Mathew A. Finlay
Byron Center,MI
Summary
Seasoned professional in general and operations management with comprehensive experience leading teams, optimizing processes, and implementing cost-effective strategies. Skilled in strategic planning, staff development, and operational efficiency, consistently improving workflow and reducing costs. Proven track record of enhancing overall business performance through effective leadership and innovative problem-solving.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of Operations
The Senator Group (USA)
06.2025 - Current
- Directed end-to-end North American operations for a global independent office furniture manufacturer, overseeing product onboarding, multi-site manufacturing, supply chain, logistics, and sustainable services.
- Developed strategic operations plans and led targeted initiatives to break down communication silos, rebuild team trust, and drive foundational improvements in efficiency, transparency, and employee engagement within a family-owned, design-focused environment.
- Develop and execute strategic operations plans while proactively addressing communication silos through cross-functional alignment initiatives, enabling faster decision-making, improved operational efficiency, and stronger support for innovation, quality, and customer-centric growth.
- Led initiatives to dismantle communication silos across global functions by implementing structured cross-functional forums, enhanced information-sharing protocols, and integrated tools/processes—bridging gaps between design, engineering, procurement, manufacturing, and warehousing.
- Introduced shared interdepartmental RACI charts to proactively flag stock and order issues across teams, promoting transparent information flow and contributing to improved throughput, on-time performance, employee engagement, and market responsiveness.
- Reestablished trust with a previously disengaged workforce by prioritizing employee well-being, conducting regular feedback sessions, and taking tangible steps to demonstrate care and value—creating a stable foundation for future performance gains and talent retention.
- Collaborated with procurement to reset reorder levels based on current market demand, optimizing stock positioning and supporting more accurate inventory management.
Warehouse Operations and Logistics Manager
MiEN Company (USA)
02.2019 - 05.2025
- Managed 150,000 square-foot facility along with two smaller 65,000 and 40,000-square-foot warehouses implementing strategies to optimize space utilization, resulting in over a 20% increase in usable space, protecting products, and reducing shipment costs.
- Optimized internal procedures improving the quality, efficiency, and accuracy of operations.
- Developed/implemented key performance indicators (KPIs) designed to track/measure warehouse performance.
- Led the recruitment, training, and management of warehouse employees, ensuring a smooth workflow and high productivity.
- Coordinated daily internal transfer logistics to and from vendors.
- Enhanced new product development processes, including the bill of materials, tendering, pricing, and maintaining price lists.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams and stakeholders, providing project updates and scheduling lead times for seamless project execution.
- Oversaw facility management projects, including IT system implementation, warehouse renovation, and procurement of supplies.
- Managed vendor relationships, negotiated contracts, and tracked raw material lead times.
- Implemented effective inventory management practices, forecasting, purchasing, and problem-solving to mitigate supply issues.
- Monitored and reported product costs, driving cost-saving initiatives.
Project/Office Manager
Ofield Funeral Home (USA)
06.2014 - 01.2019
- Conducted human resource management activities, including sourcing, interviewing, employing, and training new employees.
- Oversaw the design and development of new offices, meeting rooms, and facility upgrades, coordinating contractors and ensuring timely completion.
- Managed marketing initiatives via social networks, billboards, magazines, and newspapers.
- Led website development, implemented an ERP system, improved office efficiency, and enhanced customer service.
- Managed finances and procurement. Ensured accurate record-keeping, reconciled accounts, and prepared user documentation. Purchased inventory and maintained vendor relationships.
Operations Manager
Sunshine Solar (New Zealand)
10.2015 - 01.2017
- Applied project management skills to analyze sales plans, coordinate installations, procure materials, and manage safety equipment for solar electric projects.
- Partnered with builders, contractors, and electrical firms to ensure smooth project delivery.
- Designed customer training on system and performance monitoring for solar plants.
Building Hand
Artwork Builders (USA)
01.2009 - 01.2014
- Executed roofing tile repair and replacement, window and door installation, framing, and finish/trim work.
Youth Worker
Avonhead Community Trust (New Zealand)
01.2006 - 01.2008
- Collaborated with the BoD and interacted with local government to support the mission of the organization.
- Designed and developed youth programs to meet the needs of the community.
- Sourced, led, and motivated volunteer staff resulting in youth program excellence.
- Managed and executed youth programs in alignment with organizational goals and objectives.
- Designed, coordinated, and managed camps, providing opportunities for personal growth and team building.
- Organized and executed one-off events to engage and support the local youth community.
- Leveraged strong public speaking skills by delivering weekly updates to diverse groups.
Caregiver/Youth Worker
Stepping Stones Trust (New Zealand)
01.2005 - 11.2007
- Served as a Care and Rehabilitation and Facilities Manager, creating and implementing programs to develop life skills for short-term patients dealing with mental disorders.
- Programmed and led day excursions focused on society reintegration and social engagement.
Education
Certificate - Applied Project Management
NorthWestern University
Evanston, IL01.2022
Bachelor - Business leadership
Kuyper College
Grand Rapids, MI01.2014
Diploma - Kinesiology, and Exercise Science
Aoraki Polytechnic
Christchurch, New Zealand 01.2004
Pre-Trade Carpentry -
Aoraki Polytechnic
Christchurch, New Zealand01.1999
Skills
- Supply chain management
- Inventory optimization
- Operations strategy
- Performance metrics
- Process improvement
- Project management
- Team leadership
- Conflict resolution
- Effective communication
- Strategic planning
- Team collaboration
- KPI tracking
- Adaptability and flexibility
- Problem-solving
- Employee development
Awards
- Kuyper College Business Leadership Award, 2014
- Dean’s List - Kuyper College, 2014, 2013
- Pacific Youth Leaders Conference, 2008
- National Prayer Breakfast Leadership Summit, Washington DC, 2008
- Aspiring Leaders Forum – 20, New Zealand National, 2007
Activities
- Assistant D1 Rugby Coach, Aquinas College (USA), 08/01/21, Present
- Assistant D1 Davenport University Rugby Coach, Davenport University (USA), 08/01/18, 06/30/21
- International Rugby Academy of New Zealand (IRANZ), 2020
- Forrest Hills Combined Rugby Team Coach, Forrest Hills (USA), 2012
- Grand Rapids Guys House Youth Worker, Grand Rapids (USA), 01/01/12, 12/31/15
- Avonhead Community Trust Youth Worker, Avonhead (New Zealand), 01/01/06, 01/31/08
- Stepping Stones Trust Caregiver/Youth Worker, Stepping Stones (New Zealand), 01/01/05, 11/30/07
- West Spreydon School Rugby Coach, West Spreydon (New Zealand), 2003
- Burnside Rugby Club U13 Boys Coach, Burnside (New Zealand), 2003
Timeline
Director of Operations
The Senator Group (USA)
06.2025 - Current
Warehouse Operations and Logistics Manager
MiEN Company (USA)
02.2019 - 05.2025
Operations Manager
Sunshine Solar (New Zealand)
10.2015 - 01.2017
Project/Office Manager
Ofield Funeral Home (USA)
06.2014 - 01.2019
Building Hand
Artwork Builders (USA)
01.2009 - 01.2014
Youth Worker
Avonhead Community Trust (New Zealand)
01.2006 - 01.2008
Caregiver/Youth Worker
Stepping Stones Trust (New Zealand)
01.2005 - 11.2007
Certificate - Applied Project Management
NorthWestern University
Bachelor - Business leadership
Kuyper College
Diploma - Kinesiology, and Exercise Science
Aoraki Polytechnic
Pre-Trade Carpentry -
Aoraki Polytechnic