Nicki Farrington
Howards Grove
Summary
Operations leader with over 10 years of experience specializing in process improvement, lean manufacturing, and operations management. Expertise in optimizing production workflows, reducing waste, and driving continuous improvement using Lean and Six Sigma methodologies. Proven track record of implementing Kohler Operating System (KOS) principles, improving OEE (Overall Equipment Effectiveness), and enhancing quality standards in high-volume manufacturing environments. Strong knowledge of ISO 9000 standards and extensive experience leading cross-functional teams to achieve safety, quality, delivery, and cost targets.
Diligent Plant manager with solid background in managing daily operations and driving team performance. Successfully led various projects, ensuring seamless execution and improved operational efficiency. Demonstrated strategic planning and effective communication skills.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
Work History
General Manager
Hygienic Fabrics & Filters
01.2024 - 01.2025
- Lead and manage a 30+ person team to grow the business and achieve value stream, division and corporate goals monthly, quarterly and annually implementing operational strategies and effectively built customer and employee loyalty using KPI data tracking to increase sales and profitability.
- Primary responsibility overseeing Operations, Safety, HR, and Maintenance for all three plants while monitoring financial performance, setting budgets and controlling expenses to provide financial stability and long-term organizational growth.
- Implemented robust inventory management systems to optimize stock levels and minimize waste/costs associated with excess product storage.
- Inventory & Supply Chain Management: Working with current and potential customers to promote and leverage company technologies, systems, products and services while establishing and maintaining premier customer service
- Championed continuous improvement initiatives that enhanced operational performance across all departments.
- Continuous Improvement Initiatives: Lead strategy deployment for the operations concentrating on Lean Initiatives and asset management
- Implemented sustainability initiative, reducing energy consumption and waste, and promoting eco-friendly practices.
- Lean Manufacturing: Accountable for driving Lean Initiatives throughout the operation to ensure they are fully embraced and implemented
- Addressed customer complaints and feedback with immediate action, turning dissatisfied customers into loyal patrons.
- Lead manufacturing and processes to ensure operational efficiency and economy
- Tracked employee attendance and punctuality, addressing repeat problems quickly to prevent long-term habits.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration: Worked with division leaderships to ensure that the operations has adequate inventory, production control scheduling, shipping/receiving logistics
- Observed each employee's individual strengths and initiated mentoring program to improve areas of weakness.
- Cost & Inventory Management: Developed a budget plan and managed operations within budget constraints
- Reported issues to higher management with great detail.
- Team Leadership & Development: Provided leadership by promoting team concepts, coaching, counseling, retaining, mentoring, training, talent management, and individual development
- Workforce Training & Development: Drove a culture of accountability and results through strategy deployment and effective performance management
- Managed budget implementations, employee reviews, training, schedules, and contract negotiations.
Operations Supervisor
Kohler Company
01.2021 - 01.2024
- Led and managed a 36-person production team in the Cast Iron division, overseeing both core room and finished products
- Focus on enhancing operational efficiency using Lean manufacturing and Kohler Operating System (KOS) principles
- Lean Manufacturing & OEE Improvement: Implemented Lean methodologies, boosting OEE in the Cast Iron division by reducing cycle times and waste
- Continuous Improvement Initiatives: Spearheaded process redesigns that resulted in a 15% reduction in material waste and increased production efficiency by 10%
- Cross-Functional Collaboration: Coordinated across engineering, procurement, and quality assurance departments to streamline production workflows and ensure smooth integration of new processes
- ISO 9000 & Safety Compliance: Ensured compliance with ISO 9000 standards, environmental regulations, and company safety protocols
- Conducted regular safety audits and implemented corrective actions to minimize workplace hazards
- Team Leadership & Development: Trained and developed a new team of operators, focusing on continuous improvement, safety standards, and production goals
- Improved team productivity by 12% through targeted training programs
- Cost & Inventory Management: Managed departmental budget and inventory control, maintaining cost efficiency while ensuring timely delivery of quality products to meet customer demand
- Enhanced team productivity by providing ongoing training, coaching, and mentoring to staff members.
- Ensured compliance with company policies, industry regulations, safety standards, and local laws during daily operations.
- Led continuous improvement initiatives aimed at reducing waste, increasing efficiency, and enhancing overall productivity levels within the organization.
- Improved operational efficiency by streamlining processes and implementing time-saving strategies.
- Increased production output by optimizing equipment usage and scheduling preventive maintenance programs.
- Spearheaded task force to address and resolve recurring operational bottlenecks, significantly improving process efficiency.
- Streamlined operational procedures, significantly reducing process inefficiencies and downtime.
- Developed and implemented training program for new hires, accelerating their time to full productivity.
Operations Supervisor
Briggs & Stratton
01.2019 - 01.2021
- Led a 40-person multiple shift team in a lean manufacturing environment, focusing on continuous improvement, quality assurance, and operational efficiency
- Collaborated closely with cross-functional teams to drive performance and meet production targets
- Process Optimization: Conducted root cause analyses and implemented corrective actions, reducing downtime by 20% and improving overall production throughput by 8%
- Lean Manufacturing Implementation: Drove lean manufacturing initiatives, which included spot audits, root-cause analysis, and remedial action plans, resulting in a 15% increase in efficiency and a 10% reduction in defects
- Inventory & Supply Chain Management: Managed raw materials inventory, collaborating with vendors to address quality and delivery issues
- Played a critical role in the implementation of an automated warehouse and order fulfillment system
- Workforce Training & Development: Led safety programs and performance reviews, improving overall safety metrics by 18% and fostering a culture of continuous improvement
- Maintained open lines of communication with upper management to provide regular updates on operational progress and challenges faced by the team.
- Managed daily operations for optimal performance, ensuring smooth workflows and timely completion of tasks.
Manufacturing Quality Analyst
Briggs & Stratton
01.2015 - 01.2019
- Supported quality assurance and production teams by designing and improving processes, ensuring ISO compliance, and leading root cause investigations
- Quality Process Improvements: Developed training manuals and improved quality procedures, reducing defect rates by 10% and decreasing training time by 20%
- ISO 9000 Compliance: Conducted internal audits and worked with cross-functional teams to address gaps in compliance
- Data-Driven Decision Making: Designed Excel tools that enhanced productivity and reduced prep time for analysts by 2 days
Education
Bachelor - Business Administration, Minor in Marketing Management
Marian University
Fond Du Lac, Wisconsin05.2018
Associate in Applied Science - Marketing Management
Milwaukee Area Technical College
Oak Creek, Wisconsin12.2013
Skills
- Lean Manufacturing
- KOS Principles
- Quality Management Systems (QMS)
- Root Cause Failure Analysis
- Continuous Improvement
- ISO 9000 Standards Compliance
- Process Redesign
- Waste Reduction
- Root Cause Analysis
- Problem Solving
- Team Leadership
- Workforce Training
- Production Planning
- Scheduling
- SAP
- MS Office
- Access Proficiency
- Operational management
- Inventory management
- Lean manufacturing
- Financial analysis
- Team leadership
- Continuous improvement
- Budget management
- Performance management
- Safety compliance
- KPI tracking
- Leadership and team building
- Problem resolution
- P&L management
- Schedule management
- Labor cost controls
- Facility management
- Performance evaluations
- Quality management
- Proficient in Power BI
Certifications Skills
- Kohler Green Belt Certified
- Lean Manufacturing
- ISO 9000 Standards
- SAP, Access, MS Office, Power BI
Timeline
General Manager
Hygienic Fabrics & Filters
01.2024 - 01.2025
Operations Supervisor
Kohler Company
01.2021 - 01.2024
Operations Supervisor
Briggs & Stratton
01.2019 - 01.2021
Manufacturing Quality Analyst
Briggs & Stratton
01.2015 - 01.2019
Associate in Applied Science - Marketing Management
Milwaukee Area Technical College
Bachelor - Business Administration, Minor in Marketing Management
Marian University
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