James Poklar
Jacksonville,FL
Summary
Results-driven manufacturing and operations leader with 20+ years of experience driving efficiency, reducing costs, and optimizing production processes. Proven ability to lead teams, implement process improvements, and deliver high-quality results in CNC machining, fabrication, and assembly. Expertise in lean manufacturing, ERP systems, and strategic planning. Holds Tier 3 Secret Security Clearance.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Fabrication Manager
HYDRO Extrusion
St. Augustine, FL
03.2024 - Current
- Manage multi-shift fabrication and CNC machining operations (HAAS, CNC lathes, 5-axis Emmegi Gantry)
- Drive process improvements and efficiency initiatives, achieving a 45% NAV
- Conduct safety and performance reviews, oversee KPI reporting, and lead team development
Director of Manufacturing
Logistics Services International (LSI)
Jacksonville, FL
05.2020 - 10.2024
- Oversaw CNC, machining, sheet metal, welding, and paint operations across multiple teams
- Managed production schedules, labor, and material costs for defense contracts
- Implemented manufacturing design review (MDR) process, improving production efficiency and reducing errors
Machine Shop Manager
Walt Disney Corporation
Orlando, FL
06.2018 - 05.2020
- Led a team of 28 across two shifts, improving production cycles for major projects like Space Mountain
- Implemented time-saving process improvements, reducing cycle times by 2.5 hours per unit
- Managed budgets, capital equipment purchases, and offline CNC programming
Manufacturing Manager
ATI Procharger
Lenexa, KS
02.2017 - 06.2018
- Managed a two-shift, 33-employee operation, achieving machine utilization rates over 93%
- Led production scheduling, payroll, and P&L reporting, while driving continuous improvement initiatives
Manufacturing Manager
Aisin Manufacturing
Seymour, IN
05.2014 - 02.2017
- Supervised a team of 45 under the Toyota Production System, overseeing CNC machining and die manufacturing
- Reduced scrap rates from 65% to 10% and achieved 93% machine utilization
- Managed $1.5M budget, capital projects, and cost reduction initiatives
Production Manager
M&T Machining
Emporium, PA
01.2001 - 01.2008
- Supervised 30 machinists, coordinated production, and improved quality control processes
- Implemented preventative maintenance programs and optimized CNC programming (HAAS, Mori Seiki, Waterjet)
Education
Bachelor’s Degree - Business Management
Penn Foster
Scranton, PASkills
- Operations Management
- Lean Manufacturing
- Process Improvement
- Production Planning
- CNC Programming
- G & M Codes
- Mastercam
- SolidWorks
- Lantek
- Tool & Die
- Precision Machining
- ERP Systems
- Global Shop
- Baan
- M1
- Estimating
- Cost Reduction
- Blueprint Reading
- Safety & Compliance
- Strategic Planning
- Team Leadership
- Customer Service
- Security Clearance: Tier 3 Secret
Certification
- Tier 3 Secret U.S. Government Security Clearance
- GD&T
- Lean Manufacturing
- 5S
- Value Stream Mapping
- Kaizen
Timeline
Fabrication Manager
HYDRO Extrusion
03.2024 - Current
Director of Manufacturing
Logistics Services International (LSI)
05.2020 - 10.2024
Machine Shop Manager
Walt Disney Corporation
06.2018 - 05.2020
Manufacturing Manager
ATI Procharger
02.2017 - 06.2018
Manufacturing Manager
Aisin Manufacturing
05.2014 - 02.2017
Production Manager
M&T Machining
01.2001 - 01.2008
- Tier 3 Secret U.S. Government Security Clearance
- GD&T
- Lean Manufacturing
- 5S
- Value Stream Mapping
- Kaizen
Bachelor’s Degree - Business Management
Penn Foster
Similar Profiles
Juan SotoJuan Soto
Furnace Operator at Hydro ExtrusionFurnace Operator at Hydro Extrusion
Mark RhodeMark Rhode
Chief Caster/ Equipment Operator at Hydro Extrusion Inc.Chief Caster/ Equipment Operator at Hydro Extrusion Inc.
Zachary GoepfertZachary Goepfert
Ingot Supervisor at Hydro Extrusion USA LLCIngot Supervisor at Hydro Extrusion USA LLC