Stephen W Cushing
Sebago
Summary
Dynamic and results-driven professional with 30 years of extensive experience in plant management, specializing in high-speed manufacturing environments. Proven track record over the past six years at Altium Packaging, overseeing remote factory operations and executing strategic recoveries for underperforming facilities. Unique skill set includes a comprehensive understanding of technical support processes, driving efficiency and operational excellence. Expertise highlights leadership in process optimization, team development, and cross-functional collaboration to achieve organizational goals.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
Regional Technical Lead
Altium Packaging
Atlanta, GA
09.2025 - Current
- Led cross-functional teams in project implementation and execution strategies.
- Developed and maintained technical documentation for system processes and workflows.
- Mentored junior staff on best practices in software development and troubleshooting techniques.
- Streamlined operational processes to enhance productivity across multiple departments.
- Drove customer satisfaction by prioritizing feature requests based on detailed analysis of user feedback and market trends.
- Negotiated with vendors to secure essential tools and services, improving team productivity and project outcomes.
- Fostered culture of innovation, encouraging exploration of new technologies and approaches to solve complex problems.
- Mentored junior staff, fostering professional growth and ensuring knowledge transfer.
- Analyzed performance metrics to drive data-informed decision-making across departments.
- Collaborated with stakeholders to align project outcomes with business objectives effectively.
- Managed and motivated employees to be productive and engaged in work.
- Accomplished multiple tasks within established timeframes.
- Maintained positive customer relations by addressing problems head-on and implementing successful corrective actions.
- Established team priorities, maintained schedules and monitored performance.
Plant Manager
Altium Packaging/Poland Spring
Portland/Poland, ME
05.2018 - 09.2025
- Solid P&L financial understanding
- Coaching management style to lead employees to full potential and team environment
- Change management – make it exciting - 40% turnover reduction
- Project management – Led multiple initiatives in different locations at the same time
- Technical skills – Top troubleshooter in Altium Packaging
- MS Office, SAP, JD Edwards office software covering; logistics, production, maintenance, and financial reporting
- Flawless Safety record 0 Recordable incidences in 10 years through safety management processes
- Oversaw daily operations, ensuring compliance with safety and quality standards.
- Implemented process improvements, enhancing production efficiency and reducing waste.
Technical Service/Engineering support
Kardex Remstar
Westbrook, ME
01.2016 - 04.2018
- Engineering support to field service technicians globally.
- Resolved complex automation issues.
- Taught global technicians equipment install and start up process of equipment in a classroom environment weekly.
- Decreased technical service response time by 30% by implementing advanced diagnostics tools.
- Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
- Demonstrated respect, friendliness, and willingness to help wherever needed.
Engineering Technical Manager
Poland Spring/Nestle Waters North America
Hollis, ME
08.2012 - 12.2016
- PM master pillar leader/ Toyota TPM systems
- Responsible for 6 departments Maintenance and Engineering: Husky injection, Sidel Blow-molding, Krones filling, Kister packing, Alvey Pallitizers , Spring water sources and Building infrastructure.
- Championed maintenance planning process leading to a reduction in failures by 24% through advanced communication processes.
- Facilitated the adoption of energy-efficient technologies, reducing the companies carbon footprint by 20%.
- Conducted thorough training sessions that led to a 20% increase in workforce productivity and satisfaction.
- Led cross-functional teams to enhance product quality and operational efficiency.
- Implemented process improvements that reduced downtime and increased production throughput.
Plant Manager
Altium Packaging
Portland, ME
01.2008 - 01.2012
- Increased Plant throughput through team building - 43% increase
- Implemented manufacturing principles to reduce manufacturing losses by 30%
- P&L responsibility
- Implemented safety process leading to 0 recordable incidents
- Reduced waste output by 30% by implementing lean manufacturing techniques
- Increased production output by 25% while reducing costs by 15% through optimization of the manufacturing process
Education
Marine Engineering - License Track: United States Merchant Marine
Southern Maine Technical College
South Portland, ME01-1996
Skills
- TPM Manufacturing
- Operations Management
- Strategic Planning
- P&L Management
- Technical skills leading or assisting Engineering and automation teams
- Self starter motivated by results
- Led continuous improvement methodologies to improved manufacturing results
- Issue investigation
- Performance optimization
- Team leadership
- Time management
- Decision-making
- Customer service
- Complex Problem-solving
- Staff training and development
- Task delegation
- Documentation and reporting
- Cross-functional teamwork
- Conflict resolution
- Key performance indicators
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Adaptability and flexibility
- Positive attitude
- Multitasking
- Customer relationship management
Websites
Timeline
Regional Technical Lead
Altium Packaging
09.2025 - Current
Plant Manager
Altium Packaging/Poland Spring
05.2018 - 09.2025
Technical Service/Engineering support
Kardex Remstar
01.2016 - 04.2018
Engineering Technical Manager
Poland Spring/Nestle Waters North America
08.2012 - 12.2016
Plant Manager
Altium Packaging
01.2008 - 01.2012
Marine Engineering - License Track: United States Merchant Marine
Southern Maine Technical College
KEY ACHIEVEMENTS
Excellence in Process Optimization: Recognized for leading projects in multiple facilities to recover plant financials through OEE improvements. Outstanding Leadership in Operational Transformation: Awarded for driving operational changes that enhanced multiple factory outputs while maintaining high quality and safety standards., Cost Reduction Champion: Initiated multiple cost-saving projects that reduced annual material expenses by millions in multiple locations through teaching continuous improvement practices., Innovator in Workforce Development: Developed process controls in several key areas resulting in increased unit flow from manufacturing assets.