Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
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Merv S. Johnson

Jonesboro

Summary

Accomplished senior operations leader seeking an upper management role in manufacturing where I can leverage my proven track record in optimizing operations, driving strategic growth, leading cross-functional teams, and implementing lean methodologies to enhance productivity, reduce costs, and improve quality outcomes.

Overview

22
22
years of professional experience

Work History

Production Supervisor

F&S Fresh Foods
09.2023 - Current
  • Maintain a safe and clean environment compliant with that of FDA and USDA standards.
  • Track and manage inventory of ingredients and materials to minimize waste and keep costs low.
  • Coordinate production schedules to meet demand and ensure timely delivery at 100% fill rate.
  • Oversaw employee training initiatives to ensure all team members were proficient in company procedures, safety regulations, and job-specific tasks.
  • Evaluated employee performance regularly against established benchmarks for ongoing personnel development.
  • Enhanced production efficiency by implementing lean manufacturing techniques and reducing waste.
  • Managed team of 55 production associates, overseeing productive production processes and meeting all deadlines.
  • Accomplished targets and met demand by assessing equipment performance, reviewing materials supplies, and organizing manpower.
  • Prepared in advance for and addressed production problems, material deficits, equipment failures, and unavoidable delays.
  • Managed inventory levels effectively to ensure availability of raw materials and minimize stock discrepancies.
  • Conducted root cause analysis on production issues for prompt resolution, minimizing negative impacts on output rates.

Area Manager

Amazon
10.2019 - 02.2023
  • Directed operations across multiple departments, overseeing 84+ associates to meet critical operational KPIs in safety, quality and throughput.
  • Drove a 97% Site’s SIOC compliance rate by designing and executing testing protocols for 77,000+ items, boosting efficiency and minimizing packaging waste.
  • Championed cross-departmental labor management, consistently hitting production targets while controlling cost.
  • Introduced safety driven initiatives across departments achieving a measurable reduction in on the job related injuries and downtime.
  • Led process optimization projects that reduced cycle times, improving overall workflow efficiency.
  • Coordinated with Sr Leadership to align operational strategies with company-wide objectives, contributing to enhanced productivity and customer satisfaction.

Operations Manager | Plant Manager

Howard Fertilizer and Chemicals
09.2017 - 01.2019
  • Led a $38M manufacturing operation overseeing a team of 50+ employees in the plant and supply chain.
  • Directed strategic initiatives in Lean manufacturing, driving continuous improvement and reducing cost.
  • Managed full compliance with OSHA, DOT and environmental regulations, ensuring plant operations adhered to safety and legal standards.
  • Collaborated with corporate leadership to define and implement long-term operational strategies, contributing to enhanced marketing competitiveness.
  • Delivered cost savings through vendor negotiations, process enhancements, and equipment upgrades, ensuring maximum efficiency.
  • Empowered employees to take ownership of their responsibilities, leading to increased accountability and improved performance outcomes.

Sales & Marketing Manager

Pepsi-Cola (Bahamas)
06.2007 - 05.2009
  • Oversaw a Sales team of 14, driving a 12% increase in the Customer base and 15% year over year Sales growth even in a challenging market environment.
  • Optimized production and distribution logistics, enhancing delivery timeliness and maximizing operational efficiency.
  • Developed and executed cost effective marketing campaigns aligned with production capabilities, driving market share growth.
  • Managed end-to-end project execution, from production through distribution, ensuring profitability and product availability.
  • Of a new local native energy drink.
  • Foster relationships with key distributors and retailers, strengthening market presence and promoting continuous sales growth.

Zone Operations Manager | Production Manager | Business Unit Leader

Frito Lay (PepsiCo)
09.2003 - 05.2007
  • Managed operations for a multi department facility with 45+employees across production, warehousing, and distribution functions, ensuring alignment with corporate financial and quality goals.
  • Implemented Lean and Six Sigma methodologies improving labor efficiencies by 17% and increasing production output by 72,000 lbs/day.
  • Reduced equipment downtime by 8% and improved asset utilization, leading to enhanced operational reliability.
  • Drove team development initiatives, resulting in higher employee engagement and retention while reducing turnover.
  • Supported budgeting and financial forecasting for manufacturing operations, controlling labor and material costs while maintaining product quality.
  • Led cross-functional initiatives to streamline supply chain logistics, increasing on-time deliveries and reducing waste.

Education

M.B.A. -

Hampton University
Hampton, VA
05-1996

B.S. - Accounting

Benedict College
Columbia, SC
05-1994

Skills

  • Operational Leadership: Managing multi-functional teams to drive performance and achieve business goals
  • Process Optimization: Extensive experience applying Lean, Six Sigma and Kaizen methodologies to improve efficiency, reduce waste, and lower costs
  • Manufacturing Strategy: Expertise in overseeing plant operations, managing large scale production, and improving KPIs such as throughput, cycle times, and on-time deliveries
  • Financial Oversight: Budget management, forecasting, cost control, and financial analysis to ensure profitability and operational efficiency
  • Cross-Functional Collaboration: Proven success in working across departments to align production, logistics, and sales to company goals
  • Regulatory Compliance: Strong understanding of OSHA, DOT, EPA and ISO compliance within manufacturing environments
  • Staff Development: Skilled in coaching, mentoring, and training high-performing teams that deliver results

Timeline

Production Supervisor

F&S Fresh Foods
09.2023 - Current

Area Manager

Amazon
10.2019 - 02.2023

Operations Manager | Plant Manager

Howard Fertilizer and Chemicals
09.2017 - 01.2019

Sales & Marketing Manager

Pepsi-Cola (Bahamas)
06.2007 - 05.2009

Zone Operations Manager | Production Manager | Business Unit Leader

Frito Lay (PepsiCo)
09.2003 - 05.2007

M.B.A. -

Hampton University

B.S. - Accounting

Benedict College

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Merv S. Johnson