Matthew J. Herman
Pandora,OH
Summary
Seasoned global executive with over 20 years of experience leading Advanced Manufacturing Engineering and New Product Development in large, complex international organizations. Skilled in shaping global manufacturing strategies, driving digital transformation (Industry 4.0), advancing automation initiatives, and managing large-scale footprint transformations. Known for building and leading high performing, globally distributed teams, streamlining asset lifecycles, and implementing reliability programs that cut costs and accelerate time to market. A proven innovator and operational leader with a strong record of delivering continuous improvement and major efficiency gains. Brings a strategic mindset, deep business insight, and a collaborative leadership style to align cross-functional teams and deliver on ambitious business goals.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Global Advanced Manufacturing Engineering Leader
Whirlpool Corporation
06.2021 - Current
- Driving Global Digital Transformation and Industry 4.0 Initiatives: Deploying advanced technologies and processes to optimize manufacturing operations and unlock significant value and performance enhancements across global factory networks.
- Strategic Leadership of Global Engineering for DFM/DfX and Digital Thread Implementation: Leading global rollout of comprehensive manufacturability strategies to accelerate product and process introduction.
- End-to-End New Product Development Execution: Directing global manufacturing teams from product conception through regional hand off, ensuring seamless, efficient product launches.
- Global Manufacturing Network Strategy Development: Leading footprint optimization and resource allocation initiatives, including asset utilization, lifecycle management, and capacity planning.
- Advanced Process Technology Development and Deployment: Establishing global best practices, standard manufacturing technologies, and agile manufacturing methods to enhance operational agility.
- Standardization of Bills of Process (BoP) Across Global Operations: Driving standardization of manufacturing processes, knowledge gap closure, and operational excellence.
- Development and Deployment of the Ideal Production System (IPS): Architected and implemented a globally aligned production system embedding automation and digital transformation.
- Manufacturing Leadership of Key Global Architecture Projects: Shaping manufacturing strategies to optimize manufacturability and lifecycle costs, ensuring cross-functional alignment.
- Capital Optimization and Program Management: Leading project timing, capital investments, outsourcing strategies, KPIs, and strategic plans to maximize value.
- Cross-Functional Global Team Leadership: Managing matrixed, cross-functional global teams to drive aligned execution and innovation.
- Chair of Global ISC and Manufacturing Council: Aligning executives across manufacturing and supply chain to drive operational transformation and value chain reinvention.
Global Advanced Manufacturing Planning Leader
Whirlpool Corporation
02.2018 - 06.2021
- Led advanced manufacturing planning for 59 global factories and research centers across 14 countries.
- Directed global engineering teams to develop new technologies, manufacturing processes, and scalable capacity plans aligned to architecture roadmaps.
- Managed $750M+ in annual capital scoping, leading footprint analysis, sourcing strategies, and regulatory compliance.
- Created the Manufacturing Planner function, introducing scoping tools, capital optimization models, manufacturing roadmaps, and make-vs-buy strategies.
- Developed integrated 5+ year manufacturing strategies to support future product architectures and operational scalability.
Global Advanced Manufacturing Senior Manager
Whirlpool Corporation
08.2016 - 02.2018
- Advanced Manufacturing Lead for Cooking and Refrigeration categories, identifying and closing global manufacturing knowledge gaps.
- Process partner with Platform Leads, Architecture Leads, Regional Manufacturing, and Factory Leaders to drive manufacturability.
Engineering Project Manager - Cleaning Business Unit
Whirlpool Corporation
07.2012 - 08.2016
- Led new product manufacturing scoping for Cleaning business unit, overseeing capital, quality, cost, and ergonomics evaluations.
- Major projects: Global Dishwasher ($60M capital), Global Wash System ($15M capital), KitchenAid Dishwasher ($9M capital).
- Managed a team of 21 engineers and technicians for global project delivery.
- Global Manufacturing Lead for SAP and Windchill (PLM) enterprise-wide system implementations.
Various Engineering and Manufacturing Leadership Roles
Whirlpool Corporation
09.2004 - 07.2012
- Advanced through roles as Process Engineer, New Model Manufacturing Lead, and Engineering Project Manager.
- Managed $40M+ in engineering projects focusing on safety, quality, and regulatory compliance.
- Led 12 New Model Line Introductions and drove cross-functional coordination across procurement, design, marketing, finance, and operations.
Project Engineer
Blackhawk Automotive Plastics
03.2003 - 09.2004
- Led New Product Introduction initiatives and Lean Manufacturing cost-reduction programs.
- Automotive Tier 1 & 2 supplier
Education
Master of Business Administration -
University of Findlay
Findlay, OHBachelor of Science - Industrial and Systems Engineering
The Ohio State University
Columbus, OHSkills
- Strategic Thinking & Business Acumen
- Decision-Making & Analytical Problem Solving
- Executive Communication & Stakeholder Engagement
- Continuous Improvement & Operational Excellence
- Change Leadership & Organizational Agility
- Cross-Functional Team Leadership & Empowerment
- Trend Analysis & Strategic Foresight
- Global Manufacturing Strategy & Project Execution
- Risk Mitigation & Business Impact Assessment
- Strategic Planning & International Operations
Certification
- Certified Quality Engineer (CQE), American Society for Quality (ASQ)
- Six Sigma Black Belt, Operational Excellence Program
Leadership And Community Engagement
- Putnam County Health Department, Board Member, 01/2018-12/2023, Board President (2019)
- Putnam County Home Care and Hospice, Board Member, 01/2018-12/2023, Board President (2019)
- Trinity Preschool, Ottawa, OH, Board Member, 01/2012-12/2013, 01/2017-12/2019, Led financial turnaround from deficit to surplus through strategic planning.
- Owens Community College, Findlay, OH, Adjunct Instructor, 01/2007-12/2012, Taught courses in Statistics and Design of Experiments (DOE).
- National Academic Coach, Coached high school Quiz Bowl teams to national level success, developing leadership and strategic thinking.
- Youth Sports Coach, Head coach for competitive softball and soccer teams, fostering teamwork and leadership development among youth athletes.
Timeline
Global Advanced Manufacturing Engineering Leader
Whirlpool Corporation
06.2021 - Current
Global Advanced Manufacturing Planning Leader
Whirlpool Corporation
02.2018 - 06.2021
Global Advanced Manufacturing Senior Manager
Whirlpool Corporation
08.2016 - 02.2018
Engineering Project Manager - Cleaning Business Unit
Whirlpool Corporation
07.2012 - 08.2016
Various Engineering and Manufacturing Leadership Roles
Whirlpool Corporation
09.2004 - 07.2012
Project Engineer
Blackhawk Automotive Plastics
03.2003 - 09.2004
Bachelor of Science - Industrial and Systems Engineering
The Ohio State University
Master of Business Administration -
University of Findlay
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