Jennifer Salm
Appleton,WI
Summary
Results-oriented business professional with a strong focus on leadership and operational efficiency. Expertise in managing complex supply chains, including procurement and inventory control, leading to streamlined operations and reduced redundancies. Proven track record in demand forecasting and strategic planning, ensuring optimal product availability. Adept at building relationships and mentoring teams to drive organizational success.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Supply Chain Planner
BASF
Appleton, Wisconsin
09.2023 - Current
- Spearhead planning activities for raw materials and finished goods, ensuring optimal inventory levels and production efficiency
- Developed and managed production schedule aligned with demand forecasts and inventory targets to optimize resource allocation
- Coordinate raw material procurement and scheduling to support seamless execution of the finished goods production plan
- Oversaw replenishment of distribution supply points for packaged goods, ensuring consistent product availability across all channels
- Reduced dysfunctional inventory to >$200,000 including heel batches, excess materials, and customer returns, driving reduction strategies and process improvements
- Led monthly Supply Review meetings, presenting performance metrics and strategic recommendations to stakeholders for informed decision-making
- Provide strategic support and mentorship to the Plant Manager; actively contributes as a member of the Leadership Team
- Champion operational excellence through continuous process improvement initiatives, enhancing customer satisfaction, employee engagement, and overall business performance
Small Business Partner
Ideal Cabinetry
Appleton, Wisconsin
09.2018 - Current
- Cultivated strong relationships with customers and contractors, managing building schedules, change orders, and invoicing to ensure project success
- Achieved an 8% increase in operational effectiveness by optimizing scheduling, enhancing quality controls, and streamlining communication processes
- Championed operational performance improvements, enhancing service delivery for customers and operational efficiency for employees and the company
- Boosted production output through strategic process improvements and the integration of new equipment
- Cut proposal turnaround time by 45% by eliminating inefficiencies and standardizing proposal processes
- Reduced Accounts Receivable aging to 30–35 days, maintaining consistent cash flow and financial health
- Led recruiting efforts through networking, interviewing, and onboarding, enhancing workforce agility and capability
- Oversaw all aspects of Human Resources, ensuring full compliance with Federal and State regulations
Contractor / Production Planner
Graham Professional Products
Green Bay, Wisconsin
04.2021 - 11.2025
- Directed production and capacity planning for a high-volume manufacturing facility, optimizing schedules to meet inventory targets and maintain 95%+ customer service levels
- Led the development and execution of supply chain planning processes, enhancing operational responsiveness and reducing planning cycle time by 5%
- Managed procurement of raw materials, monitoring order status and optimizing inventory levels to minimize excess and obsolete stock
- Analyzed historical sales trends and demand drivers to support data-driven decision-making and improve inventory turnover
- Built and maintained strong relationships with suppliers and logistics partners, improving delivery reliability and reducing lead times
- Leveraged JDE data to assess inventory commitments and purchasing trends, identifying opportunities for cost savings and enhancing performance
- Developed and communicated plans to resolve material service issues, ensuring uninterrupted production and maintaining high customer satisfaction
Director of Operations
Miller Electric – Power Systems Division
Appleton, Wisconsin
09.2016 - 09.2018
- Developed and implemented strategic plan to enhance safety, efficiency, and quality while maximizing capacity utilization within operations budget
- Championed hiring, people development, and long-term resource planning to maintain stable talent pipeline aligned with organizational needs
- Championed the hiring, people development, and long-term resource planning to ensure a stable pipeline of talent
- Reorganized the operations team and structure to better fit the growing $2.75 million division
- Coached and developed work teams to foster positive attitudes, personal accountability, and commitment to superior quality
- Coached and developed work teams to have positive and proactive attitudes, personal accountability, and superior quality
Operations Manager
Plexus Corporation
Neenah, Wisconsin
06.2015 - 09.2016
- Led strategic reviews of quality, delivery, productivity, and financial performance, resulting in improved operational efficiency and alignment with business goals
- Directed development of manufacturing strategies, control systems, and performance metrics to monitor production progress and resolve issues related to capacity, quality, and staffing
- Monitored daily sales and labor metrics to manage production schedules and meet customer demand proactively
- Developed production schedules based on financial forecasts and customer commitments, validated through load and capacity analysis to optimize resource utilization
- Conducted resource planning, customer program goal setting, and monthly P&L and labor/cost reviews, supporting continuous improvement and cost control
- Ensured full compliance with manufacturing standards, quality protocols, and regulatory requirements, contributing to consistent audit success
Focus Factory Manager
Plexus Corporation
03.2013 - 06.2015
- Led resource planning, customer program goal setting, and monthly reviews of P&L, labor, and cost performance, driving continuous improvement and financial accountability
- Conducted strategic assessments of quality, delivery, productivity, and financial KPIs, contributing to a 10% increase in operational efficiency
- Developed and validated production schedules using load and capacity analysis, ensuring alignment with committed forecasts and optimizing resource utilization
- Represented Focus Factory in monthly forecast review meetings, aligning production goals with financial targets and customer demand to support strategic planning
- Managed team of 5 direct reports and led all manufacturing associates, fostering high-performance culture and enhancing team engagement
Production Supervisor/Planner
Plexus Corporation
03.2011 - 03.2013
- Developed and continuously refined production schedules to meet customer delivery commitments, achieving a 98% on-time delivery rate
- Directed end-to-end scheduling of product flow across manufacturing operations, ensuring timely order fulfillment and optimal resource utilization
- Assessed and balanced capacity loading requirements for the Focus Factory, improving throughput and minimizing bottlenecks
- Partnered with Demand Analyst to expedite material releases and adjust production schedules in response to shifting customer demand, achieving 8% reduction in lead times
- Monitored material usage variances, identified discrepancies, and collaborated with Focus Factory Manager for corrective actions to maintain production efficiency
- Supervised team of 4 direct reports, overseeing scheduling, performance reviews, coaching, and disciplinary actions to enhance team effectiveness
Education
Bachelor of Business Administration - Supply Chain Operations Management, Entrepreneurship
University of Wisconsin Oshkosh
Skills
- Complex problem solving
- Negotiation
- Operational efficiency
- Analytical decision-making
- Visionary leadership
- Relationship building
- Multi-plant management
Certification
- Dale Carnegie Course – Skills for Success, Recipient of Highest Achievement Award
- MSOE – Lean Lead Certification, Completion of classroom training (40 hours)
- MSOE – Lean Certification, Completion of classroom training (80 hours)
- MSOE – Six Sigma Black Belt, Completion of classroom training (100 hours)
Timeline
Supply Chain Planner
BASF
09.2023 - Current
Contractor / Production Planner
Graham Professional Products
04.2021 - 11.2025
Small Business Partner
Ideal Cabinetry
09.2018 - Current
Director of Operations
Miller Electric – Power Systems Division
09.2016 - 09.2018
Operations Manager
Plexus Corporation
06.2015 - 09.2016
Focus Factory Manager
Plexus Corporation
03.2013 - 06.2015
Production Supervisor/Planner
Plexus Corporation
03.2011 - 03.2013
Bachelor of Business Administration - Supply Chain Operations Management, Entrepreneurship
University of Wisconsin Oshkosh