Eric R. Winfield
St. Louis,MO
Summary
Dynamic manufacturing and quality operations leader with a strong track record of driving excellence in high-volume environments. Expertise in Lean Manufacturing, continuous improvement, and cross-functional collaboration, resulting in measurable gains in productivity and quality metrics. Recognized for developing high-performing teams and implementing successful process optimizations.
Overview
30
30
years of professional experience
Work History
Quality Engineer
Insight Global-Jabil / Amazon Fulfillment Operations
Pontoon Beach, Illinois
04.2026 - Current
- Provided strategic leadership for quality assurance and operational excellence across high-volume Amazon fulfillment operations, installing Opex Sure Sort XL machines.
- Engineered with quality teams to ensure regulatory compliance, optimize processes, develop KPI-driven performance metrics, reduce defects, improve customer satisfaction, and deliver measurable improvements in quality, productivity and overall business performance.
- Led cross-functional collaboration with Ivy assemblers, Jabil suppliers, and Amazon operations to enhance quality processes.
- Collaborated with operations, maintenance, engineering, and leadership teams to enhance quality performance and elevate customer satisfaction.
- Drove corrective and preventive actions to address defects, stabilize processes, and improve operational effectiveness.
- Implementing Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, CAPA, and data driven continuous improvement initiatives.
- Analyze operational and process data to identify trends, defects, and opportunities for continuous improvement.
- Conduct root cause investigations using 5 Why, Fishbone, Pareto, and CAPA methodologies.
Packaging Area Manager
Anheuser-Busch InBev
St. Louis, Missouri
03.2022 - 03.2026
- Supervised unionized production teams in a 24/7 automated brewery packaging facility.
- Directed packaging line performance, and operational improvements while supporting continuous improvement initiatives.
- Managed safety, quality and production performance across multiple package lines during assigned shifts.
- Led workforce development initiatives through coaching, training, and performance management programs to enhance team capabilities.
- Managed production plans, inventory levels, and scheduling to ensure operational efficiency and product quality.
- Utilized Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma tools including 5-Why analysis, PDCA cycles and root cause analysis to improve performance.
- Collaborated with senior leadership to drive operational improvements and change management initiatives.
- Managed department financial results and tracked operational performance using SAP systems to ensure alignment with company objectives.
- Implemented process improvement tools to enhance safety and product quality while streamlining production processes.
- Managed union workforce relations including performance management, discipline, and grievance resolution.
- World Headquarters Packaging Division
Warehouse Unit Leader
Fiat Chrysler Automobiles
Center Line, Michigan
09.2017 - 03.2022
- Managed largest trans order pick group Home Base A, overseeing 80% of warehouse operations for outgoing parts to 18 field depots.
- Oversaw all inbound and stock keeping activities within a one million square foot global service warehouse facility.
- Managed 25 stock keepers, 2 team leaders, 4 clerks, 3 lean team members and 2 trash haulers.
- Focused on implementing first in first out (FIFO) process for material management to ensure proper inventory rotation.
- Coordinate and prioritize all Vehicle Off Road (VOR) and Back Orders (BOR).
- Maintained timely stock of all inbound material, ensuring compliance within 48 hours for inbound stock to shelf.
- Gathered and analyzed operations feedback to develop new inbound warehouse parts receiving and stock keeping process layouts.
- Implemented a date board to better organize all dock material by date to better control First in and First out (FIFO) of material.
- Reduced warehouse material loss by daily identification and assortment of material.
- Improved LEAN warehouse team by targeting and eliminating waste to enhance product quality and production efficiency.
- Cross-trained operations personnel in various logistics processes to enhance team flexibility.
- Proactive in the use of TWTTP/HERCA’s for quality errors within the warehouse.
- Mopar Center Line International Parts Distribution Center
Quality Specialist
Fiat Chrysler Automobiles
Detroit, Michigan
10.2016 - 08.2017
- Managed the overall build quality of the Viper SRT.
- Point of contact on all build-related quality issues within the assembly plant.
- Managed 2 Quality Validation Station inspectors and addressed quality issues in production system through analysis of data from QVS inspectors, Customer Production Audit, Vehicle Layout Audit, and Customer Warranty.
- Stratified data from internal QVS and external dealer warranty sources to develop targeted recommendations and build solutions.
- Performed root cause analysis of quality issues using advance problem-solving World-Class Manufacturing tools, kaizens, one-page report and job element sheet.
- Provided real time feedback through the identification of production build issues through the Loop Process to maintain quality build in station.
- Collected build data from internal and external sources and provided build quality recommendations.
- Highlighted quality build issues that affected First Time Capability (FCT) and Second Time Capability (STC).
- Recommended and implemented effective corrective actions to enhance build quality and ensure compliance.
- Worked with engineering on build and quality changes to vehicle.
- Worked with cross-functional teams to ensure time execution on quality issues.
- Oversaw all Quality Validation Stations (QVS).
- Developed at High Severity images of quality issues that captured real time build issues.
- Recorded a five day in a row corporate record of zero Vehicle Layout (VLO) in the daily (CPA) audit.
- Implemented the use of TWTTP/HERCA’s for quality build errors to help reinforce quality build awareness.
- MQGR compliant with the tracking of all quality metrics throughout the production plant.
Business Unit Leader
Fiat Chrysler Automobiles
Kokomo, Indiana
01.2011 - 09.2016
- Implemented World Class Manufacturing in the world’s largest casting facility of transmissions, cast iron engine blocks, and aluminum die-castings.
- Managed 3 business unit production areas that are responsible of the production of 8 and 9 speed transmissions.
- Oversaw operations at Kokomo Casting Plant to ensure efficient production processes.
- Developed and mentored 2 unit leaders, 2 maintenance leaders, 6 team leaders, and 42 operators to strengthen leadership and operational capabilities.
- Oversaw safety protocols, cost deployment, focused improvement initiatives, and quality control measures.
- Monitored daily World Class Manufacturing (WCM) activities for the team to ensure operational efficiency.
- Monitored Overall Machine Effectiveness (OME) to assess equipment performance, driving targeted improvement initiatives.
- Implemented read across of successful Kaizens and Suggestions.
- Guided team leaders and members on Standard Work Instructions (SWI) to enhance operational consistency.
- Reviewed customer schedules and communicated operational strategies to align team efforts with production goals.
- Eliminated customer complaints, developed checks to ensure quality and layer process audits.
- Wrote up tooling and set tooling into CSM for new dies.
- Coordinate and lead the completion of 5s activities within the area.
- Evaluate Unit leader and Team leader performance and develop needs, discuss and create development plans using People Develop pillar.
Production Unit Leader
Fiat Chrysler Automobiles
Kokomo, Indiana
10.2008 - 12.2010
- Led multiple work teams in fast-paced, high-volume casting facility, implementing World Class Manufacturing principles to optimize operations.
- Managed 3 team leaders, 20 casting operators, and 7 remelt operators.
- Oversaw operations at Kokomo Casting Plant.
- Developed and managed highly functioning work teams composed of team leaders and team members while applying Chrysler Leadership Principles.
- Coordinated daily team activities, driving achievement of business metrics through effective collaboration and task management.
- Implement using autonomous maintenance calendars and tracking throughout the business unit.
- Coach and record Safety Emergency SEWO, Quality Emergency QEWO and Emergency Work Order EWO.
Reprocess Manager
Fiat Chrysler Automobiles
Fenton, Missouri
11.2006 - 09.2008
- Managed finished product inventory and reprocessing of vehicles, including mechanical repairs, engineering retrofitting, and product software updates, while conducting technical problem-solving and root cause analysis.
- Developed a workflow model, which increased output by 20% thus reducing work in process inventory by 60% over a 3-month period.
- This contributed to cost savings of approximately $7.8M.
- Integrated 'Fast Feedback' system for vehicle defects to identify problems, perform root cause analysis, communicate findings, and document corrective actions and cost recovery.
- Reduced unscheduled overtime costs from 12-hour shift to 9 hours or less. Resulted in savings of $100,000 per month.
- Oversaw operations at St. Louis manufacturing facility, ensuring adherence to production targets and quality standards.
- Established a baseline for day-to-day operations, 60% below corporate targets and 30% below plant targets.
- Managed a workforce which includes 40 hourly employees.
- Handled all vehicles requiring reprocessing, repair, and certification, including final shipment to the dealer network.
Assembly Launch Lead. Team Concept Smart Manufacturing
Fiat Chrysler Automobiles
01.2006 - 10.2006
- Represented plant in advanced team concept smart manufacturing planning during launch of RT program (Minivan) at Chrysler Technical Center.
- Led the launch team for Human Resources and collaborated with union business partners as the plant advanced towards Team Concept.
- Represented the plant during the engineering Digital and Pilot Builds, focusing on product issues and plant processing readiness.
- Conducted smart manufacturing training sessions for management and union workforce to enhance operational knowledge.
- Developed the Station Readiness template for the plant in reporting Assembly Readiness to Management.
- Developed manpower stabilization plan for assembly division based on new model projections and line speed reduction.
Certification Manager
Fiat Chrysler Automobiles
06.2004 - 12.2005
- Managed functions related to warranty process certification, ensuring compliance with industry regulations and enhancing certification efficiency.
- Managed a team of 30 quality inspectors to ensure compliance with standards.
- Established departmental goals for safety, quality, delivery, cost, and morale to align team efforts with organizational standards.
- Conducted daily quality audits of ISO 9000 certification and compliance.
- Implemented yard purges on suspect quality issues to prevent warranty issues.
- Developed escalation process to address defects in production system, leading to 40% reduction in vehicles rejected for defects.
- Supported and coordinated quality standards through Customer Satisfaction Audit.
- Supported daily quality of JD Power functions.
- Completed vehicle inspections and audits of finished vehicles.
Quality Supervisor
Fiat Chrysler Automobiles
09.2002 - 05.2004
- Led a team of 4 quality engineers in the daily assembly production monitoring quality standards and process.
- Supervised production process to maintain quality assurance and worked closely with operations to address potential quality issues.
- Investigated all quality issues, root causing and correcting the assembly process with countermeasure plans.
- Collaborated with engineering quality group to enhance assembly and craftsmanship standards for vehicles.
- Worked with supplier quality assurance issues to make sure parts were up to quality standards for vehicle assembly.
- Engaged with OEM suppliers to relay critical feedback on quality issues, ensuring adherence to standards.
- Addressed Customer Satisfaction Audit issues to improve production processes and enhance quality outcomes.
Assembly Zone Supervisor
Fiat Chrysler Automobiles
05.1998 - 08.2002
- Oversaw daily operations of production units with up to 60 employees, ensuring smooth workflow and adherence to schedules.
- Delivered and ensured quality of products assembled in my area.
- Created and executed a quality escalation procedure to enhance end of line quality through increased accountability in production systems.
- Facilitated and implemented the introduction of ISO 9000 certification standards for my production unit.
- Managed cross-functionally with a variety of assembly processes.
- Tracked and managed employee pay and overtime to maintain compliance and accuracy.
Warehouse Operator Mopar Parts Depot
Fiat Chrysler Automobiles
05.1996 - 08.1996
- Coordinated distribution of parts to Chrysler dealerships, ensuring timely delivery.
- Picked and packaged inventory for shipping, maintaining quality standards.
- Cross-trained in various warehouse functions to improve operational flexibility.
Education
Bachelor’s Degree - political science
Morehouse College
Atlanta, Georgia07-1995
Skills
- Quality Assurance
- Quality Metrics Analysis
- Continuous Improvement
- Process Optimization
- Manufacturing Operations
- Manufacturing Excellence
- Performance Metrics
- Project Coordination
- Operational Strategy
- Cross-Functional Leadership
- Team Development
- Collaborative Problem Solving
- Self-Directed Teams
- Supply Chain Quality
Other Organizations
- Member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Incorporated.
- Member of H. Mcgee Alexander Lodge #3 Prince Hall Mason.
Other Qualifications
- Trained In Autonomous Manufacturing and Voyager Plant Operations and applied the principles with team members in daily production operations.
- Completed AB InBev foundations of leadership.
- Trained in World Class Manufacturing and applied the principles daily through coaching and development of unit leader and team members.
- Trained in the principles of World Class Manufacturing and the Fiat Chrysler World Class Academy.
- Trained in Workstation Optimization and Lean Manufacturing principles.
- Completed SMART & Team training and was a contributor to rolling these concepts out to my department’s hourly workforce.
- Proficient with Microsoft Office applications, Lotus Notes, and Internet applications.
- Completed professional development classes offered by Fiat Chrysler including Foundations of Leadership and Practical Problem Solving, as well as various Labor Relations courses such as sexual harassment training and union relations training.
- Dale Carnegie Leadership Training.
Timeline
Quality Engineer
Insight Global-Jabil / Amazon Fulfillment Operations
04.2026 - Current
Packaging Area Manager
Anheuser-Busch InBev
03.2022 - 03.2026
Warehouse Unit Leader
Fiat Chrysler Automobiles
09.2017 - 03.2022
Quality Specialist
Fiat Chrysler Automobiles
10.2016 - 08.2017
Business Unit Leader
Fiat Chrysler Automobiles
01.2011 - 09.2016
Production Unit Leader
Fiat Chrysler Automobiles
10.2008 - 12.2010
Reprocess Manager
Fiat Chrysler Automobiles
11.2006 - 09.2008
Assembly Launch Lead. Team Concept Smart Manufacturing
Fiat Chrysler Automobiles
01.2006 - 10.2006
Certification Manager
Fiat Chrysler Automobiles
06.2004 - 12.2005
Quality Supervisor
Fiat Chrysler Automobiles
09.2002 - 05.2004
Assembly Zone Supervisor
Fiat Chrysler Automobiles
05.1998 - 08.2002
Warehouse Operator Mopar Parts Depot
Fiat Chrysler Automobiles
05.1996 - 08.1996
Bachelor’s Degree - political science
Morehouse College