Kevin C. DeRose
Pleasant Prairie,WI
Summary
Accomplished professional in the coatings sector, combining project management and technical expertise to drive product quality and operational excellence. Experience encompasses developing training programs, implementing quality control processes, and introducing cutting-edge technologies to improve supply chain efficiency.
Overview
37
37
years of professional experience
Work History
Project Manager
Hawk Research Laboratories
Wheeling, IL
04.2024 - Current
- Developed new line of water based/solvent based sealers leading to $500K in new business
- Managed new product development for quality products in CASE industry, enhancing product offerings
- Liaised with raw material suppliers to define alternate products and introduce new technologies, improving supply chain options
- Led safety committee meetings to implement workplace safety initiatives, fostering a culture of safety
Manager - Quality Engineering
Abbott Labs
Gurnee, IL
09.2022 - 03.2024
- Developed and implemented quality control processes across multiple production lines.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to resolve quality-related issues swiftly.
- Trained staff on quality management systems and best practices for product reliability.
- Authored Quality and Production Documentation used to manufacture and test these kits
Technical Director/Project Manager
Gemini Coatings
El Reno, OK
04.2016 - 08.2022
- Led product development for varnishes, lacquers, and emulsions for metal and wood, enhancing product offerings.
- Coordinated evaluations of new and replacement raw materials between R&D and vendors, ensuring alignment on specifications.
- Introduced new line of ultra-high quality wood coatings to market resulting in over $1M in revenue
- Developed and oversaw production processes for scale-up, optimizing operations for new product launches.
Technical Service Manager/Inside Sales
T.H. Hilson Co.
Wheaton, IL
09.2010 - 03.2016
- Introduce and secure sales of chemical raw materials to customers in multiple markets (paints/coatings, personal care, pharma, inks, lubricants
- Delivered technical assistance in specialty chemical applications to enhance customer satisfaction and product performance
- Managed technical support operations for diverse client systems and products.
- Developed training materials for staff to enhance service delivery.
Lab Technician/Product Formulator
Tru-Test Manufacturing
Cary, IL
05.1989 - 08.2010
- Promoted to product Formulator, re-formulated and optimized products to meet customer specifications and regulatory standards, including lower VOCs
- Prepared R&D laboratory batches of paints/coatings and conducted testing to ensure product quality and compliance
- Supervised operations of exterior test fence to ensure quality standards were met
- Perform color matching of custom color requests from customers
Education
Associates - Chemistry
College of Lake County
Grayslake, IL01-2019
Skills
- Project Management
- Supplier liaison
- Process optimization
- Technical support
- Staff training
- NPI (New Product Introduction)
- Regulatory Compliance
- Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP)
- Good Documentation Practice (GDP)
- Lean Manufacturing Processes
- Continuous improvement
- Root cause analysis
- Supply Chain Management
- Strategic Planning
- Document management
Affiliations
- Member CSCT, CPCA, WPCA
- Past President Chicago Society for Coatings Technology
Timeline
Project Manager
Hawk Research Laboratories
04.2024 - Current
Manager - Quality Engineering
Abbott Labs
09.2022 - 03.2024
Technical Director/Project Manager
Gemini Coatings
04.2016 - 08.2022
Technical Service Manager/Inside Sales
T.H. Hilson Co.
09.2010 - 03.2016
Lab Technician/Product Formulator
Tru-Test Manufacturing
05.1989 - 08.2010
Associates - Chemistry
College of Lake County