Maurice Long
Lexington,US
Summary
Manufacturing and quality leader with progressive experience leading large teams to strengthen ISO-based quality systems and improve plant execution. Drives production scheduling and inventory control to support safety and output targets. Uses PFMEA, PDCA, RCA, and 5S to resolve issues and maintain compliance.
Overview
1
1
Certification
8
8
years of professional experience
Work History
Plant Area Manager
CLARIOS
, US
06.2025 - Current
- Oversaw workforce of 180 associates, ensuring optimal team performance and operational efficiency.
- Lead PDCA activity for Battery Assembly
- Implemented 5S methodology to enhance workplace organization and efficiency.
- Reviewed process specifications to ensure compliance with industry standards for quality and safety, reducing risk of non-conformance.
- Updated PFMEA to ensure compliance and improve risk management processes.
- Coordinated union grievance processes, facilitating arbitration meetings to resolve labor disputes and promote workplace harmony.
- Conducted RCA and Fishbone exercises to uncover underlying issues.: Weekly presentation to Senior Leadership
- Assisted with inventory control and master production scheduling, optimizing resource allocation to meet production demands.
- Created comprehensive contingency plans to ensure operational resilience.
QUALITY MANAGER II
Smurfit Westrock
Mebane, US
12.2022 - 06.2025
- Promoted quality culture through compliance with ISO, customer quality agreements, and key QA metrics, including RFT, RPPM, and QOC.
- Led facility quality initiatives, improving compliance and streamlining decision-making processes.
- Mentored facility personnel and led guidance on QMS directives covering internal and external audits, CAPAs, complaints, deviations, change controls, equipment qualifications, and new product introduction (NPI).
- Supported multi-site quality management system directives through gap analysis, equipment validation, and training for new quality managers.
- Provided quality leadership across Smurfit Westrock facilities, driving collaboration and alignment on quality standards.
- Executed PFMEA deployment to proactively identify and mitigate potential failure modes in critical processes.
- Utilized RCA and Fishbone methods to systematically address critical operational challenges.
- Participated in Lean Six Sigma Black Belt training to enhance process improvement skills.
MANUFACTURING MANAGER/QA PROJECT LEADER
Reynolds American Tobacco
01.2020 - 12.2022
- Led Six Sigma project focused on reducing primary waste in manufacturing processes, enhancing sustainability and operational efficiency.
- Directed QA Project Sigma to implement measures against tobacco beetle infestation, safeguarding product quality and compliance.
- Led and mentored a department team of 40 cell associates, ensuring operations aligned with Core Values/SOPs and complying with OSHA, FDA, and ISO regulations. Provided leadership oversight for manufacturing supervisors, changeover coordinators, lead mechanics, and operators.
- Tracked and recorded attendance at departmental meetings to ensure participation, reviewed production schedules, evaluated P&L, and supervised maintenance during the absence of the Operations Director.
- Facilitated discussions with FDA as host for North Carolina Senators, promoting regulatory compliance and industry engagement.
MANUFACTURING SUPERVISOR
Reynolds American Tobacco
02.2019 - 12.2019
- Supervised team of over 30 manufacturing associates, fostering a collaborative environment to enhance team engagement
- Oversaw daily operations in manufacturing cell, ensuring efficient workflow and strict adherence to safety protocols to maintain operational integrity
- Led SAP production scheduling for 1st and 3rd shifts, coordinating resources to meet production targets
- Conducted PFMEA to analyze potential failures, identifying critical areas for improvement to enhance product reliability
- Executed quality control measures for NTRM and QUIP initiatives to ensure product compliance.
- Managed overhead cost controls for labor and utility expenses to optimize budget efficiency.
- Facilitated inspections and tours for FDA representatives, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards
Education
Lean Six Sigma Black Belt - Six Sigma
Management Strategic Institute
05.2023 - 08.2023
Lead Auditor - ISO9001
British Standards Institution (BSI) & Smurfit Westrock
B.S. - Business Administration
University of North Carolina
GreensboroA.A.S. - Business Administration
Davidson County Community College
Skills
- ISO/ITF/SQF/FDA Certification/Experience
- PFMEA
- PDCA/RCA/Fishbone
- Black Belt Level Six Sigma Projects
- Production scheduling
- Inventory Reconciliation
- Risk Assessment
- Safety Management
- Team Leadership
- Supervisory experience
- Shop floor management
- Continuous improvement leadership
- ISO 9001 auditor
- Crucial Conflict Communications: Building high-performing teams with sound communication
Personal Information
ContinuousImprovement Experience
- Shop Floor Management Infrastructure
- Merck UV Ink Transition
- Thermo Fisher Child Safety Lock
- Pest Hygiene Infestation Reduction
- Tobacco Waste Reduction
- CLARIOS: Medical Safety Responder process
- Battery Assembly: Poor Fusion Reduction
Certification
- Lean Six Sigma-Black Belt, Management Strategic Institute and Six Sigma Global Institute
- ISO9001:2015 Certified-BSI (British Standard Institution)
- Lean Six Sigma-Green Belt, Diebold University instructed by N.C. State Sigma Experts and CSSC
- FDA OTC Prescription Packaging Certification
- FDA Regulatory and Compliance Inspection Readiness-External Entity Auditing
- ASQ-FMEA (Failure Mode and Effects Analysis-Managing Business Risk)
Timeline
Plant Area Manager
CLARIOS
06.2025 - Current
Lean Six Sigma Black Belt - Six Sigma
Management Strategic Institute
05.2023 - 08.2023
QUALITY MANAGER II
Smurfit Westrock
12.2022 - 06.2025
MANUFACTURING MANAGER/QA PROJECT LEADER
Reynolds American Tobacco
01.2020 - 12.2022
MANUFACTURING SUPERVISOR
Reynolds American Tobacco
02.2019 - 12.2019
Lead Auditor - ISO9001
British Standards Institution (BSI) & Smurfit Westrock
B.S. - Business Administration
University of North Carolina
A.A.S. - Business Administration
Davidson County Community College