William Gates
Columbia,SC
Summary
Manufacturing and Quality professional with 16+ years of experience supporting high-volume production environments through process control, quality assurance, team leadership, and operational improvement. Proven ability to lead production lines, analyze performance metrics, coach operators, and ensure compliance with safety and manufacturing standards. Strong technical foundation with electrical systems experience, advanced Excel proficiency, and a track record of driving efficiency, quality, and cost improvement.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
Quality Control Auditor
Flex
Columbia, US
09.2024 - Current
- Lead quality oversight across multiple production processes, ensuring compliance with manufacturing standards, safety requirements, and customer expectations.
- Evaluate daily operational and defect performance data, advising leadership on process changes that improve efficiency, throughput, and product quality.
- Partner with production, engineering, and maintenance teams to troubleshoot line issues and implement corrective actions.
- Implement improved inspection protocols and reporting processes, increasing operational visibility and reducing resolution time for quality issues.
- Coach operators on quality expectations, process adherence, and continuous improvement best practices.
Machine Operator / Lead Support
Constantia Flexibles
US
11.2021 - 07.2024
- Supported daily production operations in a manufacturing environment, ensuring production targets, quality standards, and safety requirements were met.
- Identified process bottlenecks and collaborated with supervisors to implement workflow improvements that increased line efficiency.
- Trained and mentored new operators on machine setup, operation, safety procedures, and quality requirements.
- Assisted with production scheduling priorities by aligning equipment availability and material flow.
- Developed and documented SOPs to improve consistency, reduce downtime, and support cross-training.
Call Center Customer Service Representative / Mentor (Lead Role)
DialAmerica
US
03.2020 - 09.2021
- Led daily operations support by managing schedules, staffing coverage, and performance monitoring.
- Conducted quality evaluations and performance coaching to improve service delivery and responsiveness.
- Mentored team members, supported onboarding, and reinforced compliance with operational standards.
- Resolved escalated issues while maintaining productivity and professionalism.
Electrical Apprentice
Feyen Zylstra
US
11.2018 - 02.2020
- Installed, maintained, and troubleshot electrical systems in compliance with safety and manufacturing standards.
- Read and interpreted blueprints and schematics to support accurate installations and reduce rework.
- Collaborated with senior electricians to resolve complex electrical issues, supporting production reliability.
Electrical Helper
Reserve Electric
US
05.2017 - 11.2018
- Supported electrical installations, conduit runs, and system assemblies.
- Ensured correct wire identification and adherence to safety protocols.
- Strengthened understanding of electrical components and systems used in industrial environments.
Lab Coordinator
Richland School District One
US
08.2013 - 06.2014
- Coordinated scheduling and resource allocation to support operational efficiency.
- Facilitated communication between stakeholders and ensured compliance with procedures.
- Supported program development and continuous improvement initiatives.
Program Director (Supervisory Role)
Department of Health & Environmental Control
US
05.2009 - 05.2011
- Supervised staff, scheduled daily activities, and led operational planning.
- Trained and coached team members to improve performance and compliance.
- Developed procedures to improve workflow, safety, and communication.
Education
Bachelor’s Degree -
Roanoke College
VAHigh School Diploma -
High Tech High Graduate School of Education
SCSkills
- Shift Leadership
- Manufacturing Operations
- Process Optimization
- Continuous Improvement
- Root Cause Analysis
- Safety & Compliance
- Team Training & Coaching
- Troubleshooting
- Electrical Systems
- Production scheduling
- Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Microsoft Office
- Data Analysis
- Production Metrics
- Scheduling
- Blueprint Reading
- Quality Audits
- Safety Audits
- Risk Assessment
Timeline
Quality Control Auditor
Flex
09.2024 - Current
Machine Operator / Lead Support
Constantia Flexibles
11.2021 - 07.2024
Call Center Customer Service Representative / Mentor (Lead Role)
DialAmerica
03.2020 - 09.2021
Electrical Apprentice
Feyen Zylstra
11.2018 - 02.2020
Electrical Helper
Reserve Electric
05.2017 - 11.2018
Lab Coordinator
Richland School District One
08.2013 - 06.2014
Program Director (Supervisory Role)
Department of Health & Environmental Control
05.2009 - 05.2011
Bachelor’s Degree -
Roanoke College
High School Diploma -
High Tech High Graduate School of Education