Lee Colyer Speight
Midlothian,VA
Summary
Results-driven project manager with forward-thinking approach centered on company success and competitive growth. Demonstrated record of success in building successful teams and managing complex operations. Client-focused and able to build trust-based relationships with external stakeholders as evidenced by securing exclusive agreements with companies such as Dow Chemical and Clorox. Patient and empathetic communicator with renown ability to generate alignment in global diverse teams of internal and external stakeholders.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
Work History
Vice President - Products & Technology
Locus Ingredients
01.2021 - 10.2023
- Planned and directed scale-up operations with a cross-functional team of R&D, engineering, and procurement for a novel production system that led to a $50 MM investment in a new facility, including implementing cGMP standards.
- Organized and managed cross-functional team of internal stakeholders, SMEs, and government liaisons to successfully secure regulatory approval for new-to-the-world substances.
- Created successful protocols for contacting customers during supply shortages and production outages to mitigate disruptions to their supply and maintain positive relationships.
- Led strategic planning for negotiation with Dow Chemical for Global Exclusive Distribution deal for Personal Care and Home Care markets valued at $10 MM in first year. Prepared financial models to demonstrate cost versus reward for distribution model and prepared reports for quarterly performance.
Global Director
Locus Fermentation Solutions
01.2020 - 01.2021
- Remotely led cross-functional operation team for quality improvement program that incidentally reduced COGS 62%, increased productivity 162%, and decreased batch time 66% while improving product quality.
- · Implemented successful project management systems for new product development and technical service that invited input from entire organization resulting in greater than 10 patent applications in 1 year.
- Developed strategic plan to expand product line into food-safe antimicrobial markets by securing joint development agreements with Clorox and Veolia, helping secure $150 MM investment.
- Authored a successful proposal to launch a business unit focused on personal care, home care, and biopharma that received > $12 MM in funding. Developed the strategy, budget, and pro forma financials.
Director - Product Development & Business Analytic
Green Biologics
10.2017 - 06.2019
- Identified and acquired patented technology that Clorox (Kingsford business unit) licensed within 18 months and was sold nationwide resulting in return valued at 3x of the product in commodity markets.
- Designed and led three-pronged value proposition program that highlighted value-adds and cost-savings to support nationwide sales force that led to 200% increase in sales.
- Negotiated and secured cost-effective and functional laboratory space that resulted in monthly operational savings of 40% and productivity improvement of 50%.
- Created novel quantitative and qualitative market analytics tools to launch voice-of-the-customer programs that resulted in an increase of leads generation by 75%.
Manager - Product Development & Business Analytics
Green Biologics
05.2016 - 09.2017
- Authored and implemented a company-wide project management system. The stage-gate system allowed for rapid feasibility testing of new product ideas and commercialization leading to 2-fold increased participation.
- Project managed resolution of a contamination issue that facilitated the valorization of 850 metric ton/year of waste product. This product resulted in a > $2100/metric ton value-add and > $300/metric ton cost saving.
- Led successful technical program to acquire national paints and coatings accounts with an average value of $200k/year.
Manager - Technology & Downstream Products
Green Biologics
05.2015 - 04.2016
- Project managed technology transfer of quality systems from pilot facility to commercial facility resulting in 53% improved productivity and 41% less downtime.
- Implemented a VOC program to acquire, compile, and communicate customer requirements to production and sales teams leading to 42% improved product quality and sales volumes.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by resolving disputes promptly, maintaining open lines of communication, and ensuring high-quality service delivery.
Business Development Analyst
Green Biologics
04.2014 - 04.2015
- Identified new market opportunities through in-depth research and analysis of industry trends.
- Established partnerships with industry influencers, expanding opportunities three-fold by entering into new markets.
- Project managed scale-up of a novel distillation train for multiple fermentation-derived alcohols and ketones.
- Authored monthly competitive intelligence, COGS, and pricing modeling analysis reports for Board of Directors that enabled competitive pricing in volatile petrochemical markets, increasing margins 30%.
Education
Ph.D. - Chemistry
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, PAMBA - Business Administration And Management
Quantic School of Business & Technology
VirtualBachelor of Science - Chemistry
The College of William And Mary
WilliamsburgSkills
- Team Leadership
- Relationship Building
- Decision-Making
- Critical Thinking
- Complex Problem-Solving
- Strategic Planning
- Business Development
- Operations Management
- Process Improvement
- Contract Negotiation
- Data Analysis
- Partnerships and Affiliations
Timeline
Vice President - Products & Technology
Locus Ingredients
01.2021 - 10.2023
Global Director
Locus Fermentation Solutions
01.2020 - 01.2021
Director - Product Development & Business Analytic
Green Biologics
10.2017 - 06.2019
Manager - Product Development & Business Analytics
Green Biologics
05.2016 - 09.2017
Manager - Technology & Downstream Products
Green Biologics
05.2015 - 04.2016
Business Development Analyst
Green Biologics
04.2014 - 04.2015
Ph.D. - Chemistry
University of Pennsylvania
MBA - Business Administration And Management
Quantic School of Business & Technology
Bachelor of Science - Chemistry
The College of William And Mary
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