Kara Wolter
Procter & Gamble
Green Bay,WI
8
years of professional experience
Manufacturing leader with experience driving plant operations, capital projects, new product introductions, and continuous improvement initiatives across paper-based consumer goods, aerospace, and industrial manufacturing environments. Proven ability to lead teams, develop employees through servant leadership, improve safety and quality performance, and execute complex manufacturing initiatives from concept through production. Experienced in union workforce leadership, equipment qualification, process optimization, and cross-functional collaboration. Known for driving impactful results and fostering collaborative environments. Highly adaptable to changing project demands and skilled in risk management and resource allocation.
Work History
Converting Initiatives and Delivery Leader
1 Year 10 Months- Lead commercialization and startup of new equipment, packaging, and process initiatives, ensuring safe, high-quality, and reliable production implementation.
- Manage capital projects from planning through qualification, partnering with vendors and cross-functional teams to deliver successful equipment installation and operational readiness.
- Develop and execute Risk Assessments, Installation Qualifications, Operational Qualifications, Performance Qualifications, and Initial Verification protocols to validate equipment and process performance.
- Analyze startup performance data, lead root cause problem solving, and implement corrective actions to improve equipment reliability and production stability.
- Coordinate operations, engineering, quality, maintenance, supply chain, vendors, and union technicians to align priorities and achieve successful project execution.
- Mentor junior team members, fostering professional growth and enhancing team collaboration skills.
- Lead planning and execution of company-wide employee engagement events serving approximately 2,000 employees and retirees, managing vendors, budget, logistics, volunteers, activities, and day-of operations.
Converting Line Leader
1 Year 7 Months- Led daily operations of a facial tissue converting line, providing leadership and direction for 60 union technicians to achieve safety, quality, and production objectives.
- Fostered a culture of ownership, trust, accountability, and servant leadership through employee coaching, capability building, and performance feedback.
- Drove daily direction setting and Run-to-Target execution by monitoring line performance, addressing barriers, and supporting production goals.
- Partnered with maintenance, engineering, and quality teams to troubleshoot production issues, improve equipment reliability, and implement continuous improvement initiatives.
- Ensured compliance with safety, quality, and documentation standards while promoting operational excellence and employee engagement.
Manufacturing Engineer
10 Months- Streamlined manufacturing processes, optimized plant layouts, and enhanced material flow, supporting efficient production of automated car wash systems.
- Collaborated with R&D on new product introductions, design-for-manufacturability enhancements, and smooth production transitions.
- Facilitated safety initiatives, ensured OSHA compliance, and advanced continuous improvement efforts.
Manufacturing Engineer
6 Months- Optimized assembly processes, workstations, and material flow, enhancing throughput for production of illuminated mirrors and display systems.
- Optimized assembly processes, workstations, and material flow to improve throughput and support efficient production of illuminated mirrors and display systems.
- Developed standard work documentation and visual instructions, streamlining processes while addressing production constraints.
New Product Introduction Specialist / Manufacturing Engineer
2 Years 9 Months- Progressed from Manufacturing Engineer to New Product Introduction Specialist, supporting business aircraft seating production within an AS9100 aerospace quality environment.
- Facilitated transition of new products from development to full-scale production by coordinating between design engineering, manufacturing, suppliers, and shop-floor teams.
- Developed and optimized manufacturing processes, tooling, assembly workflows, and standard work to improve production readiness, quality, and operational efficiency.
- Collaborated with engineering, operations, quality, and suppliers to meet cost, schedule, and production targets through design-for-manufacturability enhancements.
- Enhanced supply chain efficiency through collaboration with suppliers, focusing on material flow optimization and Kanban implementation.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Manufacturing Engineering
- Cum Laude Graduate
Skills
Manufacturing Operations Leadership
Team Development & Coaching
Safety & Quality Improvement
Continuous Improvement
Project Management
Risk assessment
Product Development
Equipment and Process Qualifications
Root cause analysis
Lean Manufacturing
Cross-Functional Leadership
Timeline
Converting Initiatives and Delivery Leader
Procter & Gamble
10.2024 - CurrentRead More
Converting Line Leader
Procter & Gamble
03.2023 - 10.2024Read More
Manufacturing Engineer
PDQ Manufacturing
05.2022 - 03.2023Read More
Manufacturing Engineer
Seura
11.2021 - 05.2022Read More
New Product Introduction Specialist / Manufacturing Engineer
Collins Aerospace
01.2019 - 10.2021Read More
University of Wisconsin–Stout
Bachelor of Science from Manufacturing Engineering
Read More