Richard Whitaker
Summary
Action-oriented Global Operations Leader that brings achievements in business problem-solving, personnel management, and profit optimization. Delivers above-benchmark results with tenacious, forward-thinking pursuit of opportunities with a history of success in translating executive mandates into actionable regional policies. Selected for knowledge and the ability to collaborate across all departments and manage shifting priorities and timelines. Commended throughout career for formulating effective plans, improving ROI, and achieving consistent year-over-year growth. Brings a proactive, business-minded approach to any organization by planning and directing operations. Able to negotiate win/win deals, devise methods to improve business performance, and guide all departments. Notable success directing a broad range of initiatives and implementing solutions that support overall objectives amongst a global workforce.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Plant Director
Berry Global
07.2022 - Current
- Responsible for all operations at the highly automated manufacturing facility in Statesville, NC
- Managed safety, quality, P&L, and employee engagement
- Managed cross-functional teams to ensure timely delivery of products while adhering to quality standards and budget constraints.
- Improved plant efficiency by streamlining production processes and implementing lean manufacturing principles.
- Led $9 million-dollar onsite project for installing a new slitter for second production line which included the addition of a new transport robots and upgrading 2 stationary robots
- Work with Berry Product Development to design, trial and commercialize new cutting-edge products
- Grew EBITDA 42% in year one
- Improved on-time delivery from 65% to 93% in year one
- Improved site Employee Engagement Survey score by 86%, which tied for the top site within Berry's HHS Division.
- Attended TPS benchmarking meeting with Berry and Toyota Executives at Toyota Manufacturing in Evansville, Indiana
- Completed Berry's Leadership Development Program
- Managed cross-functional teams to ensure timely delivery of products while adhering to quality standards and budget constraints.
Managing Director
Fastenal Company
10.2018 - 06.2022
- Managed all operations at Fastenal's UK and Malaysia based manufacturing sites
- Oversaw safety, quality, P&L, and employee engagement
- Oversaw operations and provided corrective feedback to achieve daily and long-term goals.
- Conducted negotiations with contractors, suppliers, and vendors to ensure a fair bargain for goods and services
- Grew net earnings 52% from 2016 to 2017 and grew sales 13.5%; grew net earnings 217% from 2017 to 2018 and sales 11.6%
- Increased Return on Assets from 1% to 11% from 2016 thru 2018
- Improved on-time delivery from 74% to 98% from 2016 thru 2018
Manufacturing Operations Manager
Fastenal Company
11.2016 - 10.2018
- Managed all operations at Fastenal's Rockford, IL manufacturing site
- Evaluated employee performance regularly, offering feedback and coaching for continuous improvement in skills and output levels.
- Oversaw safety, quality, P&L, and employee engagement
- Specialized in the production of high volume specialty fasteners for industries such as Automotive, Heavy Equipment, and Construction.
- Conducted negotiations with contractors, suppliers, and vendors to ensure a fair bargain for goods and services
- Grew net earnings 52% from 2016 to 2017 and grew sales 13.5%; grew net earnings 217% from 2017 to 2018 and sales 11.6%
- Increased Return on Assets from 1% to 11% from 2016 thru 2018
- Improved on-time delivery from 74% to 98% from 2016 thru 2018
Director of Manufacturing Operations SE Asia
Fastenal Company
12.2012 - 11.2016
- Managed all operations at Fastenal's Malaysia based manufacturing site
- Oversaw safety, quality, P&L, and employee engagement
- Reviewed processing schedules and production orders concerning inventory requirements, staffing requirements, work procedures and duty assignments, considering budgetary limitations and time constraints.
- Grew net earnings 100%+ every year for 3 consecutive years
- Doubled top-line sales from 2012 to 2016
Education
MBA - Strategy And Leadership
Wake Forest University
Winston-Salem, NC08.2025
Bachelor of Science - Construction Management
University of North Carolina Charlotte
Charlotte, NC05.2010
Skills
- Multi-site Operations
- Process Improvement
- Financial Analysis
- Communication
- Customer Satisfaction
- Safety Compliance
- Strategic Leadership
- Project Management
- Relationship Development
- Multi-tasking
- Brand Building
- Training & Mentoring
- Budget Management
- Business Development
- Contract Negotiation
- Training and mentoring
- 5S methodology
- Safety Management
- Customer Focus
- Operations Management
Accomplishments
- CSSC Certified Six Sigma Black Belt
Certification
- Lean Management Certified
- CSSC Six Sigma Black Belt Certified
Timeline
Plant Director
Berry Global
07.2022 - Current
Managing Director
Fastenal Company
10.2018 - 06.2022
Manufacturing Operations Manager
Fastenal Company
11.2016 - 10.2018
Director of Manufacturing Operations SE Asia
Fastenal Company
12.2012 - 11.2016
MBA - Strategy And Leadership
Wake Forest University
Bachelor of Science - Construction Management
University of North Carolina Charlotte
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