Tracyanne Buono
Sparks,NV
Summary
Transformational operational leader with over 20 years of experience in regulated environments, including manufacturing and e-commerce. Specializes in Lean Six Sigma initiatives, enhancing operational performance, and developing OSHA-compliant safety programs. Expertise in creating training programs that improve team performance and foster a culture of continuous improvement while driving efficiency and profitability across diverse, multi-site operations.
Overview
31
31
years of professional experience
Work History
OPERATIONS MANAGER AND SAFETY SPECIALIST
Vistaprint
Sparks, NV
03.2024 - Current
- Leader of digital manufacturing/logistics teams ensuring OSHA compliant safety, excellence in quality and production, and consistent on-time delivery
- Implemented OSHA-compliant safety initiatives and programs, reducing workplace hazards and TRIR from >9 in 2024 to <2 in 2025 and <1 in 2026, promoting a safer work environment
- Lead ~120 staff across 3 shifts and 7 days to productivity above 103% (7% increase YoY) and production adherence above 96% (4% increase YoY)
- Reduced operational overtime from average ~4.5% in 2023 to average 2.3% in 2024, 2.0% in 2025, and 1.4% in 2026
- Maintained a 99.7% on-time customer delivery rate for multiple years (2024-2026) with ~50% less staff from 2023
- Reduced payroll gap from ~6% in 2023 to <3% in 2024 and <1% in 2026, enhancing financial stability
- Recognized a 10% year-over-year increase in shipments, maintained 99.6% inventory accuracy for 2 consecutive years, reduced customer quality complaints 30% from 2024 to 2026, and launched 2 value stream organizations in 2026: embroidery and heat transfer.
- Streamlined operations to reduce production cycle times and shipping upgrade costs, minimizing rework and waste, resulting in average savings of ~$10,000 weekly for 10 consecutive months in 2026
DIRECTOR OPERATIONS AND SAFETY
Aqua Metals
McCarran, NV
01.2023 - 02.2024
- Leader of a multi-shift start-up metal recycling and manufacturing operation. Developed training programs, OSHA compliant safety programs, receiving and inventory processes and mentored staff to exceed business objectives while delivering quality products
- Created OSHA compliant safety program, achieving a reduction of TRIR from 5 in 2023 to 0 in 2024, significantly improving workplace safety
- Launched 8 large-scale production subsystems, developing PLC and HMI controls narratives and testing protocols to ensure operational readiness
- Wrote more than 75 operations, safety, and equipment SOPs
- Through creative problem-solving and Lean principles, reduced transportation waste by 70%
- Developed procedures and workflows for the first metal collection that yielded ~500 lbs. of nickel and >300 lbs. of copper.
- Partnered with local education entities to develop pre-hire college curriculum.
- Coordinated on-site seminars and facility tours for regulatory agencies, investors, and government officials, enhancing company brand visibility and stakeholder engagement
- Supported testing, validation, and rollout of a maintenance management program and ERP system (Maintain & NetSuite).
DIRECTOR OPERATIONS AND SAFETY
Nutrien Foods
Reno, Nevada
06.2021 - 09.2022
- Led multiple large-scale projects that drove 15% increase in hourly food manufacturing rates, 100% increase in daily packaging rate, 300% increase in daily shipments, 200% increase in gross profits, and 600% increase in sales orders year-over-year.
- Supported brand growth, scaled manufacturing, packaging, and outbound operations, improved production scheduling, optimized equipment use, and reduced equipment downtime tripling the daily production output
- Wrote SOPs, created operational and OSHA compliant programs for SQF certification, partnered with supply-chain vendors to reduce raw material lead times, and lowered product waste by 15% year-over-year
- Managed inventory and warehouse operations to support accuracy of 99.8% month-over-month.
- Directed operational team at start-up food manufacturing company, improving productivity and expanding brand presence.
OUTBOUND SENIOR OPERATIONS MANAGER
Amazon
Reno, NV
05.2020 - 05.2021
- Led distribution center e-commerce operations, mentoring 120-160 salaried and hourly team members to consistently exceed customer expectations.
- Recognized a 40% increase year-over-year in outbound shipments (25,000 - 40,000 packages per shift)
- Delivered a 15% increase year-over-year in the number of packages shipped/hour
- During 2020 peak season, realized over 99% on-time delivery for 6 consecutive weeks and 4 consecutive months prior
- Directed 100-168 exempt/non-exempt associates consistently exceeding average weekly operational productivity of >100% and labor productivity >10% for 3 consecutive months
- Maintained 99.5% daily compliance with safety, quality, and performance metrics for 6-consecutive months
- Implemented leadership initiatives that resulted in a ~20% reduction in workplace incidents.
- Recognized for leading top performing team with fewest safety incidents and compliance deviations week-over-week.
PLANT MANAGER
Zazzle
Reno, NV
09.2019 - 05.2020
- Managed digital printing manufacturing operations ensuring a safe and efficient work environment. Developed and implemented SOPs and training programs while mentoring team members for personal and professional growth. Achieved production goals and exceeded operational metrics/KPIs to drive performance.
- Implemented leadership standard work and performance standards resulting in 300% increase in outbound shipments year-over-year
- Maintained on-time printing and delivery standards of greater than 99% week-over-week for 4 consecutive months
- Guided team members during 2019 peak season to achieve 98% on-time performance and 82% increase in production year-over-year
- Developed preventative routine maintenance programs and reduced equipment downtime by ~25% month-over-month
- Reduced overtime from an average of 6% in 2018 to less than 2% in 2019 and 2020
- Developed new OSHA safety and training programs minimizing lost time and recordable events by 80% year-over-year
- Recognized 35% reduction year-over-year product reprints, returns and customer complaints ($500 savings)
- Created operational floor plan and workflow to eliminate barriers and enhance cycle time and communication
PLANT AND SAFETY DIRECTOR
Stericycle Environmental Solutions
Fernley, NV
08.2012 - 09.2019
- Led operations of 230,000 square foot hazardous waste facility, overseeing recycling, chemical treatment, scheduling, and transportation. Ensured compliance with air and operational permits, state and federal regulations, improved safety performance, and managed budget to exceed financial targets. Collaborated with compliance leaders and state regulators to write and renew permits, developed community engagement initiatives, and attended city council meetings to enhance company-city relations. Mentored team members and established operational metrics for growth.
- Secured $1.4 million in transportation and $1.1 million in packaging savings by eliminating third-party transportation costs, negotiating better packaging pricing, collaborating with state regulators on permit revisions, and developing new standard operating procedures.
- Minimized disposal, transportation costs while reducing waste and environmental impact, resulting in an annual project savings of ~$2 million
- Increased incoming volume from 6,000 containers monthly in 2012 to 23,000 containers monthly by 2019 through strategic operational enhancements and process improvements.
- Initiated new transportation processes to better utilize drivers and build more efficient shipments of outbound loads ($250,000 annual savings)
- Acknowledged for six consecutive years with zero regulatory violations and multiple years of outstanding safety performance (TRIR <1)
- Improved state regulator and community relationships through effective participation in city council meetings, public speaking events, and no-cost community disposal events
- Oversaw operations of multiple facilities across different states, ensuring compliance and efficiency. in Nevada, California, and Washington from 2016 to 2019.
- Recognized substantial EBITDA increase in 2013 improving to plus $1.8 million versus a negative $1 million in 2012
QUALITY MANAGER
Burrow & Co Corporation
Reno, Nevada
05.2011 - 08.2012
- Applied Lean Six Sigma principles to improve TRIR, reduce equipment downtime, and minimize supply waste, supporting a projected annual savings of approximately $1 million per year.
- Developed and managed all quality systems in the manufacturing setting for FLEXO printing and food packaging conversion.
- Ensured compliance with food packaging standards at multiple locations, supporting quality assurance initiatives.
- Enhanced quality control checks and collaborated with cross-functional teams, contributing to 4% YoY productivity improvement.
- Conducted internal and external audits to verify compliance with paper manufacturing standards, reinforcing quality control measures.
- Performed paper manufacturing inspections, developed SOPs and training programs for multiple locations
- Maintained ISO 9000 quality system with real-time product evaluation.
- Earned cost-saving recognition of approximately $2500 per month through organized management and improvement of various processes and services
DIRECTOR OPERATIONS TRAINING & COMMUNICATIONS
Charles River Laboratories
Reno, Nevada
10.1995 - 11.2010
- Generated over $10,000,000 in revenue (2008 to 2010) through development of new technical procedures and expansion of software systems
- Revitalized Nevada operations by developing and implementing scheduling systems, SOPs, performance reviews, and KPIs
- Drove development and rollout of staffing models, workflows, SOPs, business systems, equipment testing, validation, and commissioning to support on-time, within-budget completion
- Transitioned operations and laboratory business from 160,000 square feet to new 455,000 square foot facility in collaboration with cross-functional leaders
- Led the implementation of a state-of-the-art facility as the lead Project Manager of the building design team
- Reduced SOP deviations by more than 70% year-over-year and 92% over a two-year period by introducing equipment management software; improved tracking for scheduled downtime, non-routine work, and preventive maintenance.
- Reduced OPE deviations by 55%, including 90% fewer findings per audit within year
- Recognized ~$500,000 savings in 2010 by reworking existing SOPs to improve efficiency, creating new SOPs, reducing errors through development of new training, auditing and reporting programs
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Biology
Rutgers University
New Brunswick, NJBachelor of Arts - Psychology
Rutgers University
New Brunswick, NJLean Black Belt - Professional
Management And Strategy Institute
Reno, NVSkills
- OSHA compliance
- Operations management
- Lean manufacturing
- ERP systems
- Workflow planning
- Budgeting and cost control
- Vendor management
- Operations strategy
- Strategic planning
- Strategic leadership
- Team development
- Risk mitigation
- Cross-functional communication
- Multidisciplinary collaboration
- Verbal and written communication
- Employee relations
AWARDS
Best Plant/Facility Compliance and Safety Record 2016, 2017, 2018, Innovative Solutions 2008, 2009, Outstanding Contribution 2005, 2008, Improvement through Teamwork 2000, 2005, 2008, Dedication, Service and Commitment 2000, 2005, Excellence and Innovation 2000, 2009
PUBLICATION
Use of Multi-Modal Electrophysiological Testing to Monitor Central Nervous System Function in Cynomolgus Monkeys, Macaca fascicularis Michael W. Leach, Mary O. Smith, Mark E. Cartwright, Tracy Buono, Doug Kombrust
Timeline
OPERATIONS MANAGER AND SAFETY SPECIALIST
Vistaprint
03.2024 - Current
DIRECTOR OPERATIONS AND SAFETY
Aqua Metals
01.2023 - 02.2024
DIRECTOR OPERATIONS AND SAFETY
Nutrien Foods
06.2021 - 09.2022
OUTBOUND SENIOR OPERATIONS MANAGER
Amazon
05.2020 - 05.2021
PLANT MANAGER
Zazzle
09.2019 - 05.2020
PLANT AND SAFETY DIRECTOR
Stericycle Environmental Solutions
08.2012 - 09.2019
QUALITY MANAGER
Burrow & Co Corporation
05.2011 - 08.2012
DIRECTOR OPERATIONS TRAINING & COMMUNICATIONS
Charles River Laboratories
10.1995 - 11.2010
Bachelor of Arts - Biology
Rutgers University
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
Rutgers University
Lean Black Belt - Professional
Management And Strategy Institute