Nicholas Podhaski
IA
Summary
Results-driven Operations Manager with 13+ years of leadership experience across manufacturing, engineering and distribution operations. Proven success leading high-performing teams, improving safety, optimizing processes and delivering measurable operations results. Open to relocation
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
Work History
Operations Manager
Target Distribution Center
Cedar Falls, IA
2024.03 - Current
- Engineered and implemented machine safety modification that eliminated a recurring injury, reducing injury incidents from 4 to 0 and creating a permanent safeguard against future occurrences
- Analyzed KPI reporting and operational data to uncover opportunities, address issues, and enhance overall performance
- Ensured compliance with Target’s policies, safety regulations, and operational standards, fostering a safety-first culture
Production Supervisor
John Deere
Waterloo, IA
2022.04 - 2024.04
- Managed and developed a workforce of 38 hourly employees across two assembly lines, achieving sustained operational performance with on-time delivery rates exceeding 97% while maintaining safety and quality standards
- Ensured compliance with John Deere safety standards, OSHA regulations, and quality procedures to maintain workplace safety and product integrity
- Developed and implemented quality-control gauge, reducing assembly-line quality rejections by 43%, improving production efficiency and customer satisfaction
Production Manager
Kryton Engineered Metals
Cedar Falls, IA
2012.11 - 2022.04
- Lead a team of 85 employees with overseeing daily production operations, on-time delivery, engineering coordination, maintenance and workplace safety to ensure efficiency and performance goals were consistently achieved
- Led the implementation of a maintenance management system that standardized preventive maintenance, enhanced asset management, and provided date-driven visibility into equipment performance and operational efficiency
- Led three large-scale cost-savings projects as Project Manager, focusing on efficiency improvements, workplace safety enhancements, and continuous improvement initiatives
- Created and implemented continuous improvement process, enhancing workflow efficiency, workplace safety, and achieving cost savings of $572,000 within first year
- Led culture transformation initiatives that strengthened employee engagement, enhanced workplace satisfaction, and decreased turnover by 62% within two years, driving greater organizational stability and performance
- Established and launched second-shift and weekend operations, hiring and onboarding 23 employees to support business growth
Education
Associate of Applied Science - Criminal Justice
Hawkeye Community College
Waterloo, IA2008-08
Skills
- Supply chain management
- Inventory Management
- Lean manufacturing
- Process optimization
- Quality Systems Management
- KPI & Performance Management
- Budgeting & Cost Control
- Team development
- Safety Culture Development
Timeline
Operations Manager
Target Distribution Center
2024.03 - Current
Production Supervisor
John Deere
2022.04 - 2024.04
Production Manager
Kryton Engineered Metals
2012.11 - 2022.04
Associate of Applied Science - Criminal Justice
Hawkeye Community College