James Brett Esch
Riverton
Summary
Plant Operations Supervisor at Rio Tinto with a strong focus on safety initiatives and process optimization. Demonstrated success in project management and employee development, leading to improved operational efficiency and compliance. Proficient in data analysis and cross-functional communication, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and accountability.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
Plant Operations Supervisor / Control Room Supervisor / Mine Execution Project Coordinator
Rio Tinto / Kennecott Utah Copper
Salt Lake County
01.2007 - 05.2025
- Supervised daily plant operations, including control room functions, troubleshooting, and process optimization to meet production targets.
- Led safety initiatives, including hazard analysis, safety meetings, and incident investigations, fostering a culture of safety and accountability.
- Coordinated multiple projects, infrastructure upgrades, and process improvement initiatives aligned with operational goals.
- Developed and maintained Standard Work Instructions (SWIs), ensuring operational consistency and training effectiveness.
- Managed staffing, work schedules, attendance, and overtime to meet production and safety standards.
- Facilitated daily safety meetings, addressing hazards and promoting Zero Harm principles.
- Collaborated with maintenance, safety, and environmental teams to improve operational efficiency and compliance.
- Analyzed KPI data, identified bottlenecks, and implemented corrective actions to meet or exceed performance metrics.
- Mentored team members, supporting their professional development and promoting a positive team environment.
Education
Bachelor of Business Management -
University of Phoenix
Salt Lake City, UT02.2012
Skills
- Team leadership and employee development
- Safety program implementation
- Incident investigation and hazard analysis
- Quality assurance and regulatory compliance
- Lean manufacturing and continuous improvement
- Production planning and scheduling
- Cross-functional communication and stakeholder engagement
- Data analysis and KPI management
- Problem solving and root cause analysis
- ERP and MRP systems
- Microsoft Office Suite proficiency
- Control room operations and equipment maintenance
- Safety management and OSHA compliance
- Data reporting and performance monitoring
- Process optimization and performance improvement
- Project management and coordination
- Standard work instructions development
- Infrastructure upgrades and vendor management
- Active listening and interpersonal skills
Additional Notes
- Willing to work rotating 12-hour shifts.
- Committed to fostering teamwork, safety, and continuous improvement.
References
- Joey Nichols, Manager Operations Concentrator, 801-230-5195
- Scott Severinsen, Operations Coordinator, Rio Tinto, 801-362-9977
- Jarred Anderson, Execution Supervisor, Rio Tinto, 385-296-8200
Certifications Skills
- Lean & Six Sigma – Participated in many projects, no certificate
- Control Room Operations & Incident Command
- Root Cause Analysis & Incident Investigation
- OSHA & Safety Regulatory Compliance
- ERP/MRP Systems & Data Reporting
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Strong verbal and written communication skills
Achievements Impact
- Spearheaded safety programs resulting in a Zero Harm environment, reducing incidents by 30%.
- Led multi-disciplinary teams and projects, increasing operational efficiency while maintaining product quality.
- Developed and mentored team members, promoting employee growth into leadership roles.
- Implemented Lean and 5S practices that improved workflow, reduced waste, and increased productivity by 40%.
- Managed staffing, schedules, and payroll for teams exceeding 150 employees, ensuring optimal coverage and compliance.
- Conducted root cause analysis for process deviations, leading to corrective actions that improved process stability and customer satisfaction.
Timeline
Plant Operations Supervisor / Control Room Supervisor / Mine Execution Project Coordinator
Rio Tinto / Kennecott Utah Copper
01.2007 - 05.2025
Bachelor of Business Management -
University of Phoenix
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