Murriel Donnelly
Troy,OH
Summary
Experienced Operations Manager with a dynamic and results-driven approach. Demonstrated leadership in aerospace, manufacturing, distribution, and paper industries. Adept in implementing Lean methodologies, integrating business operations, and executing cost reduction strategies. Proven track record of driving operational efficiency and process improvements.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
Work History
Plant Manager Officer
Westrafo America
05.2025 - Current
- Led the greenfield startup of a transformer manufacturing facility, managing operations from construction handoff through full production launch.
- Directed equipment installation, rigging, inbound freight logistics, contractor coordination, and building utilities setup.
- Established vendor and supplier network; oversaw procurement for facility, machinery, and production requirements.
- Implemented SAP, QT9, payroll, and compliance systems while preparing for ISO 9001 certification.
- Recruited, hired, and developed a skilled workforce to support production ramp-up.
- Built cross-functional processes to drive operational readiness, supply chain resilience, and long-term growth.
- Implemented lean manufacturing principles and layouts to enhance operational efficiency.
- Developed training programs, wrote work instructions for staff to improve skills and performance.
Plant Superintendent
Pratt Industries
11.2022 - 03.2025
- Startup of paper converting bag manufacturing, increasing the Team of 40 to 192 over two years
- Increased annual revenue from $13 mm in fy '22 to $38 mm in fy '24 and budgeted revenue of $42 mm in fy '25
- Set product standards, examining samples of raw products for tensile, tear, and burst
- Developed quality standards and audits of Finished Goods
- Reviewed processing schedules and production orders concerning inventory, requirements, staffing requirements, work procedures, and duty assignments, considering budgetary limitations and time constraints, this resulted in 98% OTIF in year two
- Applied continues improvement principles to improve workflow, quality and reduce waste, this resulted in a 28% increase in uptime and a 7% reduction in scrap
- Promoted a culture of teamwork among employees by fostering open communication channels, encouraging collaboration, and providing opportunities for growth within the organization.
- Improved plant efficiency by implementing streamlined production processes and optimizing equipment usage.
Plant Manager
Pratt Industries
05.2022 - 11.2022
- Acquisition of a small paper converting plan. Increased monthly revenue from 125k to 1.3 million in the first 3 months.
- Directed daily plant functions, including production planning, personnel management, and regulatory compliance
- Implemented Lean principles to reduce waste and improve manufacturing efficiency
- Monitored and evaluated plant performance to identify areas for improvement and take corrective measures.
- Forecasted future production needs accurately, allowing for strategic decision-making regarding staffing levels, equipment investments, and inventory management.
- Mentored and developed staff members, promoting professional growth opportunities within the organization.
Assistant Plant Manager
Pratt Industries
09.2021 - 05.2022
- Assisted in overseeing plant production while managing employee performance and training
- Spearheaded initiatives to improve safety standards and workplace efficiency
- Supported process improvement projects, reduced labor costs, and increased efficiencies
- Devised and administered cost control initiatives saving $85,000 annually.
- Scrutinized production output and identified areas for improvement.
- Planned operations to meet established schedules, factoring in order demands and business forecasts.
Production Manager
Pratt Industries
07.2020 - 09.2021
- Led production teams to achieve key performance targets in efficiency and quality
- Developed training programs to improve workforce capabilities and operational effectiveness
- Increased overall productivity by identifying bottlenecks in the production process and proposing effective solutions which yielded 32% increase in production efficiency.
- Fostered a culture of continuous improvement by encouraging open communication between team members and regularly soliciting feedback on operational procedures.
- Managed continuous improvement initiatives to drive gains in quality, flow, and output.
- Reviewed work for quality and compliance with company standards and design specifications.
- Reviewed maintenance and repair problems to determine appropriate action for resolution.
- Reduced waste and material costs by optimizing resource allocation and inventory management.
Plant Manager
Crown Paper Converting
01.2014 - 07.2020
- Managed a team of 40+ employees, overseeing daily production, job assignments, and workflow optimization
- Developed cost-saving initiatives, including negotiating vendor rates to reduce material costs during COVID-19
- Spearheaded ERP system implementation to enhance operational efficiency and resource allocation
- Designed and enforced internal policies for attendance, OSHA IIPP safety, and equipment maintenance
- Reduced bottlenecks through workflow monitoring, inspection points, and strategic resource allocation
- Maintained equipment functionality with proactive maintenance and strategic replacement planning
Operations Manager
California Composites, Inc.
02.2004 - 11.2013
- Managed 40+ team members, overseeing production, purchasing, inventory, and compliance
- Led continuous improvement projects that significantly reduced operational costs
- Assisted in ERP system development and implementation
- Ensured compliance with industry standards and government regulations
- Established HR policies to improve personnel management and conflict resolution
Education
Certificate - Lean Manufacturing Methodologies
Gemba Academy
Ontario, CA04.2016
Certificate - Lean Manufacturing Methodologies
ACE (Achieving Competitive Excellence)
San Diego, CA01.2013
GED -
John Glenn High School
Norwalk06.1988
Skills
- Lean Manufacturing Methodologies
- Effective Policy Implementation
- Procurement Management
- Production Workflow Optimization
- Oversight of Multi-Site Functions
- Client Relations Excellence
- Experienced with MS Office Applications
- Production Planning Skills
- ERP System Implementation Experience
- Warehouse Operations Management
- Operational Management
- Continuous improvement
- Plant and warehouse operations
- Waste reduction
Accomplishments
- Reduced labor costs by $1.3M in two years through Lean concepts and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Cut waste by 40%, increasing annual profits by $125K and reducing operational expenses.
- Launched a Total Production Maintenance (TPM) program, saving $75K annually.
- Developed SOPs for equipment and reduced training costs by $35K per year.
- Improved efficiency by 30% in eight months through streamlined processes and enhanced employee engagement.
Work Availability
monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
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Work Preference
Work Type
Full TimeLocation Preference
On-SiteRemoteHybridImportant To Me
Work-life balanceCareer advancementCompany Culture401k matchHealthcare benefitsLanguages
English
Native or Bilingual
Spanish
Limited Working
Interests
Spending time with loved ones
Spending time in the great outdoors
Fishing
Traveling
Quote
Success is often achieved by those who don’t know that failure is inevitable.
Coco Chanel
Affiliations
- St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church
- Sportsmen for Fish and Wildlife
- Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation
Timeline
Plant Manager Officer
Westrafo America
05.2025 - Current
Plant Superintendent
Pratt Industries
11.2022 - 03.2025
Plant Manager
Pratt Industries
05.2022 - 11.2022
Assistant Plant Manager
Pratt Industries
09.2021 - 05.2022
Production Manager
Pratt Industries
07.2020 - 09.2021
Plant Manager
Crown Paper Converting
01.2014 - 07.2020
Operations Manager
California Composites, Inc.
02.2004 - 11.2013
Certificate - Lean Manufacturing Methodologies
Gemba Academy
Certificate - Lean Manufacturing Methodologies
ACE (Achieving Competitive Excellence)
GED -
John Glenn High School