Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Russ Griffith

Louisville,KY

Summary

Experienced manufacturing professional with a strong background in plant operations, production management, and quality control. Demonstrated success in implementing process improvements that enhance operational efficiency and product quality. Reliable team collaborator dedicated to achieving results and adept at adapting to changing needs. Brings valuable organizational and leadership skills to the role, ensuring smooth operations and driving success in the organization.

Overview

32
32
years of professional experience

Work History

Quality Assurance Manager

Forvia
02.2022 - Current
  • Championed a customer-focused mindset across the organization by emphasizing the importance of consistently delivering high-quality products and services.
  • Maintained a high level of customer satisfaction by building and maintaining relationships with Ford's plant management team and their executive leadership.
  • Successfully worked with the Ford Program launch (Launch STA) team to minimize, & eliminate quality issues resulting in a successful launch of the P708 program
  • Streamlined defect tracking and resolution process, minimizing impact on production schedules.
  • Created and implemented processes and procedures to improve the quality management system.
  • Led cross-functional teams to identify and resolve quality issues, fostering culture of continuous improvement.
  • Monitored staff organization and suggested improvements to daily functionality.
  • Recorded, analyzed, and distributed statistical information.
  • Provides direction and leadership to the quality team, management team, and plant personnel in regards to quality requirements, processes & procedures, and corrective action processes.

Quality Assurance Manager

Sargent & Greenleaf
01.2021 - 02.2022
  • Established robust quality documentation systems that ensured traceability throughout the entire production lifecycle.
  • Improved customer satisfaction ratings through meticulous attention to detail and consistent quality control measures.
  • Conducted regular audits to ensure adherence to established protocols, maintaining consistency across the organization.
  • Evaluated new technologies and methodologies for potential implementation within the organization''s quality assurance program, staying ahead of industry trends.
  • Implemented, Maintenance & Monitoring of the Quality Management System in accordance with ISO9001 standards
  • Developed and maintained Key Performance Indicators for Quality process
  • Reduced warranty cost by 75%, by improving current processes, implementing new processes, and developing and implementing robust corrective actions
  • Implemented supplier scorecards to track supplier performance & utilized scorecards to develop suppliers, resulting in a 60% reduction in supplier rejects

UAP Manager (Operations Manager)

Faurecia Automotive Seating
07.2018 - 01.2021


  • Managed internal operational standards and productivity targets.
  • Enforced health and safety protocols to promote safe working environment.
  • Increased overall productivity by identifying bottlenecks in the production process and proposing effective solutions.
  • Spearheaded process improvements that led to reduced cycle times, allowing for increased output without additional manpower or equipment investment.
  • Conducted root cause analysis on production issues, devising corrective actions to prevent recurrence.
  • Fostered a culture of continuous improvement by encouraging open communication between team members and regularly soliciting feedback on operational procedures.
  • Enhanced production efficiency by streamlining processes and implementing lean manufacturing techniques.

Quality Manager

Faurecia Automotive Seating
12.2016 - 06.2018
  • Implementation of the Quality Management System in accordance with Faurecia standards & IATF 16949:2016 standards, for the greenfield site
  • Developed & implemented action plans to achieve approval for Ford's Manufacturing Site Assessment
  • Provided training to employees on best practices in quality management, fostering a culture of excellence within the organization.
  • Managed root cause analysis investigations, determining underlying issues in product failures and implementing corrective actions as necessary.
  • Increased customer satisfaction through adherence to quality standards and customer requirements.
  • Enhanced customer satisfaction by monitoring and addressing customer complaints promptly and efficiently.
  • Championed the Ford Q1 Certification process

Director of Continuous Improvement

McKechnie Vehicle Components
11.2015 - 10.2016
  • Managed development and implementation of lean and continuous improvement manufacturing initiatives across production environment.
  • Managed multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring timely completion while adhering to budget constraints.
  • Teamed with disciplinary leaders on determining annual operational targets and outlining needed quality improvements.
  • Evaluated the effectiveness of implemented process improvements against established benchmarks, refining strategies as necessary to achieve desired results.
  • Reduced production downtime through proactive identification of bottlenecks and optimization of workflows.

Director of Quality Assurance

McKechnie Vehicle Components
11.2012 - 11.2015
  • Established and oversaw company-wide Quality Management System (QMS), maintaining compliance with IATF 16949 and enhancing internal outcomes.
  • Scheduled and chaired quality review meetings to review effectiveness of performance mitigating risk, improving throughput and achieving customer satisfaction.
  • Interfaced directly with high-level executives within client companies, addressing concerns and correcting perceived faults to maintain smooth customer relationships.
  • Authored documentation for internal use by QA personnel, setting guidelines for review activities and reporting requirements.
  • Developed and executed successful quality audits for continuous process improvement and risk mitigation.
  • Conducted periodic performance reviews for team members, providing constructive feedback for professional growth.
  • Collaborated with cross-functional teams to establish quality metrics for product performance evaluation.

New Program Launch Manager

McKechnie Vehicle Components
12.2011 - 11.2012


  • Managed end-to-end product launches, ensuring timely delivery and seamless integration across all channels.
  • Managed cross-functional teams for successful project completion within deadlines and budgets.
  • Led change management efforts, supporting staff through transitions and promoting buy-in for new initiatives.
  • Planned, created, tested and deployed system life cycle methodology to produce high quality systems to meet and exceed customer expectations.
  • Developed process for production of product, ensuring customer and company requirements are met
  • Advanced product quality planning for new programs (PFLOW, PFMEA, & CPLAN)
  • Developed operator work instructions, part potential defect area (PPDA), and operator eye path for new programs
  • Requirements for Production Part Approval Process (PPAP)
  • Materials testing, dimensional requirements, Gage R&R, APQP documents, etc

Quality Assurance Manager

McKechnie Vehicle Components
11.2009 - 12.2011
  • Oversaw QA operational activities such as sampling, inspection and line monitoring, verifying compliance with prescribed fault rates and tolerance goals.
  • Tracked quality issues with external customers, suppliers, and internal plant operations.
  • Improved customer satisfaction ratings by addressing reported issues promptly and effectively.
  • Determined quality department standards, practices, and procedures.
  • Established and tracked quality department goals and objectives.
  • Recorded, analyzed, and distributed statistical information.
  • Collaborated with audit clients and action owners to apply root cause analysis guidance and establish effective corrective action plans.
  • Applied coaching techniques and tools to support managers and team members in improving performance.
  • Developed quality planning for multiple new product launches by verifying customer requirements and implementing in design and production.

Plant 2 Manager

McKechnie Vehicle Components
08.2007 - 11.2009
  • Managed direction and planning for plant with focus on optimization of daily functions, exceeding customer expectations, and achieving KPIs.
  • Provided direction and leadership to all levels of employees and managers.
  • Directed employees and related programs to maximize team productivity and facility output.
  • Mentored and developed staff members, promoting professional growth opportunities within the organization.
  • Balanced labor needs with production schedules to optimize workforce utilization while maintaining output targets.
  • Identified and resolved process and equipment issues to minimize production downtime.
  • Forecasted future production needs accurately, allowing for strategic decision-making regarding staffing levels, equipment investments, and inventory management.
  • Scrutinized production output and identified areas for improvement.
  • Analyzed production data and prepared reports for senior management.
  • Enforced health and safety protocols to promote safe working environment.

Quality Assurance Manager

Lexington Metal Systems
12.2004 - 08.2007
  • Determined quality department standards, practices, and procedures.
  • Established and oversaw company-wide Quality Management System (QMS), maintaining compliance with IATF 16949 and enhancing internal outcomes.
  • Assured consistent quality of production by implementing and enforcing automated practice systems.
  • Oversaw QA operational activities such as sampling, inspection and line monitoring, verifying compliance with prescribed fault rates and tolerance goals.
  • Managed external audits, maintaining compliance with industry regulations and achieving certification renewals without interruptions.

Quality Assurance Manager

Star Manufacturing Inc.
10.2002 - 12.2004
  • Monitoring, maintaining, and the continuous improvement of the Quality Management System for the plant
  • Responsible for internal and external CAR program execution and completion in accordance with customer requirements
  • Provide technical support and coordination on quality-related issues for existing product and new product implementation cross all functions
  • Responsible for the Production Part Approval Process (PPAP) for new programs

Production / Purchasing / Materials Manager

Star Manufacturing Inc.
03.2000 - 10.2002
  • Ensure production demands are met while maintaining a safe workplace, which includes planning and executing the production schedule, meeting on-time delivery objectives, and maintaining inventory levels
  • Negotiate pricing with raw material suppliers
  • Create forecast and releases for purchased components

Quality Engineer

Star Manufacturing Inc.
08.1992 - 03.2000
  • CMM Programming & dimensional layouts
  • Gage R&R, Capability Studies, Material Testing
  • 1st Article Inspection requirements
  • In-process Inspection

Education

Lean Manufacturing / Continuous Improvement Certificate -

University of Michigan
Ann Arbor, MI
01.2015

Machine Shop Principles - Certificate -

Central Kentucky Vocational School
Lexington, KY
01.1996

High School Diploma -

Jessamin County High
Nicholasville, KY
01.1992

Skills

  • Operations management
  • Production planning
  • Continuous improvement
  • Performance improvements
  • Lean manufacturing processes
  • Quality management systems
  • Corrective actions
  • Internal auditing
  • Staff management
  • Team development
  • Dedication to product quality

Timeline

Quality Assurance Manager

Forvia
02.2022 - Current

Quality Assurance Manager

Sargent & Greenleaf
01.2021 - 02.2022

UAP Manager (Operations Manager)

Faurecia Automotive Seating
07.2018 - 01.2021

Quality Manager

Faurecia Automotive Seating
12.2016 - 06.2018

Director of Continuous Improvement

McKechnie Vehicle Components
11.2015 - 10.2016

Director of Quality Assurance

McKechnie Vehicle Components
11.2012 - 11.2015

New Program Launch Manager

McKechnie Vehicle Components
12.2011 - 11.2012

Quality Assurance Manager

McKechnie Vehicle Components
11.2009 - 12.2011

Plant 2 Manager

McKechnie Vehicle Components
08.2007 - 11.2009

Quality Assurance Manager

Lexington Metal Systems
12.2004 - 08.2007

Quality Assurance Manager

Star Manufacturing Inc.
10.2002 - 12.2004

Production / Purchasing / Materials Manager

Star Manufacturing Inc.
03.2000 - 10.2002

Quality Engineer

Star Manufacturing Inc.
08.1992 - 03.2000

Machine Shop Principles - Certificate -

Central Kentucky Vocational School

High School Diploma -

Jessamin County High

Lean Manufacturing / Continuous Improvement Certificate -

University of Michigan
Russ Griffith