Robert Lippert
Owensboro,KY
Summary
Experienced engineering leader with over 15 years of expertise in managing large-scale projects and high-performing teams. Skilled in strategic planning, continuous improvement, and driving innovation. Proven ability to develop and execute capital plans, optimize processes, and enhance operational efficiency. Strong communicator and collaborator, adept at aligning engineering efforts with business goals. Seeking a Director-level role to leverage technical expertise and leadership skills for organizational growth.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Engineering Manager
Mizkan America
10.2021 - Current
- Lead the engineering team for the meal solutions business unit, driving innovation and excellence.
- Develop and execute a capital plan with an annual budget of $15MM, ensuring strategic allocation of resources.
- Lead continuous improvement teams to enhance processes, safety conditions, quality, and cost efficiency.
- Develop long-term capital plans for strategic business transformation initiatives.
- Spearhead the development of new manufacturing processes, fostering technological advancements.
- Collaborate with a business team to plan a $400M+ long-term capital investment.
- Successfully led a $15M wastewater treatment project and a $5M packaging line expansion.
- Mentor and develop engineers and technical staff, creating cross-functional teams for effective problem-solving using TPM principles.
Maintenance Engineering Manager
Mizkan America Inc.
11.2017 - 10.2021
- Directed the engineering and maintenance departments to foster a cohesive, problem-solving team culture focused on continuous improvement.
- Planned and executed a capital plan with an annual budget of $10MM-15MM.
- Identified and implemented solutions to enhance safety, quality, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness in the sauce manufacturing operation.
- Led sustainability and utility savings initiatives for the sauce business unit.
- Spearheaded a culture change to improve the overall reliability of the Owensboro operation, utilizing TPM continuous improvement principles, including 5S, Kaizen events, autonomous maintenance, and preventive maintenance.
- Drove initiatives to enhance overall reliability and efficiency through effective root cause analysis, targeted countermeasures, and team accountability.
Site Engineer
Mizkan America
10.2016 - 11.2017
- Managed capital projects of varying sizes and scopes, including those exceeding $1 million.
- Collaborated with the Engineering Director, other engineers, and plant management to develop a comprehensive 5-year capital plan.
- Provided technical expertise and executed projects in safety, quality, production, sanitation, maintenance, and logistics to support production activities at the Owensboro sauce plant.
- Developed and implemented cost-saving initiatives to enhance operational efficiency.
- Led the EEM pillar for the plant’s TPM program, driving continuous improvement efforts.
Senior Engineering Manager
Shamrock Technologies
07.2014 - 10.2016
- Managed engineering and maintenance staff for 3 facilities.
- Coordinated technical support and troubleshooting for multiple manufacturing facilities, ensuring efficient operations and resolving complex technical issues.
- Planned capital projects for cost savings, capacity expansion, and operational improvement.
- Identified and executed safety, productivity, and cost improvement solutions.
Operations Manager
Daramic LLC
01.2013 - 07.2014
- Directed the Owensboro manufacturing site, ensuring safety, quality, manufacturing performance, and budget adherence.
- Coordinated production, engineering, maintenance, quality, and EHS departments to boost productivity, efficiency, and safety.
- Developed and implemented strategic plans with sales and customer service for optimized product offerings based on manufacturing capabilities.
- Set direction and expectations for production front line supervision, maintaining accountability for safety, efficiency, and productivity.
- Led cross-functional teams in continuous improvement initiatives.
- Fostered a positive relationship with union leadership.
- Responsible for maintaining a positive relationship with union leadership.
Interim Production Manager
Daramic LLC
04.2012 - 01.2013
- Directed production front line supervision, ensuring accountability for safety, efficiency, and productivity.
- Achieved production goals and maintained high standards of performance.
Production Supervisor
Daramic LLC
10.2011 - 04.2012
- Accomplished targets and met demand by assessing equipment performance, reviewing materials supplies, and organizing manpower.
- Evaluated team member performance regularly to identify and resolve productivity concerns.
- Resolved issues quickly to maintain productivity goals.
- Evaluated existing production processes and identified areas for improvement.
Process Engineer
Daramic LLC
08.2010 - 10.2011
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to develop long-term and day-to-day solutions for manufacturing issues.
- Troubleshot manufacturing processes to ensure efficient operation.
- Conducted root cause analysis to identify, prioritize and eliminate process losses.
Welding Engineering Specialist
Toyotetsu Mid America
01.2008 - 08.2010
- Set up new production lines with automated equipment, including robots and CNC machines.
- Supported safety, quality, maintenance, and production for automotive components manufacturing.
Project Engineer
Huff Technologies
01.2007 - 01.2008
- Designed and built from concept to completion custom, automated, PLC controlled process, assembly, and test equipment.
- Duties included design, assembly, electrical and controls execution, delivery and installation, service, and sales.
- Monitored installation of materials and equipment for compliance with drawings and specifications.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Mechanical Engineering
University of North Carolina At Charlotte
Charlotte, NC12.2006
Skills
- Technical Expertise: Advanced knowledge of engineering principles and systems architecture
- Project Management: Proven ability to manage large-scale projects and capital plans
- Leadership: Experienced in leading and developing high-performing engineering teams
- Strategic Planning: Skilled in long-term strategy development and execution
- Continuous Improvement: Expertise in TPM, 5S, Kaizen, and other improvement methodologies
- Collaboration: Effective cross-functional team collaboration
- Problem-Solving: Critical thinking and root cause analysis
- Financial Management: Budget planning and financial oversight
- Customer Focus: Aligning engineering efforts with business objectives
Timeline
Senior Engineering Manager
Mizkan America
10.2021 - Current
Maintenance Engineering Manager
Mizkan America Inc.
11.2017 - 10.2021
Site Engineer
Mizkan America
10.2016 - 11.2017
Senior Engineering Manager
Shamrock Technologies
07.2014 - 10.2016
Operations Manager
Daramic LLC
01.2013 - 07.2014
Interim Production Manager
Daramic LLC
04.2012 - 01.2013
Production Supervisor
Daramic LLC
10.2011 - 04.2012
Process Engineer
Daramic LLC
08.2010 - 10.2011
Welding Engineering Specialist
Toyotetsu Mid America
01.2008 - 08.2010
Project Engineer
Huff Technologies
01.2007 - 01.2008
Bachelor of Science - Mechanical Engineering
University of North Carolina At Charlotte
Similar Profiles
Srilatha DevarapalliSrilatha Devarapalli
Senior IT Manager PMO at MizkanSenior IT Manager PMO at Mizkan
Michael EvansMichael Evans
Palletizer Operator at MizkanPalletizer Operator at Mizkan
Sarah BlountSarah Blount
Shipper / Receiver Lead at Mizkan Americas Inc.Shipper / Receiver Lead at Mizkan Americas Inc.