James Drew
Franklin,IN
Summary
Led planning initiatives for global deployment and developed new lean concepts currently being deployed worldwide.
Results-driven professional prepared to bring blend of strategic vision and hands-on leadership to dynamic organization. Background includes managing multiple regions, driving operational improvements through Strategy Deployment, and spearheading initiatives that align with company goals. Known for fostering team collaboration and consistently achieving results, with core skills in leadership and strategic planning.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
Work History
Operational Excellence Regional Manager for N.A.
Dana Corporation
04.2022 - 04.2025
- Strategy Deployment Lead for ALL facilities in North America; lead for business transformation in manufacturing centers in TN, OH, PA, MO, KY, and MI
- Developed Strategy and Curriculum to launch deployment across all facilities in U.S., Canada, Mexico, and Brazil
- Developed Strategy to transform historically difficult environments to coincide with digital transformation strategies with the MES teams
Operations Manager
Dana Corporation
11.2015 - 03.2022
- Guided facility through complex launches from 2018-2021
- Led facilitiy from 52 employees to 412 in 18 months during growth period overseeing +$350 mil in annual sales
Sectional Manager for Plastics and Rubber Components Value Streams
Caterpillar
01.2013 - 11.2015
- Continuous Improvement Manager for Facility. Led teams to achieve metric goals regarding People (Safety), Quality, Velocity, and Cost. Responsible for maintaining 97% inventory accuracy and implementing a Visual Management process to maintain Inventory Control.
Lean Manager- Master Facilitator
Dana Corporation
01.2009 - 01.2013
- In addition to my success with my local facility, I’ve coached and facilitated Kaizen and Lean workshops throughout North America establishing critical lean initiatives. Led Training & Development for plant personnel with development Matrix to identify talent and growth opportunities.
Education
University of Kentucky
04.2025
No Degree - Business Administration
Columbia College
01.2013
Supervisor Certification - undefined
Dana University
01.2003
Associates Degree - undefined
Moberly Area Community College
01.1993
undefined
Central Missouri State University
01.1992
Skills
- Microsoft Office Suite
- Data visualization and analysis
- Project management tools
- Industry 40 expertise
- American Sign Language proficiency
- Staff training and development
- Leadership skills
- Strategic planning
- Staff management
- Performance goals management
- Operations management
- Strategy Deployment
- Goal setting and performance metrics
Languages
English
American Sign Language
Accomplishments
- Under my leadership, my former employer has enjoyed much success. I have facilitated Lean initiatives that focused on Operational Excellence
- Successful launch of Strategy Deployment in U.S., Canada, Mexico, and Brazil
- Core Team program designed and implemented across 13 facilities across North and South America. Cross Functional teams that utilize Industry 4.0 tools to develop goals, identify and solve critical problems for the area
- Successful launch of Complex assembly process from 2018 – 2021; Columbia, MO. Plant awarded “Plant of the Year for 2022”
- Implemented inventory control system – 100% Cycle Counting avg.
- Kanban and Automated Production Scheduling Strategy
- Won Top Score annually for Continuous Improvement from 2011– 2019 (program was ended)
Qualifications
- 28 years of automotive manufacturing experience
- 3 years Operational Excellence Sr. Manager for North America
- 7 Years as Operations Manager
- 13 years as Lean Manager
- 8 years as production supervisor
- 6 years as operations Team Member
Areas of Expertise
Strategy Deployment, Core Team Development, Industry 4.0, Value Stream Mapping, Standardized Work, Yamazumi Chart Building, Work Combination Charting, Material Presentation, Visual Management, Kanban, Team Leader Development, TPM, Safety and Ergonomics, SMED or Quick-Change Overs, Manage by Fact & Practical Problem Solving, 5s, and WTI training standards.
Interests
- Participating in fundraising events to support local charities, schools, or community projects
- Youth Development Programs
- Gym Workouts
- I participate in various sports activities for physical activity, camaraderie, and personal growth
Work Availability
monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
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Timeline
Operational Excellence Regional Manager for N.A.
Dana Corporation
04.2022 - 04.2025
Operations Manager
Dana Corporation
11.2015 - 03.2022
Sectional Manager for Plastics and Rubber Components Value Streams
Caterpillar
01.2013 - 11.2015
Lean Manager- Master Facilitator
Dana Corporation
01.2009 - 01.2013
Supervisor Certification - undefined
Dana University
Associates Degree - undefined
Moberly Area Community College
undefined
Central Missouri State University
University of Kentucky
No Degree - Business Administration
Columbia College
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