Sara Truitt
Homer,NY
Summary
People-focused operations and manufacturing leader with 25+ years of experience driving safety, efficiency, and cultural transformation across fast-paced production environments. Known for building strong teams, improving operational performance without added cost, and fostering a positive, solutions-driven workplace through coaching, mentoring, and clear communication. Proven success in multi-site leadership, compliance, and continuous improvement.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
2002
2002
years of post-secondary education
1
1
Certification
Work History
Office Manager
Byrne, Inc.
, United States
06.2025 - Current
- Support daily office and operational functions to ensure efficiency and organization.
- Act as a liaison between leadership, staff, and external partners.
Plant Manager
bio365
Cortland, NY
12.2021 - 06.2025
- Oversaw multi-site, multi-state manufacturing operations to maximize output and efficiency.
- Transformed facility culture into a positive, solution-driven environment focused on accountability and growth.
- Implemented Vorne XL (OEE tracking) and CMMS maintenance software.
- Increased OEE by 30.8% with no additional equipment, staff, or budget.
- Led recruitment, onboarding, training, and development programs; created manuals and SOPs.
- Drove 5S initiatives to improve safety, organization, and productivity.
- Partnered with the Department of Labor through an onsite consultation program to ensure compliance.
- Managed scheduling, resources, workflow optimization, and equipment readiness.
- Maintained clear communication between executives and shop-floor teams.
- Promoted employee development, resolved conflicts, and enforced company standards.
Production Lead / Special Projects
bio365
Cortland, NY
07.2021 - 12.2021
- Authored technical manuals, SOPs, and work instruction cards.
- Assisted with material staging, layout, and flow improvements.
- Served as acting facility manager when needed.
QA Specification Technician
KIK Consumer Products (formerly Marietta Hospitality → Voyant Beauty
Cortland, NY
09.2019 - 07.2021
- Wrote finished goods and raw material specifications for FDA, OTC, medical, and consumer products.
- Developed SOPs and work instructions for a contract manufacturing environment.
- Worked directly with customers including Procter & Gamble, Henkel, Unilever, and Kimberly-Clark.
- Authored specifications supporting the launch of P&G's 9 Elements product line.
Customer Service Representative
KIK Consumer Products (formerly Marietta Hospitality → Voyant Beauty)
Cortland, NY
06.2019 - 09.2019
- Served as primary customer contact for custom manufacturing orders.
- Processed orders, quotes, billing adjustments, credits, and shipment tracking.
- Coordinated with sales, marketing, operations, and accounting to resolve issues and exceed customer expectations.
Manufacturing Team Lead
KIK Consumer Products (formerly Marietta Hospitality → Voyant Beauty)
Cortland, NY
08.2012 - 06.2019
- Supervised 50-75 employees in a high-volume manufacturing environment.
- Planned staffing, production schedules, and daily operations.
- Ensured products met all internal and customer specifications without compromising quality.
- Trained team members and maintained strong interdepartmental communication.
- Utilized JD Edwards, BPCS, Oracle, and OEE tools to improve efficiency.
Production Technician
KIK Consumer Products (formerly Marietta Hospitality → Voyant Beauty)
Cortland, NY
03.2005 - 06.2012
- Set up and validated assembly lines; ensured equipment readiness.
- Led teams of 2-12 employees per shift.
- Trained new hires and addressed quality and safety issues.
- Maintained production documentation and shift reports.
- Led IQ/OQ validations while working directly with customers including Unilever, Kimberly-Clark, P&G, Henkel, and Aveda.
Education
Homer Senior High
Homer, NYSkills
- Operations & Plant Management
- Leadership Development & Coaching
- Safety & Regulatory Compliance
- Continuous Improvement (5S, OEE)
- Budget & Resource Management
- Workforce Planning & Scheduling
- Cross-Functional Communication
- SOP, Manual & Technical Writing
- Six Sigma
- Conflict resolution
- Team leadership
- OEE tracking
- Safety initiatives
- Production planning
- Performance improvement
- Payroll and budgeting
- Facility management
- Workflow planning
- Staff training
- Policy implementation
- Training and coaching
- Policy development
- Staff management
- Senior leadership support
- Team supervision
- Operations management
- Project management
- Conflict management
- Employee supervision
Certification
- Six Sigma Black Belt certification
- Transformational Leadership
- Leadership & Supervisory Skills
- Coaching & Mentoring
- Communication Skills
- Business Ethics & Professionalism
References
- Sean Meshorer, Chief Executive Officer, bio365 LLC, (610) 724-7336
- Ryan Ramplin, Vice President of Operations, bio365 LLC, (310) 966-7535
- John Rodriguez, Chief Operating Officer, National Checking Company, (979) 824-4013
- Holly Hartigan, Writer & Editorial Coordinator, (585) 409-6022
Earlier Experience
- Higgins Supply Co. - Production Team Member
- The Bon-Ton Stores, Inc. - Fragrance Counter Manager
- Wilcox Press - Bindery Technician
Timeline
Office Manager
Byrne, Inc.
06.2025 - Current
Plant Manager
bio365
12.2021 - 06.2025
Production Lead / Special Projects
bio365
07.2021 - 12.2021
QA Specification Technician
KIK Consumer Products (formerly Marietta Hospitality → Voyant Beauty
09.2019 - 07.2021
Customer Service Representative
KIK Consumer Products (formerly Marietta Hospitality → Voyant Beauty)
06.2019 - 09.2019
Manufacturing Team Lead
KIK Consumer Products (formerly Marietta Hospitality → Voyant Beauty)
08.2012 - 06.2019
Production Technician
KIK Consumer Products (formerly Marietta Hospitality → Voyant Beauty)
03.2005 - 06.2012
Homer Senior High