Michael Lien
Chippewa Falls
Summary
Results-driven Manufacturing Supervisor with expertise in safety and quality compliance. Leads teams to enhance operational efficiency and foster productivity through effective communication and strategic direction. Implements training programs that boost performance and align team objectives with organizational goals, driving continuous improvement.
Overview
30
30
years of professional experience
Work History
Production Manager
Conagra Brands
Menomonee
10.2015 - Current
- Oversee adherence to all food safety, quality (HACCP, SQF, RBI), and environmental standards; participate in audits and promote effective cross-functional communication on these matters.
- Led line structure team performance and conducted Daily Direction Setting (DDS) meetings, ensuring clear communication of operational goals and alignment on daily objectives with open feedback channels.
- Converted issues raised during DDS meetings into clear, actionable daily plans; monitored progress and provided feedback.
- Facilitated Weekly DMS meetings to review operational trends, identified improvement opportunities through data-driven insights, and established measurable objectives for the team.
- Conduct Monthly Business Unit Reviews, preparing detailed reports, analyzing performance, and sharing best practices across all business units
- Leverage data analysis to develop and implement 90-day performance plans for the business unit; track progress, adjust strategies, and ensure targets are met or exceeded.
- Collaborate with R&D to enhance production line capabilities and support new product launches as business needs evolve.
- Coordinate with maintenance and engineering to meet production requirements and achieve plant objectives effectively.
- Partnered with plant leadership to secure resources, resolve operational issues, and support training and professional growth for team members.
- Ensure a safe workplace by maintaining compliance with OSHA regulations and company safety policies for all employees.
Production Manager
Dynamic Fitness & Strength
Eau Claire
02.2014 - 07.2015
- Responsibilities: oversee the manufacturing process and make sure that production lines are running smoothly and efficiently. Worked closely with supervisors, maintenance technicians, company buyers, suppliers, quality control, training departments, and safety manager.to plan work, set targets and make sure the finished products meet quality standards. Main areas of my focus covered were.
- Supervised production staff to ensure efficiency and productivity. managing supervisors, organizing staff and making sure targets are met.
- Planning preparing orders, setting quality standards and estimating timescales and costs control monitoring production schedules and adjusting them if problems occur
- Monitored product standards and implemented quality-control programs to maintain compliance with quality benchmarks.
- Selected and maintained equipment for optimal performance.
- Compiled production reports for General Manager and Sales to inform strategic decision-making.
- Working with top managers to implement the company's policies and goals;
- Ensuring that health and safety guidelines are followed; supervising and motivating a team of workers; reviewing worker performance; Identifying training needs.
Plant Supervisor
D&S Manufacturing, Inc.
Black River Fall
08.2007 - 02.2014
- Responsibilities: Directly supervised 30 employees. Carried out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws. Interviewed, hired, and trained employees; planned, assigned, and directed work; appraised performance; rewarded and disciplined employees; addressed concerns and resolved problems. Analyzed work orders and blueprints to determine materials, operations types, and sequences required for production. Collaborated with engineering and preproduction departments to clarify and make adjustments. Maintain, store and request dies, fixtures, and supplies necessary to meet production schedule, Ensure equipment is in good operating condition and all preventative maintenance has been performed. Coordinate repairs and scheduled maintenance with Maintenance Department as required. Study work center capacities and develop staff to meet the needs of production in order to achieve on-time delivery. Ensured compliance with company policies, safety standards, and good housekeeping practices to foster a positive work environment. Recommended purchases of new capital equipment and process improvements to enhance quality and production conditions. Analyze and resolve work problems, or assist workers in solving work problems by facilitating and supporting team meetings to identify problems and implement corrective actions. Recognize team achievements and celebrate successes. Set clear expectations, provide necessary tools to meet expectations and hold co-workers accountable.
- Supervised daily operations and workflow of manufacturing processes.
- Coordinated maintenance schedules for machinery and equipment to ensure efficiency.
- Trained and mentored team members on safety protocols and best practices.
Expeditor
Curt Manufacturing, Inc.
Eau Claire
12.1996 - 07.2007
- Coordinated materials flow between suppliers and production teams.
- Managed movement of materials and product through production.
- Monitored inventory levels to ensure timely replenishment of stock.
- Communicated with vendors to resolve shipping issues and delays.
- Facilitated daily meetings to address workflow issues and improve team collaboration.
- Coordinated materials, scheduled overtime, set up machinery for timely production runs, and reviewed marketing history to align production schedules with customer needs. Executed various roles at Curt Manufacturing, Inc. over eleven years, including Powder Coating Supervisor and manager of First to Market Cell, supervising welding, fabrication, shipping, and material handlers to ensure operational efficiency. Gained experience in customer service, purchasing, quality control, and engineering, contributing to overall business operations.
Education
Associate's degree -
Western Technical College
Black River Falls, WI01-2014
High School Diploma -
North High School
Eau Claire, WI01-1996
Skills
- Production scheduling expertise
- MRP scheduling expertise
- Production planning
- Machinery setup
- Process improvement
- Quality assurance
- Safety compliance
- Workforce management
- Human resources management
- Advanced software skills
- Managerial learning
- Problem-solving communication
- Effective communication
EDUCATION
- Leadership Certificate 2011
- Supervision Certificate 2012
- MSSC Production Safety Certificate 2011
- Human Factors Leadership Certificate 2010
- 5S/Visual Workplace Certificate 2009
- Operations Leadership Certificate 2010
- Team Leadership Certificate 2011
- Leadership Essentials Certificate 2012
- Employee Motivation Course 2011
- Train the Trainer Course 2011
- 7 Habits of Effective Course 2012
- 40 Hour OSHA Course 2013
- Better Processing School 2015
- Base Camp Rise event 2025
- Certified Sanitarian Course 2025
Timeline
Production Manager
Conagra Brands
10.2015 - Current
Production Manager
Dynamic Fitness & Strength
02.2014 - 07.2015
Plant Supervisor
D&S Manufacturing, Inc.
08.2007 - 02.2014
Expeditor
Curt Manufacturing, Inc.
12.1996 - 07.2007
Associate's degree -
Western Technical College
High School Diploma -
North High School