James Lavoie
Candler,NC
Summary
Accomplished Manager that is professional and successful at operations oversight and strategic planning. Trained and efficiency-focused. Talent for developing leaders within the company before hiring outside. Hardworking with 25+ years experience in manufacturing. Decisive leader and problem solver. Top strengths in communication, relationship building and decision making. Experienced and adapts to improving output, maintaining quality and maintaining a safe work environment. Recognized as an efficient manager and a motivational leader. Earning the respect of your employees with a hands on work approach. Working with your employees is the key toto my success in management. I believe in Lead by example. I believe in creating an enjoyable and safe work environment that the employees want to come to work.
I'm a Master craftsman and can build just about anything.
Overview
34
34
years of professional experience
Work History
Owner
Self Employed
06.2024 - 12.2024
- Constructed and repaired decks, siding, windows, and concrete structures,painting, drywall, etc. , etc.
Plant Manager
Century Caseworks
10.2023 - 06.2024
- Increased production efficiency by optimizing plant layout and implementing process improvements.
- Reduced costs by eliminating materials waste and unnecessary labor hours.
- Directed employees and related programs to maximize team productivity and facility output.
- Provided direction and leadership to all levels of employees and managers.
- Boosted employee morale and productivity through effective leadership and motivational techniques.
- Monitored and evaluated plant performance to identify areas for improvement and take corrective measures.
- Led, trained and coached plant staff to facilitate high levels of productivity and quality.
- Balanced labor needs with production schedules to optimize workforce utilization while maintaining output targets.
- Maximized plant safety through proactive strategies and well-structured training.
- Created plant policies and procedures for safe and productive operations.
- Managed direction and planning for plant with focus on optimization of daily functions, exceeding customer expectations, and achieving KPIs.
- Maintained quality of product with robust inspections and assessment team.
- Implemented useful inventory management and tracking systems to reduce costs and improve operations.
- Reduced downtime for maintenance by establishing a proactive preventive maintenance program.
- Negotiated favorable contracts with suppliers, securing cost savings on raw materials without sacrificing quality.
- Spearheaded initiatives to improve employee engagement and job satisfaction.
- Boosted team morale and efficiency through leadership and development initiatives.
- Developed training programs to upskill workforce and improve productivity.
- Managed personnel by implementing company policies, procedures, work rules, and disciplinary action.
- Evaluated employee performance and provided feedback and training as needed.
- Created and oversaw production schedules and adjusted as needed to meet deadlines.
- Coordinated with other departments to align production with customer requirements.
- Managed budget effectively, ensuring optimal use of resources.
- Enhanced plant productivity by streamlining operational processes.
- Managed 70+ Employees
Production Manager
Cabinets By Design
02.2023 - 10.2023
- Resolved issues quickly to maintain productivity goals.
- Managed multiple projects concurrently, ensuring timely completion and meeting budget constraints.
- Increased overall productivity by identifying bottlenecks in the production process and proposing effective solutions.
- Oversaw quality control efforts, maintaining strict adherence to industry standards and regulatory requirements while achieving high levels of customer satisfaction.
- Managed continuous improvement initiatives to drive gains in quality, flow, and output.
- Reviewed work for quality and compliance with company standards and design specifications.
- Managed 90+ Employees
- Managed internal operational standards and productivity targets.
- Estimated labor requirements to support anticipated workload.
- Standardized production procedures, job roles, and quality assurance guidelines.
- Developed a comprehensive training program for new hires, resulting in higher employee retention rates and faster integration into the team.
- Spearheaded process improvements that led to reduced cycle times, allowing for increased output without additional manpower or equipment investment.
- Studied department operations to assist with development of new or improved methods of tooling and production processes.
- Enhanced employee satisfaction and retention by developing supportive and inclusive work environment.
- Reduced material waste, leading to cost savings, by optimizing production planning and inventory management.
Plant Manager/Facilities Manager
Millwork Expressions
08.2018 - 02.2023
- Increased production efficiency by optimizing plant layout and implementing process improvements.
- Reduced costs by eliminating materials waste and unnecessary labor hours.
- Directed employees and related programs to maximize team productivity and facility output.
- Provided direction and leadership to all levels of employees and managers.
- Boosted employee morale and productivity through effective leadership and motivational techniques.
- Monitored and evaluated plant performance to identify areas for improvement and take corrective measures.
- Led, trained and coached plant staff to facilitate high levels of productivity and quality.
- Balanced labor needs with production schedules to optimize workforce utilization while maintaining output targets.
- Created plant policies and procedures for safe and productive operations.
- Forecasted future production needs accurately, allowing for strategic decision-making regarding staffing levels, equipment investments, and inventory management.
- Mentored and developed staff members, promoting professional growth opportunities within the organization.
- Identified and resolved process and equipment issues to minimize production downtime.
- Reduced downtime for maintenance by establishing a proactive preventive maintenance program.
- Promoted collaborative work environment to motivate and engage staff to achieve company objectives.
- Established positive relationships with suppliers to obtain timely deliveries of materials and products.
- Identified and implemented viable strategies for continuous improvement.
- Spearheaded initiatives to improve employee engagement and job satisfaction.
- Fostered culture of safety, significantly reducing workplace accidents.
- Enhanced plant productivity by streamlining operational processes.
- Negotiated with vendors for timely delivery of raw materials, preventing production delays.
- Improved product quality by implementing rigorous quality control measures.
- Pioneered lean manufacturing approach, reducing unnecessary costs and increasing efficiency.
- Reduced downtime with proactive maintenance schedules.
- Oversaw routine maintenance programs and scheduled service to keep equipment functioning at peak levels.
- Planned operations to meet established schedules, factoring in order demands and business forecasts.
- Utilized data analysis tools to identify and resolve production issues.
- Responded to building emergencies and managed repairs.
- Managed 80+ Employees
Plant Manager/Facility Maintenance Manager
Southern Craftsmen Associates
03.2002 - 08.2018
- Increased production efficiency by optimizing plant layout and implementing process improvements.
- Reduced costs by eliminating materials waste and unnecessary labor hours.
- Directed employees and related programs to maximize team productivity and facility output.
- Provided direction and leadership to all levels of employees and managers.
- Boosted employee morale and productivity through effective leadership and motivational techniques.
- Led, trained and coached plant staff to facilitate high levels of productivity and quality.
- Monitored and evaluated plant performance to identify areas for improvement and take corrective measures.
- Balanced labor needs with production schedules to optimize workforce utilization while maintaining output targets.
- Maximized plant safety through proactive strategies and well-structured training.
- Created plant policies and procedures for safe and productive operations.
- Forecasted future production needs accurately, allowing for strategic decision-making regarding staffing levels, equipment investments, and inventory management.
- Mentored and developed staff members, promoting professional growth opportunities within the organization.
- Implemented quality control measures to reduce defect rates and enhance product quality consistently.
- Reduced downtime for maintenance by establishing a proactive preventive maintenance program.
- Identified and resolved process and equipment issues to minimize production downtime.
- Promoted collaborative work environment to motivate and engage staff to achieve company objectives.
- Set aggressive targets for employees to drive company success and strengthen motivation.
- Successfully managed budgets and allocated resources to maximize productivity and profitability.
- Trained personnel in equipment maintenance and enforced participation in exercises focused on developing key skills.
- Cultivated positive rapport with fellow employees to boost company morale and promote employee retention.
- Evaluated employee performance and conveyed constructive feedback to improve skills.
- Managed maintenance team for optimal performance, resulting in reduced downtime and enhanced facility functionality.
- Conducted regular building assessments to identify areas for improvement or necessary repairs, prioritizing projects based on urgency or impact on operations.
- Oversaw contractor relationships during site improvements or expansions by managing bid processes, contract negotiations and ensuring the successful completion of projects.
- Responded effectively to emergency situations involving facilities or infrastructure issues by coordinating appropriate resources quickly and efficiently.
- Regularly reviewed and adjusted facility maintenance plans in response to changing needs or conditions within the organization, ensuring effective resource management.
- Managed staf, created work schedules, distributed assignments, and supervised day-to-day operations.
- Scheduled routine maintenance and repair of facility equipment.
- Coordinated with vendors to obtain cost-effective solutions, negotiating contracts for maintenance services and supplies.
- Negotiated with vendors for timely delivery of raw materials, preventing production delays.
- Reduced downtime with proactive maintenance schedules.
- Spearheaded initiatives to improve employee engagement and job satisfaction.
- Boosted team morale and efficiency through leadership and development initiatives.
- Achieved significant cost savings by negotiating better rates with suppliers.
- Negotiated favorable contracts with suppliers, securing cost savings on raw materials without sacrificing quality.
- Built Complete Hotel Custom Lobby and Guest Room Packages
- Installed Complete Hotel Custom Lobby and Guest Room Packages
- Interviewed, Hired,and Trained all Staff
Lead Fabricator
Advanced Wood Products
02.2001 - 03.2002
- Fabricate and Install Custom Millwork
- Manage Crew Members
- Meet Required Deadlines
- Meet Quality and budget
Custom Builder and Finisher
Casey Woodworks
09.2000 - 02.2001
- Fabricate Custom Millwork
- Finish Millwork and Trim Packages
Night Shift Lead
Ethan Allen Furniture Factory
03.1995 - 08.2000
- Managed Sanding Department
- Sanded with Multiple different Machines
- Made sure products were produced on time and of quality
Shift Supervisor
Copelands Furniture Factory
07.1993 - 03.1995
- Trained new employees and delegated daily tasks and responsibilities.
- Managed Finish Room Night Crew
- Finished Casegoods
PFC Vermont Army National Guard
Vermont National Guard
06.1991 - 07.1993
- Completed detailed reports on daily activities, incidents, or irregularities observed during shift hours.
- Did my Basic Training between my Junior and Senior year in High School In Fort Knox, Kentucky.
- Did Advanced Training after my Senior year in High School
Education
High School Diploma -
Lake Region Union High School
Orleans, VT06-1992
Skills
- Customer relations
- Master Craftsman
- Project Management
- Production Scheduling
- Employee Training and Development
- Relationship Building
- Efficient Multitasker
- Maintenance
- Effective Hands on Leader
- Deadline Oriented
Timeline
Owner
Self Employed
06.2024 - 12.2024
Plant Manager
Century Caseworks
10.2023 - 06.2024
Production Manager
Cabinets By Design
02.2023 - 10.2023
Plant Manager/Facilities Manager
Millwork Expressions
08.2018 - 02.2023
Plant Manager/Facility Maintenance Manager
Southern Craftsmen Associates
03.2002 - 08.2018
Lead Fabricator
Advanced Wood Products
02.2001 - 03.2002
Custom Builder and Finisher
Casey Woodworks
09.2000 - 02.2001
Night Shift Lead
Ethan Allen Furniture Factory
03.1995 - 08.2000
Shift Supervisor
Copelands Furniture Factory
07.1993 - 03.1995
PFC Vermont Army National Guard
Vermont National Guard
06.1991 - 07.1993
High School Diploma -
Lake Region Union High School