Jeremy Lazar
Trempealeau,WI
Summary
Results-driven Operations Manager with 14+ years of progressive leadership experience in manufacturing, production planning, scheduling, inventory management, and operational excellence. APICS CPIM-certified professional with a proven track record of improving productivity, reducing downtime, optimizing workflows, and leading high-performing teams. Experienced in Lean Manufacturing, MRP/ERP systems, KPI management, compliance standards, and cross-functional collaboration. Recognized for driving continuous improvement initiatives, increasing operational efficiency, and aligning business objectives with production performance.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
Work History
Operations Manager
Inland Packaging
La Crosse, WI
12.2024 - Current
- Lead day-to-day manufacturing operations with responsibility for productivity, safety, quality, staffing, and operational performance.
- Improved runtime performance by 15–20% across multiple departments through process improvements and workflow optimization.
- Reduced asset downtime by 5% through preventive maintenance initiatives and operational efficiency improvements.
- Developed and implemented SOPs, work instructions, and job descriptions to ensure compliance with HACCP and ISO standards.
- Collaborate with executive leadership to establish organizational goals, strategic initiatives, and long-term growth plans.
- Analyze KPI trends and implement corrective actions to improve operational performance and business results.
- Manage operational expenses, materials, supplies, and resource utilization to maximize profitability.
- Coach, mentor, and evaluate team members while fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.
- Improved employee engagement through recognition programs and enhanced communication practices.
- Resolve workplace conflicts and strengthen team performance through relationship-building and leadership development.
Production Planning & Scheduling Manager
Inland Packaging
La Crosse, WI
01.2023 - 12.2024
- Directed production planning and scheduling activities to balance customer demand, labor resources, machine capacity, and material availability.
- Developed weekly and monthly production schedules supporting business growth and customer requirements.
- Improved on-time delivery performance from 88% to 98%.
- Managed inventory planning and replenishment strategies, reducing inventory carrying costs by 20%.
- Improved inventory accuracy from 92% to 99% through enhanced inventory controls and planning processes.
- Collaborated with procurement and operations teams to eliminate material shortages and production disruptions.
- Led Lean Manufacturing initiatives resulting in a 15% increase in production efficiency.
- Developed KPI dashboards to monitor schedule adherence, labor utilization, inventory turns, and production performance.
- Managed planners and schedulers while coordinating workforce and capacity planning.
- Increased OEE by 12%.
- Reduced excess inventory by $500,000.
- Reduced manual scheduling efforts by 40% through ERP enhancements.
- Supported 15% annual sales growth without increasing headcount.
Operations Manager
Lippert Components (Formally Curt Group)
Eau Claire, WI
08.2021 - 01.2023
- Managed fabrication department operations of over 120 team members, including staffing, and performance management.
- Implemented short- and long-term operational strategies to support profitability and business objectives.
- Developed SOPs, work instructions, and job descriptions to maintain compliance with IATF and ISO standards.
- Oversaw departmental budgets, payroll activities, facilities management, and capital improvement projects.
- Implemented employee recognition programs that improved morale and communication.
- Created KPI-driven corrective action plans to improve productivity and operational performance.
- Ensured compliance with safety regulations and company policies.
Production Scheduler
CURT Group
Eau Claire, WI
08.2019 - 08.2021
- Managed production schedules to support customer demand, inventory targets, and manufacturing capacity requirements.
- Collaborated with buyers, planners, and manufacturing teams to resolve material shortages and maintain production flow.
- Improved lead times, inventory turns, manufacturing efficiency, and on-time shipment performance.
- Monitored production activities and maintained communication between departments to ensure schedule adherence.
- Coordinated material movement and work order distribution throughout manufacturing operations.
Operations Supervisor
CURT Group
Eau Claire, WI
10.2015 - 08.2019
- Supervised fabrication and welding operations across multiple shifts with responsibility for more than 120 employees.
- Led hiring, training, coaching, and performance management initiatives.
- Improved operational performance through process improvements, standardization, and workforce development.
- Conducted root-cause analysis and implemented corrective actions to resolve operational issues.
- Managed labor utilization, productivity goals, and departmental expenses.
- Key Achievements
- Built and developed high-performing teams that consistently met production goals.
- Improved employee engagement and advancement opportunities through coaching and mentoring programs.
- Drove operational improvements through best-practice implementation and process standardization.
Fabrication Lead
CURT Manufacturing LLC
Eau Claire, WI
03.2010 - 10.2015
- Led fabrication team activities while ensuring compliance with quality, safety, and production standards.
- Conducted inspections, quality checks, and process audits.
- Assisted with employee training and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Worked collaboratively with operations and support teams to improve efficiency and productivity.
Education
Advanced Training - Infor XA (MRP System)
Business Management Coursework -
University of Wisconsin–Barron County
Rice Lake, WI2008
General Studies Coursework -
Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College (WITC)
Rice Lake, WI2007
High School Diploma -
Augusta High School
Augusta, WI2006
APICS CPIM Certification - Supply Chain Management
Association for Supply Chain Management (ASCM)
01-2022
Skills
- Manufacturing Operations Management
- Production Planning & Scheduling
- Material Requirements Planning (MRP)
- Inventory Management and Control
- Lean Manufacturing
- Continuous Improvement
- Capacity Planning
- Supply Chain Coordination
- KPI Development & Reporting
- Budget & Cost Control
- Operational Efficiency & Utilization
- Workforce Planning
- Employee Development & Coaching
- Process Documentation
- Root Cause Analysis
- Financial Forecasting
- SOP Development
- ISO / IATF / HACCP Compliance
- MES, ERP & MRP Systems
- Advanced in Microsoft Excel, Word, & PowerPoint
- Power BI
- SQL Reporting
- Demand Planning Software
- Problem-solving
- Team Leadership
Timeline
Operations Manager
Inland Packaging
12.2024 - Current
Production Planning & Scheduling Manager
Inland Packaging
01.2023 - 12.2024
Operations Manager
Lippert Components (Formally Curt Group)
08.2021 - 01.2023
Production Scheduler
CURT Group
08.2019 - 08.2021
Operations Supervisor
CURT Group
10.2015 - 08.2019
Fabrication Lead
CURT Manufacturing LLC
03.2010 - 10.2015
APICS CPIM Certification - Supply Chain Management
Association for Supply Chain Management (ASCM)
Advanced Training - Infor XA (MRP System)
Business Management Coursework -
University of Wisconsin–Barron County
General Studies Coursework -
Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College (WITC)
High School Diploma -
Augusta High School