William Bogen
Des Moines,USA
Summary
Manufacturing leader with 33 years of progressive experience at Kenworth Truck Company and current experience as an Assistant Production Manager supporting assembly operations. Proven track record of leading teams, driving continuous improvement initiatives, improving operational performance, and supporting a culture of safety, quality, and accountability. Recognized with PACCAR's Six Sigma Award for leading a cross-functional project that reduced Plant Defects Per Unit by 50%. Experienced in coaching employees, implementing Lean and PPS initiatives, and partnering across departments to achieve business objectives and support operational excellence.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
Assembly 2 Assistant Manager
Kenworth
06.2024 - Current
- Lead continuous improvement activities utilizing PACCAR Production System (PPS) principles, Lean Manufacturing tools, and 5S methodology.
- Successfully facilitated improvement projects focused on workflow optimization, waste reduction, and workplace organization.
- Develop and implement standardized work instructions and process documentation to improve operational consistency and quality performance.
- Conduct regular Gemba walks to identify process improvement opportunities, safety risks and drive corrective actions.
- Collaborate with engineering, quality, production, and support departments to resolve manufacturing issues and improve operational effectiveness.
- Coach and mentor team members and production leaders to support employee development and strengthen overall team performance.
- Support daily production operations while maintaining safety, quality, delivery, and labor efficiency objectives.
Gate Manager
Kenworth
04.2023 - 06.2024
- Directed cross-functional problem-solving efforts that reduced Plant Defects Per Unit (DPU) by 50%.
- PACCAR’s Six Sigma Award for delivering one of the company's most impactful quality improvement projects.
- Utilized root cause analysis and corrective action methodologies to drive sustainable manufacturing improvements.
- Coordinated daily operations with production managers, quality auditors, and manufacturing departments to ensure timely resolution of critical production issues.
- Improved communication and collaboration across departments, resulting in increased process efficiency and production support.
- Led a team of employees responsible for final quality verification and issue resolution activities.
Test Assistant Manager
Kenworth
04.2023 - 06.2024
- Supported test operations by assisting in daily truck sell, test turns, implementing 5S improvements, and planning efficiency enhancements to optimize workflow.
- Monitored test data to identify trends, driving continuous improvements and enhancing quality assurance processes.
- Led cross-functional teams to identify and eliminate production defects through data analysis and process mapping, ensuring safety and quality while meeting productivity goals.
Senior PQI Auditor
Kenworth Truck Company
01.2019 - 04.2023
- Conduct compliance audits of Kenworth trucks using Engineering standards, DOT regulations and Quality specifications.
- Provided feedback and recommendations for improvements while collaborating with department managers on corrective actions.
- Conducted daily presentations on audit results and continuous improvement strategies to inform stakeholders and guide decision-making.
- Developed and delivered training on routing standards to enhance consistency and efficiency in production processes.
Quality Line Inspector
Kenworth Truck Company
01.2010 - 12.2019
- Acquired comprehensive cross-functional expertise by working across every truck assembly department, facilitating a holistic understanding of the entire manufacturing process.
- Audited assemblies for correct component content, proper installation, and precise routing, maintaining the highest quality standards.
- Collaborated with department managers to identify and resolve production defects, ensuring adherence to quality standards.
Group Lead
Kenworth Truck Company
01.2008 - 03.2009
- Led team to complete complex cab interior installations, focusing on dash and gauge setups and troubleshooting issues to ensure project success.
- Revitalized operational structures and procedures to control turnover and waste, enhancing output and ensuring higher quality standards.
- Maintained clean, organized production areas using 5S principles, reducing hazards and minimizing work delays.
Education
Lean Belt -
PACCAR
09-2024
Bachelor of Science - Operations Management
Clover Park Technical College
05-2022
Error Proofing Improvement through Prevention - Optimizing EPIC Workshop Results
PACCAR
01-2020
Skills
- Assembly and manufacturing operations
- PACCAR production system
- Lean manufacturing principles
- Continuous improvement strategies
- 5S and visual management
- Quality and safety management
- KPI and operational efficiency
- Process improvement techniques
- Root cause analysis
- Corrective and preventive actions
- Six Sigma methodology
- Standard work development
- Team development and coaching
- Cross-functional leadership skills
- Workforce planning strategies
- Production leadership practices
- OSHA compliance
- BEV Safety Level 3 Certified
Timeline
Assembly 2 Assistant Manager
Kenworth
06.2024 - Current
Gate Manager
Kenworth
04.2023 - 06.2024
Test Assistant Manager
Kenworth
04.2023 - 06.2024
Senior PQI Auditor
Kenworth Truck Company
01.2019 - 04.2023
Quality Line Inspector
Kenworth Truck Company
01.2010 - 12.2019
Group Lead
Kenworth Truck Company
01.2008 - 03.2009
Lean Belt -
PACCAR
Bachelor of Science - Operations Management
Clover Park Technical College
Error Proofing Improvement through Prevention - Optimizing EPIC Workshop Results
PACCAR