MICHAEL EAMES
Compton,IL
Summary
Results-driven professional with extensive experience in the agricultural manufacturing and sales sectors, recognized for transforming operations and fostering strong stakeholder relationships. Achievements include a 25% reduction in rework, reflecting strategic vision and effective staff management that drive significant cost savings and operational excellence. Core competencies encompass process improvement, team leadership, and business growth strategies. Passionate about leveraging expertise to further enhance productivity and profitability in future roles.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
Work History
Seed Operations and Sales Director
Northern Partners Cooperative
Utica, IL
08.2024 - Current
- Created, maintained and evaluated customer databases in order to maximize sales opportunities.
- Directed and coordinated products, services and sales activities.
- Coordinated with the finance department to develop pricing strategies and manage invoicing issues.
- Conducted market research and reported on competitors.
- Identified areas for improvement within the organization's existing processes and procedures.
- Built relationships with customers and industry professionals to establish long-term business growth.
Operations Manager
Axis Seed Direct
Genoa, IL
10.2023 - 07.2024
- Managed and streamlined warehouse activities.
- Enhanced control over supplies.
- Directed efforts of temporary team members.
- Optimized quality control during liquid blending procedures.
- Managed all aspects of transportation and delivery processes.
- Managed capital projects and budgeting effectively.
- Discovered ways to minimize expenses.
- Compiled comprehensive plans from vendors for expansion projects.
- Examine financial implications of maintaining and replacing rolling stock.
- Coached suppliers, partners, and ownership on performance improvements.
- Generated strong customer relationships.
- Pinpoint customers within central geographic area.
- Cultivated relationships and increased brand awareness for Axis.
Sr. Production Lead – Foundation
Bayer Crop Science
Kunia, Hi
10.2020 - 10.2023
- Oversaw and guided Oahu team's efforts in implementing a new production system.
- Evaluated and implemented strategies to reduce over-sampling, resulting in cost savings for Hawaii Foundation Moisture Sampling and Harvest procedures, maximizing quality and reducing field loss by around $800K per year.
- Consistently reviewed operations to uncover potential efficiencies.
- Increased the effective use of available farmland in Hawaii.
- Facilitated hybrid production, accelerating new product launch by one year.
- Partnered with Planning to ensure successful South American production during Summer 2021.
- Detected opportunities that could drive future sales given mainland difficulties.
- Delivered support and constructive criticism to help a youthful team navigate compliance challenges.
- Focused on advancing leadership skills among team members while achieving certification in PROSCI Change Management.
- Ensured safety regulations were followed by all staff members.
Production Lead – Field Operations
Bayer Crop Science
Waterman, IL
05.2016 - 10.2020
- Led the Waterman, Illinois field team through the implementation of a production system utilizing lean manufacturing practices and deploying efficient work teams; expected to save ~$1.2 million annually by 2022
- Implemented contractor KPI scorecards and incentives to enhance compliance.
- Examined operational trends to boost efficiency, reduce COGS, and minimize seed loss.
- Served as lead asset manager for North American Corn Production’s fleet of detasseling equipment, right sizing the fleet and retiring assets no longer needed to deliver the business
- Selected to co-manage the development of a technician progression strategy to honor top achievers, promoting ongoing improvement.
- Focused on character building through events, book studies, and one-on-one coaching.
Assistant Plant Manager – Fertilizer Granulation and Terminal
United Suppliers
Henry, IL
10.2014 - 05.2016
- Enhanced customer owner capabilities by managing various operational sectors, reducing annual downtime and product shrink by 30%.
- Created multiple projects to boost productivity.
- Executed comprehensive reconstruction of multiple stairways and walkways to enhance employee safety and operational efficiency.
- Increased terminal utilization by 25% through successful integration of unused palletizer with new packaging line.
Plant Operations Manager
Remington Seeds
Dike, IA
08.2008 - 06.2014
- Managed successful conversion from single-brand to multi-brand soybean production and distribution.
- Consistently surpassed customer and user expectations by adopting ISO standards.
- Supervised the installation of upgraded equipment for seed treating, conditioning, and storage.
- Streamlined processes to improve pallet stretch wrapping efficiency, achieving a 25% reduction in rework.
- Recruited and trained employees to enhance maintenance abilities of site staff, resulting in a 50% reduction in emergency maintenance calls.
Education
Masters Certificate - Dispute Resolution, Human Resources
North Central College
Naperville, IL01.2008
Bachelor of Arts - Sociology and Psychology
North Central College
Naperville, IL01.2001
Skills
- Client and stakeholder relations
- Effective Negotiation Skills
- Goals and performance
- Key account development
- Strategic alliances
- Staff management
Additionaldata
- Iowa State University Seed Workshops: Gravity Separation, Color Sorter, and Small Grain
- OSHA 10-hour, 30-hour, Train the Trainer, and HAZWOPPER certifications
- Trained in PROSCI methodology and Certified to Train Change Happens Material
Timeline
Seed Operations and Sales Director
Northern Partners Cooperative
08.2024 - Current
Operations Manager
Axis Seed Direct
10.2023 - 07.2024
Sr. Production Lead – Foundation
Bayer Crop Science
10.2020 - 10.2023
Production Lead – Field Operations
Bayer Crop Science
05.2016 - 10.2020
Assistant Plant Manager – Fertilizer Granulation and Terminal
United Suppliers
10.2014 - 05.2016
Plant Operations Manager
Remington Seeds
08.2008 - 06.2014
Masters Certificate - Dispute Resolution, Human Resources
North Central College
Bachelor of Arts - Sociology and Psychology
North Central College
Similar Profiles
Fabiola RetesFabiola Retes
Accounting Clerk at Northern Virginia Electric CooperativeAccounting Clerk at Northern Virginia Electric Cooperative
Matthew HarlessMatthew Harless
Electric System Operator at Northern Virginia Electric CooperativeElectric System Operator at Northern Virginia Electric Cooperative
Nahkia OliveNahkia Olive
Shipping Clerk at Northern Cooperative Food Co-opShipping Clerk at Northern Cooperative Food Co-op