JAMES ATES
Des Moines,IA
Summary
Experienced Plant Manager adept at improving output, maximizing quality and boosting employee satisfaction with hands-on management style. Recognized as effective operations manager and motivational leader. Successful manufacturing management career spanning 15 years.
Strong leader and problem-solver dedicated to streamlining operations to decrease costs and promote organizational efficiency. Uses independent decision-making skills and sound judgment to positively impact company success.
Successful Continuous Improvement Specialist with expertise in developing process improvement solutions resulting in better efficiency, safety and quality. Focused on reducing waste by implementing changes in processing based on lean methodology.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Plant Manager
Crystal Clear Water
11.2024 - Current
- Implementation of Continuous improvement and 5S practices
- Reduced costs by eliminating materials waste and unnecessary labor hours.
- Provided direction and leadership to all levels of employees and managers.
- Maximized plant safety through proactive strategies and well-structured training.
- Established positive relationships with suppliers to obtain timely deliveries of materials and products..
- Enforced health and safety protocols to promote safe working environment.
- Monitored inventory levels and restocking schedules to avoid production delays from unavailable materials.
- Planned operations to meet established schedules, factoring in order demands and business forecasts.
- Oversaw routine maintenance programs and scheduled service to keep equipment functioning at peak levels.
Production Supervisor
Continuus Materials of Iowa
01.2024 - 08.2024
- Established clear priorities and production quality standards.
- Monitored stock levels to ensure product availability and accuracy of inventory records
- Prepared in advance for and addressed production problems, material deficits, equipment failures, and unavoidable delays.
- Planned, organized and monitored resources to deliver efficient use of labor, equipment and materials.
- Set and enforced performance-oriented production approach, significantly increasing worker output and reducing safety incidents.
- Managed team of 22-30 production associates, overseeing productive production processes and meeting all deadlines.
- Collaborated with other leaders and executives to direct workflow and support operations.
Production Manager
The Willamette Valley Company
07.2020 - 11.2023
- Leading a team producing seventeen distinct products in a batch chemical operation
- Managed continuous improvement initiatives to drive gains in quality, flow, and output.......Implemented flocking processes which reduced waste truck costs ($37K)which was applied across products
- Created streamlined production schedules and collaborated with production employees to communicate objectives and goals.
- Studied department operations to assist with development of new or improved methods of tooling and production processes.
- Implemented quality control system to review products against technical specifications and corporate standards.
- Oversaw routine maintenance programs and scheduled service to keep equipment functioning at peak levels.
Project Manager
The Willamette Valley Company
01.2018 - 07.2020
- New construction oversight and project planning of the only state-of-the-art wax emulsion manufacturing facility of its kind from procurement to commission
- Coordinated material procurement and required services for projects within budget requirements.
- Coordinated with cross-functional teams to resolve project issues and mitigate risks.
- Negotiated and managed third-party contracts related to project deliverables.
- Provided detailed project status updates to stakeholders and executive management.
- Monitored project progress, identified risks and took corrective action as needed.
- Tracked project and team member performance closely to quickly intervene in mistakes or delays.
Logistics Specialist / Warehouse Manager
The Willamette Valley Company
04.2005 - 01.2018
- Renegotiated LTL rates with all the freight carriers saving 35%
- Tracked inventory, conducted cycle counts and audits, and resolved issues to maintain accurate records
- Achieved and maintained compliance with DOT standards through accurate maintenance of driver, permit and equipment records
- Handled high-volume paperwork and collaborated with administrators to resolve invoicing and shipping problems.
- Oversaw complex projects for senior leaders by ensuring timely and cost-effective delivery.
- Improved delivery plans with strong scheduling knowledge, organizational skills, and route development expertise.
- Cleaned and maintained warehouse in compliance with OSHA safety standards.
- Redesigned warehouse layout to accommodate new equipment, maximize space utilization, and optimize processes.
- Developed and implemented policy and procedure updates to improve workflow and productivity.
Skills
- Six sigma expertise
- Operations management
- Health and safety compliance
- Supply chain management
- OSHA regulations
- Fleet management
- Distribution center management
- Quality control
- Professional development
- Performance monitoring
- Team building/leadership
Certification
- Six Sigma Green Belt
- Continuous Improvement manager
- Supply Chain Management
- Lean Practitioner
- LSS Corporate Trainer
Certifications
Certified Supply Chain Management Professional (CSMP)
SSG Institute
Issued: February 2024
Certified Lean Six Sigma Green Belt
SSG Institute
Issued: February 2024
Certified Continuous Improvement Manager (CIMP)
SSG Institute
Issued: January 2024
Certified Corporate Trainer
SSG Institute
Issued: March 2024
Certified Lean Practitioner
SSG Institute
Issued: February 2024
Timeline
Plant Manager
Crystal Clear Water
11.2024 - Current
Production Supervisor
Continuus Materials of Iowa
01.2024 - 08.2024
Production Manager
The Willamette Valley Company
07.2020 - 11.2023
Project Manager
The Willamette Valley Company
01.2018 - 07.2020
Logistics Specialist / Warehouse Manager
The Willamette Valley Company
04.2005 - 01.2018
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