, and adaptability to ensure smooth plant operations and employee coordination.
Overview
3
3
years of post-secondary education
26
26
years of professional experience
Work History
Plant Operations Manager
York Container
Elgin
05.2025 - Current
- Directed daily operations of container production and assembly lines to ensure optimal workflow.
- Managed workforce scheduling to optimize labor efficiency and productivity.
- Implemented safety protocols to ensure compliance with industry regulations.
- Oversaw profit and loss statements to maintain financial accountability and operational performance.
- Plant startup/turnaround operations leader
- Boosted productivity by 25 percent over 14 months through implementation of process and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Coordinated supply chain logistics for timely material delivery and usage.
- Monitored production quality to maintain company standards and specifications.
- Led process improvement initiatives to enhance operational workflows.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to align production goals with business objectives.
- Managed budgeting and forecasting activities related to plant operations.
- Scheduled routine maintenance activities for all machinery used in production processes.
- Monitored daily operations of the plant, ensuring safety protocols were followed.
- Ensured compliance with all local, state, and federal regulations regarding plant operations.
- Established key performance indicators to monitor progress towards goals.
- Collaborated with vendors to maintain optimal levels of inventory management practices.
- Implemented initiatives that reduced energy consumption at the facility by 15%.
- Evaluated employee job performance and provided feedback.
- Assisted in developing policies and procedures for the efficient operation of the plant.
- Identified and implemented process improvements to increase production efficiency.
- Prepared monthly reports on operational performance indicators.
- Investigated customer complaints and developed corrective action plans accordingly.
- Conducted regular inspections of the facility to ensure a safe working environment.
- Analyzed data from factory automation systems to identify areas of improvement in production line efficiency.
- Trained new staff on proper safety procedures and use of equipment.
- Directed personnel in the maintenance, repair, and installation of equipment used in the manufacturing process.
- Supported departments in successfully utilizing available labor, materials and equipment resources for production.
- Planned, directed and coordinated operations for production, machinery and processing within company policies and procedures.
- Gave direction and leadership to all levels of employees and managers.
- Adjusted and improved processes to maximize efficiency.
- Developed strategic programs and devised key plans that affected the direction of the business.
- Used excellent verbal skills to engage customers in conversation and effectively determine needs and requirements.
- Used strong issue resolution and communication skills to cultivate and strengthen lasting client relationships.
- Formed and sustained strategic relationships with clients.
- Created effective business plans to focus strategic decisions on long-term objectives.
- Worked alongside and led cross-functional continuous improvement team geared towards improving the Customer Experience, with an emphasis on On Time in Full metrics, ultimately increasing to and sustaining an OTIF rate of 98.8% from a 65% average rate over a fourteen month period.
Converting Department Superintendent
Pratt Industries
Valparaiso
10.2019 - Current
- Pratt Industries is a leading packaging company known for its commitment to sustainability and innovation in the packaging industry. Website: [Pratt Industries](https://www.prattindustries.com)
- Managed daily operations of production facilities to ensure efficient workflow.
- Oversaw maintenance schedules for equipment to minimize downtime and disruptions.
- Implemented safety protocols to maintain a secure working environment for staff.
Plant Master Scheduler/Scheduling Manager
Pratt Industries
Valparaiso
07.2017 - 10.2019
- Directed the plant Scheduling Department, ensuring optimal workflow and resource allocation.
- Maintained an overarching master schedule for all manufacturing operations, enhancing productivity and organization.
- Engineered daily schedules for the corrugator and converting equipment utilizing CTI computer systems.
- Facilitated cross-department interactions to improve operational synergy.
- Orchestrated manpower structure and led strategic hiring to align resources with production needs.
- Inspire and guide the converting team to exceed production efficiency KPIs.
- Facilitate seamless interactions across all departments to enhance operational synergy.
- Orchestrate the department's manpower structure and lead strategic hiring initiatives.
- Pratt Industries is a leading packaging company known for its commitment to sustainability and innovation in the packaging industry. Website: [Pratt Industries](https://www.prattindustries.com)
Converting Supervisor
Pratt Industries
Valparaiso
04.2013 - 07.2017
- Managed daily production operations within converting department, ensuring efficient workflow and timely output.
- Devised and implemented comprehensive production schedules tailored to operational demands.
- Conducted regular quality inspections to ensure compliance with industry standards and specifications, enhancing product reliability.
- Pratt Industries is a leading packaging company known for its commitment to sustainability and innovation in the packaging industry. Website: [Pratt Industries](https://www.prattindustries.com)
Corrugator Supervisor/Corrugator Department Shift Manager 2nd shift
Pratt Industries
Valparaiso
10.2005 - 04.2013
- Supervised team of corrugator operators to enhance operational efficiency and productivity.
- Managed machine setup and performance adjustments to maximize output.
- Conducted equipment inspections and scheduled maintenance to maintain peak performance.
- Pratt Industries is a leading packaging company known for its commitment to sustainability and innovation in the packaging industry. Website: [Pratt Industries](https://www.prattindustries.com)
Corrugator Lead Person
Pratt Industries
Valparaiso
04.2003 - 10.2005
- Pratt Industries is a leading packaging company known for its commitment to sustainability and innovation in the packaging industry. Website: [Pratt Industries](https://www.prattindustries.com)
- Trained new team members on safety protocols and operational procedures.
- Coordinated maintenance and troubleshooting of production equipment.
Corrugator Dry End/Wet End Operator
Pratt Industries
Valparaiso
09.2000 - 04.2003
- Pratt Industries is a leading packaging company known for its commitment to sustainability and innovation in the packaging industry. Website: [Pratt Industries](https://www.prattindustries.com)
- Operated wet end machinery to ensure consistent paper production.
- Monitored and adjusted equipment settings for optimal performance.
- Conducted routine maintenance on wet end systems to prevent downtime.
Education
Bachelors - Supply Chain and Operations Mgt.
Western Governors University
Millcreek, U.S.A. 09.2021 - 05.2024
High School Diploma -
Valparaiso High School
Valparaiso, U.S.A.Skills
- Production scheduling
- Quality control
- Process optimization
- Safety compliance
- Inventory management
- Safety protocols
- Project management
- Budget management
- Process improvement
- Lean manufacturing
- Energy efficiency
- Logistics coordination
- Supply chain logistics
- Data analysis
- Performance monitoring
- Cost reporting
- Plant layout design
- Technical troubleshooting
- Machinery Knowledge
- Equipment maintenance
- Compliance
- Regulatory compliance
- ISO standards
- Operational auditing
- Administrative oversight
- Cost control
- Cost reporting
- Procurement
- Production planning
- Cross-functional collaboration
- Operational excellence
- Project coordination
- Operations oversight
- Coaching and training
- Employee training
- Staff training
- Relationship Building
- Team leadership
- Motivation and team building
- Communication
- Effective communication
- Conflict resolution
- Interpersonal Skills
- Organizational skills
- Organization
- Time management
- Adaptability
- Employee engagement
- Employee relations
- P&L accountability
- Staff hiring
- Benchmarking
- Environmental compliance
- Product development
- Facility management
- Software proficiency
- Problem solving
- Procurement
- Employee engagement
- Employee relations
- P&L accountability
- Staff hiring
Timeline
Plant Operations Manager
York Container
05.2025 - Current
Bachelors - Supply Chain and Operations Mgt.
Western Governors University
09.2021 - 05.2024
Converting Department Superintendent
Pratt Industries
10.2019 - Current
Plant Master Scheduler/Scheduling Manager
Pratt Industries
07.2017 - 10.2019
Converting Supervisor
Pratt Industries
04.2013 - 07.2017
Corrugator Supervisor/Corrugator Department Shift Manager 2nd shift
Pratt Industries
10.2005 - 04.2013
Corrugator Lead Person
Pratt Industries
04.2003 - 10.2005
Corrugator Dry End/Wet End Operator
Pratt Industries
09.2000 - 04.2003
High School Diploma -
Valparaiso High School