JESSICA HIGGS
Summary
Results-driven Industrial Engineer with a proven track record at General Motors, excelling in throughput analysis and waste reduction. Demonstrated leadership in optimizing processes, skilled in data analysis, and effective communication, consistently enhancing operational efficiency and team performance.
Overview
2026
2026
years of professional experience
Work History
GPS Industrial Engineering
General Motors
07.2023 - Current
- Validated job accuracy to ensure alignment with productivity metrics.
- Facilitated throughput improvement meetings, tracking action plan implementations for target responsiveness.
- Maintained standardized work processes and documentation, achieving highest Built in Quality Certification score in GM North America.
Chassis Industrial Engineering
General Motors
2018 - 2023
- Developed and executed action plans to enhance throughput and meet SAT and JPH targets.
- Led waste elimination initiatives in Chassis through effective communication with team leaders.
- Implemented assembly line rebalance plans to support continuous improvement and re-rate in General Assembly.
- Traveled to Michigan in 2018 for pre-production validation, establishing standardized work and line balance for C1TL program.
- Executed a de-rate rebalance plan from 38 jobs per hour to 42 jobs per hour that incorporated the new C1TL work content to the existing products.
Global Supply Chain Industrial Engineer
General Motors
2017 - 2018
- Collaborated with the Global Supply Chain leader to optimize material layout, reducing driving distance to support the new JPH requirement.
- Updated driver studies and standardized work processes for efficiency.
- Merged driver roles to maintain manpower neutrality in specific areas while reducing headcount in others.
- Combined drivers' work to keep manpower neutral in some areas, and to reduce headcount by four.
Quality – Temporary Work Orders (TWO) Administrator
General Motors
2016 - 2017
- Effectively manage the entire TWO process, from getting approval to final closure.
- Maintained two master files, which consisted of over 500 active two's that required verification in the assembly building.
- Supported all Engineering Change Meetings by communicating any currently active TWOs that would be applicable to upcoming Engineering Work Orders (EWOs).
Chassis Industrial Engineering (C1UL,C1UG,C1UH)
General Motors
2015 - 2016
- Developed C1UX Standardized Work to achieve program safety and efficiency targets.
- Led line rebalancing initiatives to reduce downtime and integrate product engineering changes.
- Maintained throughput improvement boards for each production area to monitor performance.
Chassis Industrial Engineer (GMT 172)
General Motors
2013 - 2015
- Identified and led three Continuous Improvement Projects to enhance GCR, HPV, and line balance metrics in chassis area.
- Coached group and team leaders on APS, standardized work development, and throughput analysis to improve IE-related skills.
- Supported MVB-S and MVB-NS builds for the 2015 and 2016 model years.
- Facilitated problem resolution and waste reduction efforts to enhance throughput for GMT172.
- Provided Industrial Engineering support for Trim and Chassis during GMT172 buildout.
Process Engineer – PFMEA
General Motors
2012 - 2013
- Implemented all Process Failure Mode Effect Analyses (PFMEAs) for General Assembly, Body Shop, and Paint Shop by establishing and executing a cross-functional review plan.
- Held monthly Risk Priority Number (RPN) reduction meetings to assist the GA team in advancing to the continuous improvement phase in the PFMEA system.
Assistant Store Manager
Sherwin-Williams
Nashville
2010 - 2012
- Achieved significant dollar sales growth of 48% in 2011, followed by 95% in Q1 2012.
- Played key role in store's recognition as top performer in Nashville district for dollar sales.
- Managed training and coaching programs for employees to elevate overall store performance.
Purchasing and Production Planning
Encantadora por Naturaleza S.A ARMONIA
03.2007 - 12.2007
- Procured raw materials aligned with demand and forecasting metrics.
- Negotiated supplier contracts to enhance service quality and reduce costs.
Logistics and Production Coordinator
Grasyplast S.A. (Alianza TEAM)
2005 - 03.2007
- Optimized inventory levels to enhance plant operational efficiency.
- Scheduled operations for Caloto injecting/blowing plant and Buga blowing plant.
- Directed production of quality plastic packaging to meet demand requirements.
- Supervised over 20 personnel to ensure effective team performance.
Administrative Supervisor (Internship)
Simout S.A.
01.2005 - 06.2005
- Supervised 12 lift truck operators, ensuring adherence to safety and performance standards.
- Developed standard methodology for managing and selecting plant maintenance information.
- Analyzed lift truck mistreatment issues, offering effective solutions to enhance operations.
- Boosted lift truck availability from 60%-70% to 85%-90% through rigorous pre-inspection checks and MMS use.
Education
Master of Business Administration - Management
Middle Tennessee State University
Murfreesboro, TN01.2009
Validation degree - Bachelor of Science, Industrial Engineering
University of Central Florida
Orlando, FL01-2006
Bachelor of Science - Industrial Engineering
Pontificia Universidad Javeriana
Colombia, South America01-2005
Skills
- Throughput analysis and process improvement
- Waste reduction and material optimization
- Team leadership and project management
- Attention to detail
- Data analysis
- Effective communication
Languages
Spanish
Native/ Bilingual
Timeline
GPS Industrial Engineering
General Motors
07.2023 - Current
Purchasing and Production Planning
Encantadora por Naturaleza S.A ARMONIA
03.2007 - 12.2007
Administrative Supervisor (Internship)
Simout S.A.
01.2005 - 06.2005
Chassis Industrial Engineering
General Motors
2018 - 2023
Global Supply Chain Industrial Engineer
General Motors
2017 - 2018
Quality – Temporary Work Orders (TWO) Administrator
General Motors
2016 - 2017
Chassis Industrial Engineering (C1UL,C1UG,C1UH)
General Motors
2015 - 2016
Chassis Industrial Engineer (GMT 172)
General Motors
2013 - 2015
Process Engineer – PFMEA
General Motors
2012 - 2013
Assistant Store Manager
Sherwin-Williams
2010 - 2012
Logistics and Production Coordinator
Grasyplast S.A. (Alianza TEAM)
2005 - 03.2007
Master of Business Administration - Management
Middle Tennessee State University
Validation degree - Bachelor of Science, Industrial Engineering
University of Central Florida
Bachelor of Science - Industrial Engineering
Pontificia Universidad Javeriana