ROBERT BAHRNS
Hilbert
Summary
Manufacturing Executive | Multi-Site Operations | Lean Transformation | P&L Leadership Manufacturing executive with 25+ years of experience leading multi-site operations, driving enterprise-wide performance, and building high-performing leadership teams. Proven ability to align manufacturing, supply chain, sales, and R&D to accelerate growth, improve profitability, and strengthen operational execution across complex organizations. Experienced in operational strategy, Lean transformation, and leadership development, with a strong track record of unifying teams and implementing scalable operating systems. Background includes full P&L responsibility, multi-plant leadership, co-manufacturing strategy, and cross-functional collaboration to support speed-to-market initiatives and business expansion. Recognized for improving accountability, strengthening leadership capability, and delivering measurable financial and operational results while fostering a transparent, performance-driven culture.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
Work History
Director, Manufacturing Systems
SARGENTO FOODS INC.
2018.01 - Current
- 4 Sites | 1,800 Employees | $1.8B Revenue
- Provide enterprise leadership for manufacturing performance, operational alignment, and continuous improvement strategy across four facilities.
- 2025: Delivered $6.5M in performance improvement ($2.5M process, $4M capital)
- Generated over $60M in cumulative cost and productivity improvements over eight years
- Led enterprise-wide operational transformation initiatives
- Partnered with Finance to support manufacturing-related P&L performance
- Built and deployed a company-wide operating system
- Mentored Black Belt and plant leadership teams
- Redesigned the new product commercialization process with R&D
- Improved production scheduling and on-time delivery
- Developed leadership capability programs
- Oversaw budget management, optimizing resource allocation to drive profitability and growth.
- Led cross-functional teams to develop and implement strategic initiatives, enhancing operational efficiency.
Plant Manager
JACK LINK'S PROTEIN SNACKS
2017.01 - 2018.01
- Full P&L responsibility for manufacturing operations
- Improved OEE by 9%
- Delivered $1.1M in annualized cost savings
- Achieved 99/100 SQF audit score
Plant Manager
WASHINGTON POTATO COMPANY
2016.01 - 2017.01
- Multi-site P&L leadership
- Reduced TRI by 28% and LTAs by 23%
- Reduced customer complaints by 30%
Plant Manager
NEWLY WEDS FOODS / CONTINENTAL MILLS
2005.01 - 2016.01
- Reduced recordables from double digits to zero for multiple years
- Selected to train and mentor plant managers
- Delivered $900K labor savings and $1.8M inventory reduction
Education
MBA -
Western Governors University
BS - Business Administration
Ashworth College
Lean Six Sigma Black Belt -
University of Notre Dame
Industrial Maintenance Technology - Two-Year Technical Program
Newbern Vo-Tech
Skills
- Multi-Site Manufacturing Leadership P&L Ownership & Financial Performance Operational Strategy & Execution Leadership Team Development Lean Transformation & Culture Integration Cross-Functional Business Alignment Growth & Capacity Expansion Co-Manufacturing Strategy & Partnerships Operational Excellence Deployment Budgeting, Forecasting & Capital Planning Change Management & Organizational Alignment Supply Chain & Manufacturing Integration
Timeline
Director, Manufacturing Systems
SARGENTO FOODS INC.
2018.01 - Current
Plant Manager
JACK LINK'S PROTEIN SNACKS
2017.01 - 2018.01
Plant Manager
WASHINGTON POTATO COMPANY
2016.01 - 2017.01
Plant Manager
NEWLY WEDS FOODS / CONTINENTAL MILLS
2005.01 - 2016.01
BS - Business Administration
Ashworth College
Industrial Maintenance Technology - Two-Year Technical Program
Newbern Vo-Tech
MBA -
Western Governors University
Lean Six Sigma Black Belt -
University of Notre Dame