Ken Steffes
Austin,TX
Summary
Proven track record in operations management, enhancing production efficiency and quality control. Expertise in team development and safety management, driving measurable improvements in workplace productivity.
Overview
27
27
years of professional experience
Work History
Production Manager
LTD Material, LLC
Austin, TX
08.2024 - 02.2026
- Managed daily production schedules to ensure timely completion of projects.
- Oversaw quality control processes to maintain product standards and compliance.
- Coordinated cross-functional teams to optimize workflow and minimize downtime.
- Implemented safety protocols, enhancing workplace safety and employee awareness.
- Analyzed production data to identify areas for process improvement and cost reduction.
- Facilitated communication between departments to streamline operations and enhance productivity.
- Resolved issues quickly to maintain productivity goals.
- Increased overall productivity by identifying bottlenecks in the production process and proposing effective solutions.
- Delivered direct feedback to senior management regarding project visibility and status.
- Estimated labor requirements to support anticipated workload.
- Partnered with leadership on recruiting, hiring and coaching production personnel.
- Enhanced production efficiency by streamlining processes and implementing lean manufacturing techniques.
- Enhanced employee satisfaction and retention by developing supportive and inclusive work environment.
- Managed personnel by implementing company policies, procedures, work rules, and disciplinary action.
Quality Supervisor
Tesla
Austin, TX
07.2023 - 04.2024
- Supervised quality assurance processes to ensure compliance with Tesla's manufacturing standards.
- Conducted regular inspections of production lines to identify defects and improve product quality.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to implement corrective actions for identified quality issues.
- Trained and mentored team members on quality control procedures and best practices.
- Coordinated audits of production processes, contributing to continuous improvement initiatives.
- Facilitated root cause analysis sessions to drive effective solutions for recurring quality problems.
- Oversaw department of 25 by supervising daily operations, providing technical support and coordinating personnel.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to establish quality standards and ensure compliance with industry regulations.
- Conducted root cause analyses on recurring defects leading to long-lasting solutions and increased customer satisfaction.
- Led regular team meetings to review performance metrics, identify areas of improvement, and develop action plans for progress.
- Inspected products and worker progress throughout production.
- Established and tracked quality department goals and objectives.
Production Supervisor
Tesla
Austin, TX
07.2022 - 07.2023
- Supervised daily production operations, ensuring adherence to quality standards and safety protocols.
- Coordinated workflow among team members to optimize efficiency and meet production targets.
- Trained new employees on equipment operation and safety procedures, fostering a culture of compliance.
- Implemented process improvements that enhanced productivity and reduced waste within the manufacturing line.
- Conducted regular performance evaluations, providing constructive feedback to improve team effectiveness.
- Led problem-solving initiatives to address production issues, minimizing downtime and enhancing output consistency.
- Mentored team members through regular feedback and performance evaluations, leading to professional growth and skill development.
- Managed team of 65 production associates, overseeing productive production processes and meeting all deadlines.
- Evaluated existing production processes and identified areas for improvement.
- Coordinated with other departments to maintain smooth and efficient product flow.
- Collaborated with management and engineering teams to develop and implement innovative strategies for maximizing production efficiency without compromising quality standards.
- Conducted root cause analysis on production issues for prompt resolution, minimizing negative impacts on output rates.
- Managed daily production schedules to meet challenging deadlines, adjusting workflows as necessary.
- Resolved production bottlenecks swiftly, applying problem-solving skills to maintain smooth operations.
- Maintained compliance with health and safety regulations, conducting regular audits and risk assessments.
- Managed staff hiring, training and supervision.
Production Supervisor
Builders FirstSource
Houston, TX
06.2021 - 07.2022
- Established clear priorities and production quality standards.
- Oversaw employee training initiatives to ensure all team members were proficient in company procedures, safety regulations, and job-specific tasks.
- Managed team of 30 production associates, overseeing productive production processes and meeting all deadlines.
- Improved product quality by monitoring production processes, conducting inspections, and initiating corrective actions as needed.
- Trained staff of direct labor employees to perform assembly and manufacture of specified products.
- Consistently met or exceeded production targets while maintaining strict quality standards, resulting in increased customer satisfaction.
- Evaluated employee performance regularly against established benchmarks for ongoing personnel development.
- Enhanced production efficiency by implementing lean manufacturing techniques and reducing waste.
- Evaluated team member performance regularly to identify and resolve productivity concerns.
- Optimized labor allocation, matching skill sets with task requirements to improve output quality.
- Facilitated team meetings to discuss progress and address any issues, promoting open communication.
- Supervised ongoing daily production phases.
Plant Manager
Catalyst Boatworks
Wallis, TX
02.2019 - 03.2020
- Streamlined production processes to enhance efficiency and reduce waste.
- Implemented safety protocols resulting in improved workplace safety compliance.
- Led cross-functional teams to achieve operational goals and project milestones.
- Developed training programs for staff, increasing skill levels and productivity.
- Fostered a culture of teamwork and communication among diverse workforce members.
- Balanced labor needs with production schedules to optimize workforce utilization while maintaining output targets.
- Oversaw daily operations of 30,000 sq. ft. manufacturing plant.
- Maintained quality of product with robust inspections and assessment team.
- Implemented quality control measures to reduce defect rates and enhance product quality consistently.
- Established positive relationships with suppliers to obtain timely deliveries of materials and products.
- Optimized resource allocation for increased operational efficiency.
Production Supervisor
Leedo Cabinetry
El Campo, TX
03.2017 - 02.2019
- Managed team of 50 production associates, overseeing productive production processes and meeting all deadlines.
- Optimized workflow through effective resource allocation and scheduling adjustments.
- Managed internal operational standards and productivity targets.
- Maintained accurate documentation of production data, enabling informed decision-making for process improvements.
- Prepared in advance for and addressed production problems, material deficits, equipment failures, and unavoidable delays.
- Created an inclusive work culture that encouraged collaboration and open communication among staff members at all levels within the organization.
- Increased team morale and productivity by fostering inclusive and supportive work environment.
- Cultivated culture of excellence and accountability, leading by example and providing clear expectations.
- Led quality control initiatives, significantly reducing product defects and ensuring compliance with industry standards.
- Collaborated with other leaders and executives to direct workflow and support operations.
- Interpreted work order information and specifications to plan, schedule and complete jobs precisely.
- Resolved issues quickly to maintain productivity goals.
- Supervised daily production operations, ensuring adherence to quality standards and safety protocols.
- Trained new employees on equipment operation and safety procedures, fostering a culture of compliance.
- Mentored team members through regular feedback and performance evaluations, leading to professional growth and skill development.
- Coordinated with other departments to maintain smooth and efficient product flow.
Manufacturing Plant Manager
ISCO Industries
Houston, TX
05.2015 - 10.2016
- Streamlined production processes, enhancing operational efficiency and reducing downtime.
- Implemented safety protocols, ensuring compliance and minimizing workplace incidents.
- Led cross-functional teams to optimize supply chain management and inventory control.
- Developed training programs for staff, improving skillsets and workforce productivity.
- Facilitated communication between departments, fostering collaboration and reducing bottlenecks.
- Implemented safety procedures to decrease workplace accidents and maintain a safe working environment for all employees.
- Achieved on-time delivery targets by closely monitoring order fulfillment processes and addressing potential bottlenecks promptly.
- Conducted employee performance evaluations, providing constructive feedback, and developing individualized growth plans.
- Led cross-functional teams to achieve strategic objectives and improve overall plant performance.
- Provided direction and leadership to all levels of employees and managers.
- Reduced costs by eliminating materials waste and unnecessary labor hours.
- Maximized plant safety through proactive strategies and well-structured training.
Production Supervisor
Vallourec USA
Houston, TX
09.2013 - 04.2015
- Maintained accurate records of production metrics, facilitating data-driven decision-making for operational enhancements.
- Managed team of 25 production associates, overseeing productive production processes and meeting all deadlines.
- Implemented safety protocols and conducted regular audits, achieving a reduction in workplace accidents and incidents.
- Contributed to continuous improvement efforts by identifying opportunities for process enhancements and recommending appropriate solutions for implementation.
- Streamlined communication between departments, fostering a collaborative work environment for efficient problemsolving.
- Conducted performance reviews, identifying areas for development and providing constructive feedback.
- Planned, organized and monitored resources to deliver efficient use of labor, equipment and materials.
- Monitored daily and weekly key performance indicators to maintain on-track status.
- Cultivated professional working relationships with peers and supervisors.
- Implemented policies and standard operating procedures for continuous improvement.
- Coordinated project workflows for departments.
- Conducted root cause analysis on production issues for prompt resolution, minimizing negative impacts on output rates.
- Managed daily production schedules to meet challenging deadlines, adjusting workflows as necessary.
- Maintained compliance with health and safety regulations, conducting regular audits and risk assessments.
Production Supervisor
National Oilwell Varco Inc
Houston, TX
11.2010 - 06.2013
- Managed team of 30 production associates, overseeing productive production processes and meeting all deadlines.
- Accomplished targets and met demand by assessing equipment performance, reviewing materials supplies, and organizing manpower.
- Developed and executed continuous improvement projects, resulting in more streamlined operations.
- Streamlined production processes to enhance efficiency, implementing innovative scheduling techniques.
- Collaborated with internal teams to streamline operations across materials handling, production, and shipping.
- Located and resolved problems with team production and performance to maintain consistent quality levels.
- Kept accurate and detailed records of personnel progress and productivity.
- Conducted performance reviews each quarter, offering praise and recommendations for improvement.
- Coordinated workflow among team members to optimize efficiency and meet production targets.
- Conducted regular performance evaluations, providing constructive feedback to improve team effectiveness.
- Led problem-solving initiatives to address production issues, minimizing downtime and enhancing output consistency.
- Resolved production bottlenecks swiftly, applying problem-solving skills to maintain smooth operations.
- Established clear priorities and production quality standards.
- Trained staff of direct labor employees to perform assembly and manufacture of specified products.
- Consistently met or exceeded production targets while maintaining strict quality standards, resulting in increased customer satisfaction.
- Evaluated team member performance regularly to identify and resolve productivity concerns.
- Supervised ongoing daily production phases.
- Resolved issues quickly to maintain productivity goals.
- Conducted root cause analysis on production issues for prompt resolution, minimizing negative impacts on output rates.
- Managed daily production schedules to meet challenging deadlines, adjusting workflows as necessary.
Production Supervisor
Ford
Sterling Heights, MI
01.1999 - 01.2010
- Monitored inventory levels and collaborated with supply chain teams to ensure timely material availability.
- Managed team of 15 production associates, overseeing productive production processes and meeting all deadlines.
- Reduced equipment downtime by implementing preventive maintenance programs and timely repairs.
- Achieved on-time shipments goal by empowering employees to continued success.
- Coordinated cross-functional teams during new product launches to transition from design to manufacturing stages.
- Improved safety standards, conducting regular training sessions and updating safety protocols.
- Coordinated with cross-functional teams to ensure timely delivery of products, optimizing supply chain operations.
- Created and implemented strategies for improving operational efficiency and accuracy.
- Facilitated team meetings to discuss progress and address any issues, promoting open communication.
- Increased team morale and productivity by fostering inclusive and supportive work environment.
- Supervised daily production operations, ensuring adherence to quality standards and safety protocols.
- Contributed to continuous improvement efforts by identifying opportunities for process enhancements and recommending appropriate solutions for implementation.
- Supervised ongoing daily production phases.
- Resolved issues quickly to maintain productivity goals.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Business
Northwood University
Midland, Michigan, MIAssociate of Applied Science - Criminal Justice
Pensacola Christian College
Pensacola, FloridaSkills
- Production planning
- Operations management
- Staff management
- Production scheduling
- Team development
- Safety management
- Production optimization
- Quality control
- Root-cause analysis
- Production line management
- Performance evaluation
- Workflow optimization
Timeline
Production Manager
LTD Material, LLC
08.2024 - 02.2026
Quality Supervisor
Tesla
07.2023 - 04.2024
Production Supervisor
Tesla
07.2022 - 07.2023
Production Supervisor
Builders FirstSource
06.2021 - 07.2022
Plant Manager
Catalyst Boatworks
02.2019 - 03.2020
Production Supervisor
Leedo Cabinetry
03.2017 - 02.2019
Manufacturing Plant Manager
ISCO Industries
05.2015 - 10.2016
Production Supervisor
Vallourec USA
09.2013 - 04.2015
Production Supervisor
National Oilwell Varco Inc
11.2010 - 06.2013
Production Supervisor
Ford
01.1999 - 01.2010
Bachelor of Science - Business
Northwood University
Associate of Applied Science - Criminal Justice
Pensacola Christian College