Nigel Braun
Lancaster,USA
Summary
Manufacturing Operations Executive with extensive experience in Continuous Improvement, Strategic Planning, and Team Building. Proven track record in driving bottom-line growth through effective policy development and process innovation. Expertise in managing Production Operations, Inventory, Logistics, and Quality Control, resulting in enhanced productivity and cost savings. Strong leader focused on building high-performing teams and achieving operational excellence.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
VP Manufacturing Operations
KALAS Manufacturing Inc.
Lancaster, Pennsylvania
03.2019 - Current
- Oversaw manufacturing operations for $250 million business, managing three facilities and 245 employees.
- Provided organizational leadership and collaborated with executive partners to establish long-term goals, strategies, and company policies.
- Directed regional precision manufacturing processes, ensuring quality assurance standards.
- Implemented a visual management system to track KPIs and key improvement projects effectively.
- Instituted daily safety huddles to promote proactive safety measures across all shifts.
- Implemented strategic initiatives to enhance supply chain logistics and inventory management.
- Achieved record operational performance metrics in safety, productivity, quality, and cost reduction.
- Managed procurement budget of $230 million, attaining 96.4% supplier on-time delivery rate.
- Coordinated training programs to elevate workforce skills and improve operational performance.
- Fostered relationships with stakeholders to support business development initiatives.
- Revitalized business plans to realign company objectives and increase profits.
- Successfully reduced worker compensation claims, improving risk factors, and lowering associated premiums by 28%.
Regional Director EHS
TIMET – Precision Castparts Corp.
Morgantown, Pennsylvania
02.2018 - 03.2019
- Managed EH&S and Worker’s Compensation for four manufacturing locations with over 980 employees.
- Reduced WC costs from $36,000 to $14,000 through proactive case management during mediation.
- Developed 26 health and safety programs alongside internal compliance audits.
- Implemented safety initiatives for mobile equipment and cranes to indicate restricted access zones.
- Conducted process hazard assessments for each manufacturing location and developed action plans based on risk profiles.
- Presented quarterly corporate reports on continuous improvement activities and KPIs to CEO management.
- Created a web-based EHS policy and document page for employee access to critical information.
- Established a risk notification process for employees to report workplace hazards and suggestions.
Superintendent - Manufacturing Operations
Arconic / Alcoa
Lancaster, Pennsylvania
02.2013 - 03.2018
- Managed safety, quality, and productivity for engineers and 180 production employees.
- Executed LEAN manufacturing program, boosting paint line capacity from 55 to 95 million lbs/yr.
- Increased slitter capacity from 165 to 241 million lbs/yr through optimal operator crewing.
- Developed Gantt charts and stability systems to enhance OEE metrics and reduce changeover times.
- Expanded shipping capabilities by adding two flatbed loading docks, sustaining 85% utilization efficiency.
- Increased outbound shipments from 10 million lbs/wk. to 10.7 million lbs/wk. via preloaded contracts.
- Implemented cost-saving initiatives, achieving $580,000 in annual savings across departments.
- Achieved ISO 9001, IATF, ISO 18001, and ISO 14001 certifications for multiple departments.
Risk Insurance Advisor
Berkley Mid Atlantic Insurance Group
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
12.2011 - 01.2013
- Identified and mitigated risk exposures for policies exceeding $100,000 in premiums to inform underwriters of current policyholder risks.
- Conducted onsite training tailored to policyholders' specific needs.
- Facilitated OSHA 10 and 30-hour training sessions for roofing and construction contractors.
- Developed comprehensive training programs covering aerial lifts, forklifts, telehandlers, fall protection, and PPE compliance.
- Drafted and updated safety policies for heat stress, confined spaces, and respiratory fit testing.
- Created hearing conservation and hazardous waste disposal programs to ensure regulatory compliance.
- Formulated job safety plans and procedures for contract jobs, enhancing workplace safety.
Company Officer
Braun Farmtables, Inc.
Bird-in-Hand, Pennsylvania
01.2006 - 01.2013
- Managed construction, finishing, and delivery processes for all recycled products.
- Directed business growth model, achieving over 200% increase in bottom line.
- Oversaw daily operations of 17 employees and 14 subcontractors to ensure productivity.
Environmental Project Manager
Evraz Steel Company / Schust Engineering
Claymont, Delaware
06.2011 - 12.2011
- Managed EHS protocols for construction of environmental bag house in steel revert melt operations.
- Created daily Job Safety Analyses and pre-task briefs for all construction project phases.
- Established fall protection and prevention program for contractors to mitigate fall hazards.
Tactical Operations Command
United States Navy
Camp Navistar / Camp Ali Al Salem, Kuwait
01.2000 - 01.2006
- Executed route planning through Tactical Operations Center to ensure secure troop movements in Kuwait and Iraq.
- Coordinated with U.S. Secret Service, NCIS, and local law enforcement for three Presidential visits in Philadelphia.
- Conducted 54 command investigations, achieving a 90% solve rate on 30 sensitive cases.
- Managed a watch section of 80 military law enforcement personnel for thorough inspections of personnel and vehicles.
Education
Master of Business Administration - Graduate Studies MBA
Elizabethtown College
Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania07-2026
Bachelor of Science Degree - Environment Engineering & Occupational Safety & Health
Millersville University of Pennsylvania
Millersville, PennsylvaniaSkills
- Operations management
- Performance metrics analysis
- Cross-functional team leadership
- Process improvement
- Safety compliance
- Quality assurance
Certification
Certified Safety Professional (CSP), Board of Certified Safety Professionals
Military Experience
United States Navy
Tactical Operations Command / Command Investigative Division
- Camp Navistar / Camp Ali Al Salem, Kuwait
- NAS Sigonella, Sicily, Italy
- NAB San Diego, USA
- JRB Willow Grove, USA
Professional Organizations
American Society of Safety Engineers, Present
Training
- Precision Cast Corporations – Leadership Essentials Course, 2018
- Katz Business Essentials, University of Pittsburgh, 2017
- Certified Safety Professional (CSP), 2016
- Alcoa Human Performance Advocate and Trainer, 2015
- Alcoa Business Systems Training, 2014
- Alcoa Lean Manufacturing / Six Sigma Green Belt, 2014
- D.O.T Hazardous Materials, Hazard Awareness, and Security Training, 2014
- FEMA Incident Command Certificates, ICS-100 – Introduction to Incident Command, 2012, IS-000546.12 – Continuity of Operations Awareness, 2012, IS-00700.a – National Incident Management Systems (NIMS), 2012
- USDA Military Cooperator Agricultural Inspector Certification School, 2005
- Naval Leadership First Line Leadership Development Program, 2004
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
VP Manufacturing Operations
KALAS Manufacturing Inc.
03.2019 - Current
Regional Director EHS
TIMET – Precision Castparts Corp.
02.2018 - 03.2019
Superintendent - Manufacturing Operations
Arconic / Alcoa
02.2013 - 03.2018
Risk Insurance Advisor
Berkley Mid Atlantic Insurance Group
12.2011 - 01.2013
Environmental Project Manager
Evraz Steel Company / Schust Engineering
06.2011 - 12.2011
Company Officer
Braun Farmtables, Inc.
01.2006 - 01.2013
Tactical Operations Command
United States Navy
01.2000 - 01.2006
Master of Business Administration - Graduate Studies MBA
Elizabethtown College
Bachelor of Science Degree - Environment Engineering & Occupational Safety & Health
Millersville University of Pennsylvania
Similar Profiles
Michael PerezMichael Perez
Bunching/strander/Multiwire at Kalas Manufacturing, Inc.Bunching/strander/Multiwire at Kalas Manufacturing, Inc.
Brandon WalterBrandon Walter
Account Manager at Kalas ManufacturingAccount Manager at Kalas Manufacturing
Gabriella FretzGabriella Fretz
HR Manager at Kalas ManufacturingHR Manager at Kalas Manufacturing
Matthew LehrMatthew Lehr
Electrical Unit/ Instrumentation Specialist at City of Lancaster, Waste Water Treatment PlantElectrical Unit/ Instrumentation Specialist at City of Lancaster, Waste Water Treatment Plant
Tanya OrsoTanya Orso
Media Room Coordinator at Desert Christian SchoolsMedia Room Coordinator at Desert Christian Schools