Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Awards
Extracurricular (Volunteering/Community Service/Activities)
Affiliations
Publications
Languages
Special Considerations
List of Abbreviations
Interests
Timeline
Saul Arras

Saul Arras

Rochester,USA

Summary

Experienced program and project leader with over 20 years of experience dedicated to bridging the gap between quality and delivery. Skilled in implementing innovative strategies and transforming work environments to achieve tangible outcomes that inspire employee involvement and drive organizational success.

Overview

20
20
years of professional experience

Work History

VP of Maintenance and Engineering

Liberty Steel Peoria Illinois
11.2024 - Current
  • Oversee maintenance engineering operations across all Liberty Steel facilities, including the rod mill, steel mill, and wire mill.
  • Develop and implement strategic maintenance programs to optimize equipment reliability, reduce downtime, and enhance overall operational efficiency.
  • Lead a team of maintenance managers, engineers, and technical staff, ensuring alignment with company objectives and industry best practices.
  • Drive continuous improvement initiatives, leveraging data analytics and predictive maintenance to enhance asset management.
  • Collaborate with executive leadership to align maintenance strategies with business goals, capital projects, and long-term operational planning.
  • Manage budgets, capital expenditures, and resource allocation to maximize cost-effectiveness while maintaining high safety and quality standards.
  • Champion safety culture, ensuring compliance with OSHA regulations and industry safety protocols.
  • Partner with HR and operations teams to develop workforce training programs, talent retention strategies, and succession planning for maintenance personnel.
  • Spearhead reliability engineering initiatives to extend equipment life and improve overall plant performance.
  • Engage with external vendors and contractors to negotiate service agreements and procure essential maintenance resources.
  • Oversee the development and implementation of predictive and preventive maintenance strategies to reduce unplanned downtime and extend equipment lifespan.
  • Work closely with production teams to ensure maintenance practices support optimal throughput and minimize operational disruptions.
  • Lead initiatives in automation and digital transformation to enhance predictive analytics, remote monitoring, and smart maintenance technologies.
  • Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) and performance metrics to measure maintenance effectiveness and drive continuous improvements.
  • Conduct regular audits and assessments to ensure adherence to best practices and regulatory compliance.
  • Advocate for sustainable maintenance practices, including energy efficiency programs and waste reduction initiatives.
  • Serve as a key advisor to the executive team on capital investment decisions related to infrastructure, technology, and process improvements.

Maintenance and Reliability Sr. Manager/ Process Engineer Manager

Mueller Water Products
01.2023 - 11.2024
  • Oversight of Maintenance operations within two foundries running 3 molding lines each and one plant machining with over 60 CNC machinery and associated equipment holding over 800 employees.
  • Hold formal and informal briefings with plant manager on updates and maintenance budget.
  • Held formal and informal briefings regarding safety procedures, operational status, Mueller system material condition, and to define deficiencies with solutions for actions required to meet certification standards.
  • Oversight of 70 personnel including skill labor workers, planners, supply clerks, reliability engineers, controls techs, electrical engineer, superintendents, supervisors and ensure all standards are met.
  • Implemented and executed Continuous Process Improvement (CPI) methods focused on achieving the desired level of readiness and reduced operating costs.
  • Manager, Maintenance and Reliability with experience in providing leadership across several departments and disciplines, including being the key interface between maintenance, engineering, and production.
  • Responsible for the implementation and strategy of establishing and maintaining a computerized maintenance management system (CMMS) with focus on establishing a hierarchy capable of growth and expansion, while supporting operations maintenance by providing data-driven insight for improved equipment reliability and maintainability
  • Overseeing Maintenance Operations: Manage and supervise all aspects of maintenance activities, including preventive, corrective, and predictive maintenance tasks through all three facilities.
  • Team Leadership: Lead and mentor a team of maintenance technicians, ensuring they are well-trained, motivated, and meeting performance targets.
  • Budget Management: Develop and manage maintenance budgets, optimizing resources to achieve cost-effective maintenance solutions.
  • Equipment Maintenance: Ensure all equipment and machinery are in optimal working condition through regular inspections, maintenance, and timely repairs.
  • Safety Compliance: Enforce strict safety protocols and regulations to maintain a safe working environment for the team and adhere to industry standards.
  • Planning and Scheduling: Create maintenance schedules, plan downtime, and coordinate with production to minimize disruptions and maximize efficiency.
  • Inventory Management: Maintain adequate spare parts inventory, tracking usage, and reordering to prevent delays in repairs.
  • Reporting and Documentation: Generate maintenance reports, keep records of completed tasks, and maintain detailed documentation for audits and analysis.
  • Continuous Improvement: Identify areas for improvement in maintenance processes and implement strategies to enhance efficiency and reduce downtime.
  • Vendor and Contractor Management: Coordinate with external vendors and contractors for specialized maintenance services, ensuring quality and timely completion.
  • Facility Inspections: Conduct routine inspections of the facility to identify potential maintenance issues and address them proactively.
  • Troubleshooting: Provide technical expertise to resolve complex maintenance problems and guide the team in troubleshooting efforts.
  • Compliance with Regulations: Stay updated with relevant regulations and compliance requirements in the industry and always ensure adherence.
  • Successfully installed comprehensive structures across all three facilities, ensuring seamless integration and alignment with the organization's vision and goals.
  • Developed and implemented strategic plans to align facility operations with long-term objectives, enhancing overall efficiency and productivity.
  • Collaborated with cross-functional teams, including maintenance superintendents, programmers, controls, planners, and maintenance reliability engineers, to ensure cohesive execution and adherence to the company's mission.
  • Monitored and evaluated the performance of newly installed structures, making necessary adjustments to maintain alignment with evolving organizational goals.
  • Successfully installed and enforced maintenance accountability systems across all three facilities, significantly improving reliability and operational efficiency.
  • Developed clear maintenance protocols and procedures, ensuring all team members, including maintenance superintendents, programmers, controls, planners, and maintenance reliability engineers, understood and adhered to their responsibilities.
  • Implemented tracking and reporting mechanisms to monitor maintenance activities, leading to a measurable increase in equipment uptime and reduction in unexpected downtime.
  • Fostered a culture of accountability and continuous improvement, motivating the team through appreciative and motivational language to achieve high standards of maintenance performance.
  • Successfully installed a comprehensive Preventive Maintenance (PM) structure in all three facilities, addressing the previous absence of such a system.
  • Designed and implemented detailed PM schedules and procedures, tailored to the specific needs and operational demands of each facility.
  • Collaborated closely with maintenance superintendents, programmers, controls, planners, and maintenance reliability engineers to ensure the effective integration and execution of the PM structure.
  • Improved equipment reliability and lifespan by systematically preventing potential issues through regular maintenance activities.
  • Utilized motivational and appreciative language to engage the team in the adoption and adherence to the new PM structure, fostering a proactive maintenance culture.
  • Leadership and Management: Spearheaded the development and implementation of the new foundry, managing a diverse team of maintenance superintendents, programmers, controls specialists, planners, and Reliability and process engineers.
  • Standard Work Instructions: Established and documented standard work instructions (SWIs) to ensure consistency, quality, and safety in all foundry operations.
  • Training Programs: Designed and rolled out comprehensive training programs to upskill new and existing employees, fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement.
  • Process Development: Developed and optimized new processes to improve efficiency, reduce waste, and enhance product quality. Implemented lean manufacturing principles to streamline operations.
  • Cross-Functional Collaboration: Collaborated with multiple departments, including quality assurance, production, and R&D, to ensure seamless integration of new processes and standards.
  • Continuous Improvement: Led continuous improvement initiatives, utilizing data-driven analysis to identify areas for improvement and implement corrective actions.
  • Health and Safety: Promoted a strong safety culture by integrating safety protocols into all standard work instructions and training programs, significantly reducing workplace incidents.
  • Project Management: Managed multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring they were completed on time, within scope, and within budget.
  • Technology Implementation: Oversaw the implementation of new technologies and automation solutions to enhance foundry operations, increase production efficiency, and improve product quality.
  • Performance Metrics: Developed and tracked key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure the success of new processes and initiatives, making data-driven adjustments as needed.
  • Stakeholder Communication: Maintained clear and consistent communication with all stakeholders, including senior management, to ensure alignment on project goals and progress.
  • Successfully led maintenance restructuring at multiple industrial sites, improving efficiency and uptime.
  • Spearheaded automation and controls improvements, reducing manual interventions and enhancing process reliability.
  • Developed and implemented maintenance training programs that enhanced workforce skills and retention.
  • Recognized for transforming maintenance culture to be more proactive and accountable.

Forward deployed ALRE Carrier Program Manager

Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division Japan
08.2019 - 12.2023
  • Operated areas for Lakehurst, New Jersey Navy fleet and provided technical expertise on critical Aircraft Launch and Recovery Equipment (ALRE) for the Navy, federal civilians, and contractors for the repair, overhaul, and installation of ALRE systems and equipment.
  • Spearheaded the budget, planning, program analysis, and coordination of administrative technical reports between CAFSU, TYCOM, and the Navy fleet for Lakehurst, NJ; Yokosuka, Japan; and San Diego, CA.
  • Ensured all ALRE work being conducted onboard an Aircraft Carrier was performed in accordance with DoD, DON, NAVSEA, NAVAIR, and NAWCAD policies, procedures, drawings, bulletins, manuals, and technical specifications.
  • Implemented and executed AIRSpeed Continuous Process Improvement (CPI) methods focused on achieving the desired level of readiness while delivering appropriate inventory levels at the right time and at reduced operating costs.
  • Planned and conducted shipboard inspections of ALRE mechanical systems and equipment such as catapults and arresting gear, as well as shore-based E-28 certifications prior to equipment being placed in operational service.
  • Reviewed service changes, technical manuals, and ship alterations to ensure standards were correct and made necessary recommendations.
  • Assisted TYCOM with work package development and determining repair activity capabilities for upcoming ship availabilities.
  • Prepared Naval messages recommending or detracting equipment certification through technical reports detailing found conditions, abnormal discrepancies encountered, corrective actions, and improvement recommendations.
  • Held formal and informal briefings onboard ships or shore stations regarding safety procedures, operational status, ALRE system material condition, and to define deficiencies with solutions for actions required to meet certification standards.
  • Represented TYCOM and Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD):
  • During ship availability planning conferences between ships force and shipyard personnel.
  • Reporting delays in ship’s schedule due to problems or misinterpretation of work pack expectations.

Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division Carrier and Field Service Unit (CAFSU)
12.2014 - 08.2019
  • Operated areas for Lakehurst, New Jersey Navy fleet and provided technical expertise on critical Aircraft Launch and Recovery Equipment (ALRE) for the Navy, federal civilians, and contractors for the repair, overhaul, and installation of ALRE systems and equipment.
  • Spearheaded the budget, planning, program analysis, and coordination of administrative technical reports between CAFSU, TYCOM, and the Navy fleet for Lakehurst, NJ; Yokosuka, Japan; and San Diego, CA.
  • Ensured all ALRE work being conducted onboard an Aircraft Carrier was performed in accordance with DoD, DON, NAVSEA, NAVAIR, and NAWCAD policies, procedures, drawings, bulletins, manuals, and technical specifications.
  • Implemented and executed AIRSpeed Continuous Process Improvement (CPI) methods focused on achieving the desired level of readiness while delivering appropriate inventory levels at the right time and at reduced operating costs.
  • Planned and conducted shipboard inspections of ALRE mechanical systems and equipment such as catapults and arresting gear, as well as shore-based E-28 certifications prior to equipment being placed in operational service.
  • Reviewed service changes, technical manuals, and ship alterations to ensure standards were correct and made necessary recommendations.
  • Assisted TYCOM with work package development and determining repair activity capabilities for upcoming ship availabilities.
  • Prepared Naval messages recommending or detracting equipment certification through technical reports detailing found conditions, abnormal discrepancies encountered, corrective actions, and improvement recommendations.
  • Held formal and informal briefings onboard ships or shore stations regarding safety procedures, operational status, ALRE system material condition, and to define deficiencies with solutions for actions required to meet certification standards.
  • Represented TYCOM and Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD):
  • During ship availability planning conferences between ships force and shipyard personnel.
  • Reporting delays in ship’s schedule due to problems or misinterpretation of work pack expectations.

Education

Master of science - Counseling and Psychology

Grand Canyon University, Phoenix, AZ
01.2023
  • Alpha Chi National College Honor Society Academic Excellence
  • GPA: 3.99

Bachelor of Science - Business Management

University San Diego, San Diego, CA
01.2013
GPA: 3.2

Skills

  • Proficient with Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook
  • Proficient with Microsoft PowerPoint, Project
  • Proficient in various CMMS such as Maintenance connection, SKED, SAP, OMMS
  • Staff training
  • Forecasting
  • Portfolio optimization
  • Targeted marketing
  • Financial management
  • Performance metrics analysis
  • Customer and employee rapport
  • Team leadership
  • Partnerships and affiliations
  • Data analysis
  • Budget oversight
  • Presentations
  • Negotiation and persuasion
  • Client relationship building
  • Operations management
  • Innovation management
  • Performance monitoring
  • Relationship building
  • Results-driven
  • Coaching and mentoring
  • Policy and procedure development
  • Verbal and written communication
  • Account management
  • Proposals and presentations
  • Risk management
  • Corporate branding
  • Complex Problem-solving
  • Training and mentoring
  • Process improvement
  • Corporate communications
  • Budget administration
  • Industry best practices
  • Rules and regulations
  • Staff development
  • Event networking
  • Critical thinking
  • Market trends and analysis
  • Proposal writing
  • Market research
  • Lead generation
  • Business growth and marketing strategies
  • Revenue cycle management
  • Performance data analysis
  • Profit objectives
  • OKRs and kpis
  • Business storytelling
  • Public speaking
  • Metrics tracking
  • Recruiting and interviewing
  • Decision-making
  • Business development
  • Cross-functional team leadership
  • Performance monitoring and evaluation
  • Recruiting and hiring
  • Documentation and reporting
  • Resource allocation
  • Company guidelines
  • Contract negotiation
  • Strategic planning

Accomplishments

  • Successfully completed all tasks and ensured USS Theodore Roosevelt CVN 71 deployed earlier than scheduled 2016 and 2018 resulting in over 10,000 aircraft being launch and recovered per deployment with no issues
  • Successfully completed all tasks to ensure the operations of USS Ronald Reagan Deployment during 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2022.
  • USS Ronald Reagan deployed to the 5th fleet area of operations and first Nimitz class carrier to deploy to that AOR from Japan.
  • USS Ronald Reagan forward deployed carrier time schedule is limited. Ensured all maintenance overhaul was completed in all catapults and arresting gear that resulted in saving millions of dollars to the US NAVY with zero discrepancies noted.
  • Successfully led 20 sailors and 5 ALAD mechanics during a pandemic to repair all four catapults that were down during war time in 5th fleet area of operation onboard USS Nimitz 2020. USS Nimitz was able to accomplish airstrikes with no further issues.
  • Held a variety of billets throughout the Navy – Displayed outstanding standards and performance, earning multiple early promote evaluations.
  • Led 40 sailors while being held responsible for all planned and scheduled combat actions with organization and foresight.
  • Performed daily “walk-about” of the work center to ensure all workstations were manned and ready for operations.
  • Utilized excellent communication skills as liaison between departments and division personnel.
  • Maintained accurate and detailed records of all action forms, providing historical data for future reference.
  • Produced work assignments for personnel and ensured it was completed in a safe and timely manner during routing spot inspections and pass downs.
  • Eliminated loss of working hours due to misaligned manpower to workload requirements
  • Produced a daily visual information display system board developed to provide upper management with a graphic display of vital up-to-date status of all day to day information.
  • Demonstrated ability to support and manage multiple projects in a fast-paced production environment, performing multiple duties in hostile environments.
  • Charged with inspecting all critical areas of each maintenance action performed with the ALRE work center.
  • Coordinated and implemented strategic direction that provided specific requirements for materials and services needed to support the maintenance actions performed by work crews.
  • Assigned missions, evaluated performances, monitored, and disciplined a 40-member combat team.
  • Attentive in the review and demand of strict compliance to ALREMP and NATOPS.
  • Certified all required missions performed, as well as procedures.
  • Ensured personnel were following military instructions and proper procedures during actions performed.
  • Utilized Operational Risk Management (ORM) principles to conduct assessments and frequently provided command with reasoned, informed advice regarding safety standards and acceptable levels of risk.
  • Routinely inspected workplaces, for compliance with established safety and occupational health policies to identify potential new hazards and modified workplace to control or eliminate safety hazards.
  • Proficient in conducting ORM assessments and gained knowledge and understanding of the management and safety systems, principles, practices, procedures, laws, and regulations.
  • Succeeded in increasing the qualifications for all watch standards by 65% to reach a command record of 95% for the fiscal year.
  • Responsible for over 3,658 planning actions that resulted in 28,263 fixed wing aircraft launches with zero mishaps.
  • – Independently led a 20 military member crew, where we stood readily available 24 hours guaranteeing a respond to combat in a moment’s notice. Through training, logistic planning, and superb leadership; I was directly responsible for over 1500 mission launches.
  • – Recognized as a gifted mentor, for assisting in qualifying 20 personnel in 10 different watch stations that allowed much needed flexibility and improvement in command morale.
  • Participated in a variety of Navy inspections to include three major Command Inspections, receiving zero discrepancies.
  • Trained and received full qualifications to operate

Awards

Operation Enduring Freedom/ Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Inherent Resolve., 2023- National Honor Society Alpha Chi National College Honor Society Academic Excellence for Masters Degree

Extracurricular (Volunteering/Community Service/Activities)

Director and Head Coach Houdini’s Problems Basketball Team Director And Head Coach Of Houdini’s Problems Basketball Club Head Coach of Competitive basketball teams 16U Boys 17U Boys and 17U Girls Mentored over 60 kids on and off the court and help them as they develop into the real world Successfully helped 15 kids receive full-ride scholarships to Boarding schools and Division 1 schools. Led Zama High School Varsity Boys team to win Pacific East Varsity located in Tokyo Japan. Including teams from all Japan, Guam, and Korea as their Head Coach. Oversight of all financial spendings, incoming money was all received from fundraising and donations.

Affiliations

  • Active Duty: -U.S. Navy - Honorable Discharge
  • Campaign Badges and/or Expeditionary medals received:
  • Navy Achievement Medal Gold Stars
  • Meritorious Unit Commendation
  • Global war on Terrorism
  • Combat Action ribbon
  • Overseas Deployment Bronze Stars
  • Navy and Marine Corps Deployment Medal Bronze Stars
  • National Defense.
  • Weapons Expert Shooter
  • Afghanistan Campaign Medal

Publications

  • Title: NAVAIR Technical manuals
  • Contributors: US NAVY, NAVAIR ENGINEERING AND CAFSU Representatives
  • Date: 2017-01
  • Type: Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
  • Publisher: NAVAIR

Languages

Spanish
Full Professional

Special Considerations

  • Veterans Preference: Combat Veteran
  • Active Government Clearance: Secret

List of Abbreviations

  • NASNI: Naval Air Station North Island
  • NATOPS: Naval Training and Operating Procedures
  • ALRE: Aircraft Launch and Recovery Equipment
  • NAVAIRHQ: Naval Air Headquarters
  • CAFSU: Carrier and Field Service Unit
  • NAWCAD: Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division
  • CPI: Continuous Process Improvement
  • DoD: Department of Defense
  • DON: Department of The Navy
  • TYCOM: Type Commander
  • ICCS: Integrated Catapult Control System
  • NAVAIR: Naval Air
  • NAVSEA:
  • NAWCADLKE: Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division Lakehurst New Jersey
  • QA: Quality Assurance
  • REI: Requests for Engineering Information
  • ILS: Integrated Logistics Services
  • INSURV: Inspection and Survey
  • IPT: Integrated Product Team

Interests

Reading, basketball, history, helping youth

Timeline

VP of Maintenance and Engineering - Liberty Steel Peoria Illinois
11.2024 - Current
Maintenance and Reliability Sr. Manager/ Process Engineer Manager - Mueller Water Products
01.2023 - 11.2024
Forward deployed ALRE Carrier Program Manager - Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division Japan
08.2019 - 12.2023
- Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division Carrier and Field Service Unit (CAFSU)
12.2014 - 08.2019
Grand Canyon University - Master of science, Counseling and Psychology
University San Diego - Bachelor of Science, Business Management