Leslie Wilson
Simpsonville,SC
Summary
Accomplished People Manager with a background in Materials Science and Engineering, offering over 20 years of experience in research, development, and team leadership. Proficient in managing cross-functional teams and driving innovation in materials development. Adept at laboratory research, project management, and continuous improvement. Demonstrated ability to solve complex technical challenges and deliver results. Adept at utilizing advanced chemical knowledge and statistical tools to address technical obstacles. Known for fostering employee engagement and optimizing processes. Results-oriented individual with a passion for continuous learning and innovation. Known for leveraging analytical thinking and creativity to solve problems and deliver high-impact solutions in fast-paced environments.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
Entrepreneur
Missy Jean's - No Thyme to Cook
Simpsonville, SC
09.2023 - Current
- Created a website and social media presence to promote the startup.
- Developed business plan to launch startup venture.
- Conducted market research and identified target customer segments.
- Developed strategies for marketing campaigns to increase brand awareness.
- Led marketing efforts, including brand development, digital marketing strategies, and public relations campaigns.
- Monitored performance metrics such as sales volume, customer satisfaction scores.
- Implemented processes to ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
- Implemented scalable processes and systems to support business operations and facilitate efficient growth.
- Contributed ideas for improving operational efficiency and increasing profitability.
- Provided oversight on product development initiatives from concept to completion.
Materials R&D Tread Design Team Manager
Michelin
09.2020 - 09.2023
- As the Materials R&D Tread Design Team Manager at Michelin, I led and managed a team of thirteen R&D engineers, ranging from new hires to experienced PhD engineers
- My responsibilities encompassed onsite, remote, and hybrid team management
- I spearheaded a novel approach to progress initiatives to drive empowerment to overcome systemic obstacles
- Mentored and developed a diverse team, fostering professional growth and skill development among team members
- Monitored team performance, tracked progress towards goals, identified areas of improvement and provided feedback to employees.
- Created and implemented PowerBI dashboards to track and analyze key performance metrics, resulting in data-driven decision-making and improved project outcomes
- Team annual outputs increased year over year and 2023 annual outputs were achieved by 3Q due to improvements implemented
- Recognized as 'Instructor of the Year' for contributions to an internal training program, including the creation of an employee onboarding webpage to enhance knowledge transfer and employee integration.
- Implemented process improvements aimed at increasing efficiency while reducing costs wherever possible.
- Collaborated with other managers across the organization in order to identify best practices that could be implemented at all levels.
Materials R&D Support Team Manager
Michelin
05.2014 - 09.2020
- As the Materials R&D Support Team Manager at Michelin, I managed a diverse team of up to sixteen members, including laboratory measurement support engineers, information systems support analysts, and specialists in digitalization, business intelligence, and patents
- My responsibilities encompassed both team management and individual contributor role
- Developed and implemented strategies to improve customer service delivery, response times and satisfaction levels.
- Effectively managed a multi-disciplinary team, promoting collaboration and leveraging team members' expertise for optimal support
- Thrived in a dynamic environment by actively seeking challenging projects and embracing agile methodologies and quality systems and demonstrating spirit of continuous learning
- Oversaw the deployment of laboratory equipment and measurement methods, ensuring efficient operations and technical excellence across multiple labs in North America whilst guaranteeing and improving the quality of measurements.
- Identified opportunities for automation within the department through use of technology solutions such as AI bots or chatbots.
Materials Development Engineer
Michelin
04.2010 - 05.2014
- As a Materials Development Engineer at Michelin, I led several process research and development projects focused on delivering composite rubber materials
- My responsibilities ranged from the feasibility prototype phase to full-scale manufacturing, ensuring high-quality production for composite rubber materials used in heavy truck treads
- Successfully developed several formulations of high-performance composite rubber materials delivered to market as the lead designer in a cross-functional project team
- Maintained a commitment to quality by responding to technical non-conforms and customer concerns, ensuring product excellence
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams and served as a liaison to address technical and logistical challenges in laboratory operations.
Senior Raw Materials Process Engineer
Vistakon: A Company of Johnson & Johnson
01.2007 - 04.2010
- As a Senior Raw Materials Process Engineer at Vistakon, a Johnson & Johnson company, I led was responsible for the complete raw material portfolio from thermoplastic resins to hydrogel monomers and packaging materials
- My responsibilities included overseeing supplier qualification projects and innovation projects as well as addressing technical non-conforms and investigations into raw material related concerns in production
- In addition, I completed Six Sigma Greenbelt training courses
- Raw Materials R&D: Led multiple process research and development projects for raw materials from prototype to full-scale manufacturing, collaborating with suppliers to develop and qualify innovative raw materials
- Cross-functional Collaboration: Coordinated with various departments, including R&D, Manufacturing, Procurement, and Quality Assurance, to ensure the successful development and integration of new suppliers or changes to raw materials
- Root cause Investigation: Conducted investigations into material non-conforms or internal concerns with the processing of raw materials to drive operational excellence and product quality.
Education
Research and Academic Roles -
University of Florida
01.2007
PhD - Materials Science and Engineering
University of Florida
01.2005
Master's Degree - Materials Science and Engineering
University of Florida
01.2003
Bachelor of Science - Chemistry
The College of William and Mary
01.2000
Undergraduate Student Researcher -
The College of William and Mary
01.2000
Skills
- People/Team Management
- Statistical Data analysis
- Communication
- Project Management
- Root Cause Problem-solving
- Polymer Characterization
- Microsoft O365 and PowerBI
- Formulation and Raw Materials
- Continuous Improvement
- Presentation Skills
- Leadership
- Teamwork and Collaboration
- Problem-solving aptitude
- Strategic Planning
- Training and Development
- Social Media Management
- Operational planning
Publicationsandpatents
Publications and Patents available on request.
Managerialexperience
- Materials R&D Tread Design Team Manager, Michelin, 09/2020, 09/2023, 3 yrs 1 mo, Led and managed a team of thirteen R&D engineers, Spearheaded a novel approach to progress initiatives, Mentored and developed a diverse team, Created and implemented PowerBI dashboards, Recognized as 'Instructor of the Year'
- Materials R&D Support Team Manager, Michelin, 05/2014, 09/2020, 6 yrs 4 mos, Managed a diverse team of up to sixteen members, Effectively managed a multi-disciplinary team, Thrived in a dynamic environment, Oversaw the deployment of laboratory equipment
References
References available on request.
Timeline
Entrepreneur
Missy Jean's - No Thyme to Cook
09.2023 - Current
Materials R&D Tread Design Team Manager
Michelin
09.2020 - 09.2023
Materials R&D Support Team Manager
Michelin
05.2014 - 09.2020
Materials Development Engineer
Michelin
04.2010 - 05.2014
Senior Raw Materials Process Engineer
Vistakon: A Company of Johnson & Johnson
01.2007 - 04.2010
Research and Academic Roles -
University of Florida
PhD - Materials Science and Engineering
University of Florida
Master's Degree - Materials Science and Engineering
University of Florida
Bachelor of Science - Chemistry
The College of William and Mary
Undergraduate Student Researcher -
The College of William and Mary
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