Nicholas Aaron Morgan
Overland Park,KS
Summary
Qualified Plant Manager with proven background in strategic planning and project management. Successfully led cross-functional teams to deliver high-impact initiatives. Demonstrated excellence in stakeholder communication and operational efficiency.
Experienced with strategic planning, project management, and stakeholder communication. Utilizes these skills to enhance operational efficiency and drive team success. Track record of effective leadership in high-stakes environments.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
Work History
Associate Director Manufacturing
Hershey Salty Snacks
Lawrence, KS
03.2021 - Current
- Identified and assessed market trends to support strategic decision-making and drive innovation in product offerings.
- Analyzed and refined workflows to elevate operational efficiency and achieve cost savings across diverse departmental functions.
- Directed cross-functional teams in the development and execution of strategic marketing initiatives for successful product launches.
- Implemented training initiatives for junior staff, encouraging skill enhancement and reinforcing a culture of continuous improvement.
- Streamlined budget allocation and resource planning processes, resulting in improved project delivery timelines and operational efficiency.
- Collaborated with supply chain management to improve inventory levels and facilitate streamlined distribution operations.
- Developed and delivered extensive training modules aimed at improving workforce efficiency and maintaining safety protocol adherence.
- Defined and implemented key performance indicators (KPIs) to enhance initiative success measurement.
- Promoted continuous improvement initiatives by encouraging staff to contribute innovative ideas and providing essential resources for professional growth.
- Oversaw budget management and resource allocation to enhance productivity and profitability.
- Assessed employee performance and delivered constructive feedback to enhance skill development.
- Developed and communicated performance benchmarks for employees while providing actionable feedback to enhance achievement of goals.
- Managed full-cycle recruitment, including interviewing and hiring, and developed a mentoring program to cultivate a culture of positive feedback and employee engagement.
- Outlined measurable targets and objectives, facilitating transparent communication and shared understanding within the team.
- Implemented waste reduction initiatives and drove revenue development strategies to align department with sales and profit objectives.
- Led cross-functional teams to develop and execute strategic marketing initiatives for product launches.
- Implemented process improvements that enhanced operational efficiency and reduced costs across multiple departments.
- Led teams of up to 100 personnel, supervising daily performance as well as training and improvement plans.
Director of Operations
Craft Mark Bakery
Indianapolis, IN
03.2019 - 03.2021
- Developed skills of two business managers and six supervisors through bi-weekly one-on-ones.
- Enhanced run strategy by collaborating with scheduler planner to minimize unnecessary changeovers and cleans.
- Implemented pre-flight and start-up check lists increasing start up efficiency by 25%.
- Implemented pre-flight and start-up checklists increasing start up efficiency by 25%.
- Ensured compliance with safety protocols, contributing to a record of no injuries in over two years.
- Resolved cross-contamination concerns by modifying the delivery method for particulates, improving overall quality.
- Reduced customer complaints in major categories by swapping new bagging material.
- Tackled cross contamination issue by swapping delivery method for particulates.
- Worked closely with two business managers and six supervisors to develop their skills by having bi-weekly one on ones.
- Oversaw the start-up process of a new production line, managing all stages from inception to completion.
Warehouse Manager
Lassonde Pappas
Bridgeton, NJ
05.2017 - 03.2019
- Developed and implemented cross-training programs to enhance flexibility in loading/unloading trucks based on daily demand.
- Timely completion of loading/unloading all inbound and outbound loads - including raw materials, DRPs, and Finished Products.
- Compliance with FIFO standards.
- Receipt and bar code tagging of all inbound materials for tracking in WMS (QAD)
- Promoted safety awareness to maintain a zero-accident workplace. - no loss time or recordable accidents.
- Ordered finished goods not produced on site to maintain adequate inventory levels aligned with sales demands.
- Compliance with FEFO standards for inbound and outbound concentrates and ingredients used in blending.
- Coordinated scheduling of all non-customer pick-up loads with 3rd party logistics company, managing approximately 80% of inbound and outbound loads.
- Inventory reconciliation - includes compliance with specified cycle count schedule of daily/weekly/monthly/quarterly counts.
Supply Chain Manager
Lassonde Pappas
Bridgeton, NJ
12.2014 - 05.2017
- Coordinated orders for primary ingredient concentrates and cranberries from third-party refrigerated warehouse to ensure timely production.
- Managed ordering and inventory of labels for over 1980 SKUs to support packaging operations.
- Evaluated and negotiated with vendors to secure competitive pricing and optimize supply costs.
- Conducted cycle counts for secondary packaging to ensure inventory accuracy.
- Scheduled "test" runs of packaging materials for validation performance.
Warehouse Supervisor
Clement Pappas
Mountain Home, NC
04.2007 - 12.2014
- Forklift preventive maintenance program, scanner management, and carton cycle counts.
- Developed forklift preventive maintenance program, managed scanner operations, and conducted carton cycle counts.
- Outside storage management, onsite bottle storage, and Managed operation of palletizers to ensure efficient production.
- Handled day-to-day shipping and receiving overseeing more than 50 loads daily.
Concentrate Receiver/Batch Staging
Clement Pappas
Mountain Home, NC
11.2004 - 04.2007
- Received inbound concentrates and flavors; staged outbound raw material DRPs for warehouse.
- Unloaded bulk tankers and conducted quality control sampling of concentrates to ensure compliance.
- Staged batches for processing and back-flushed completed batches in QAD to maintain system integrity.
- Coordinated inventory control processes, optimizing stock levels and minimizing discrepancies.
Maintenance Crew Member
Camp Mondamin and Camp Green Cove
Tuxedo
05.1998 - 11.2004
- Completed minor repairs to outdoor structures such as fences, benches, and signs for increased durability.
- Conducted routine inspections of outdoor areas to identify potential hazards or needed repairs promptly.
- Installed seasonal decorations to enhance the visual appeal of outdoor spaces during holidays or special events.
- Performed basic plumbing repairs on outdoor fixtures like faucets or sprinkler heads to prevent leaks and water waste.
- Maintained the health of trees and shrubs by trimming branches, removing deadwood, and applying fertilizers when necessary.
- Assisted with pest control measures such as applying safe pesticides or implementing non-toxic solutions like trapping methods.
- Used trimmers and chainsaws for grounds maintenance, brush clearing, and tree removal and thinning.
- Assisted in training new crew members on safety protocols and equipment usage.
Education
Natural Resources Management
Western Carolina University
Cullowhee, NCSkills
- Team development
- Cross-functional collaboration
- Effective communication
- Process optimization
- Budget development
- Strategic planning
- Strategic leadership
- Coaching and mentoring
- Organizational development
Timeline
Associate Director Manufacturing
Hershey Salty Snacks
03.2021 - Current
Director of Operations
Craft Mark Bakery
03.2019 - 03.2021
Warehouse Manager
Lassonde Pappas
05.2017 - 03.2019
Supply Chain Manager
Lassonde Pappas
12.2014 - 05.2017
Warehouse Supervisor
Clement Pappas
04.2007 - 12.2014
Concentrate Receiver/Batch Staging
Clement Pappas
11.2004 - 04.2007
Maintenance Crew Member
Camp Mondamin and Camp Green Cove
05.1998 - 11.2004
Natural Resources Management
Western Carolina University