Stephan Kruger
Operations Manager
Heidelberg
Summary
Dynamic Production Manager with a proven track record at Morgan Advanced Materials, excelling in production optimization and team development. Achieved significant cost reductions through lean manufacturing techniques while enhancing quality control. Strong leadership skills fostered a collaborative environment, driving continuous improvements and exceeding productivity targets.
Results-driven production professional prepared for demanding roles in manufacturing and operations management. Proven track record of enhancing production efficiency and maintaining high-quality standards. Focused on team collaboration and adaptability to changing project needs, with strong skills in process optimization and leadership.
Thorough team contributor with strong organizational capabilities. Experienced in handling numerous projects at once while ensuring accuracy. Effective at prioritizing tasks and meeting deadlines.
Demonstrates strong analytical, communication, and teamwork skills, with proven ability to quickly adapt to new environments. Eager to contribute to team success and further develop professional skills. Brings positive attitude and commitment to continuous learning and growth.
Detail-oriented individual with exceptional communication and project management skills. Proven ability to handle multiple tasks effectively and efficiently in fast-paced environments. Recognized for taking proactive approach to identifying and addressing issues, with focus on optimizing processes and supporting team objectives.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Production Manager
Morgan Advanced Materials
08.2022 - Current
- Resolved issues quickly to maintain productivity goals.
- Managed internal operational standards and productivity targets.
- Standardized production procedures, job roles, and quality assurance guidelines.
- Increased overall productivity by identifying bottlenecks in the production process and proposing effective solutions.
- Managed continuous improvement initiatives to drive gains in quality, flow, and output.
- Conducted root cause analysis on production issues, devising corrective actions to prevent recurrence.
- Reduced waste and material costs by optimizing resource allocation and inventory management.
- Monitored team budgets to keep projects on task and avoid waste.
- Coordinated with sales and marketing departments to align production schedules with demand forecasts, maximizing both efficiency and customer satisfaction.
- Managed multiple projects concurrently, ensuring timely completion and meeting budget constraints.
- Determined suitable crew requirements, scheduled employees, and worked with human resources to meet changing production schedules.
- Oversaw quality control efforts, maintaining strict adherence to industry standards and regulatory requirements while achieving high levels of customer satisfaction.
- Enhanced production efficiency by streamlining processes and implementing lean manufacturing techniques.
- Mentored junior staff members on best practices in production management, cultivating a skilled workforce capable of tackling complex challenges headon.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to ensure timely delivery of high-quality products according to customer requirements.
- Developed strong relationships with key stakeholders, resulting in better collaboration and alignment on project objectives.
- Studied department operations to assist with development of new or improved methods of tooling and production processes.
- Developed a comprehensive training program for new hires, resulting in higher employee retention rates and faster integration into the team.
- Championed safety initiatives within the workplace, leading to a significant decrease in accidents and injuries among staff members.
- Spearheaded process improvements that led to reduced cycle times, allowing for increased output without additional manpower or equipment investment.
- Delivered direct feedback to senior management regarding project visibility and status.
- Achieved significant energy savings by implementing sustainable production practices and technologies.
- Optimized supply chain logistics, ensuring timely delivery of raw materials and finished goods.
- Collaborated with R&D to integrate new technologies into production processes, enhancing product features.
- Coordinated with sales and marketing to align production schedules with market demands, optimizing inventory levels.
- Streamlined communication between departments, improving project coordination and on-time delivery rates.
- Coordinated with other departments to align production with customer requirements.
- Analyzed production data and prepared reports for senior management.
- Enforced health and safety protocols to promote safe working environment.
- Monitored inventory levels and restocking schedules to avoid production delays from unavailable materials.
- Evaluated employee performance and provided feedback and training as needed.
- Utilized data analysis tools to identify and resolve production issues.
- Oversaw routine maintenance programs and scheduled service to keep equipment functioning at peak levels.
- Scrutinized production output and identified areas for improvement.
Process Quality Engineer
Morgan Advanced Materials
01.2018 - 12.2021
- Assisted in the development of annual budgets, focusing on cost reduction initiatives and investments in quality improvement technologies.
- Developed and maintained quality documentation, streamlining audit processes and maintaining regulatory compliance.
- Enhanced process efficiency by identifying and resolving quality issues in manufacturing processes.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to develop and implement quality control plans, ensuring product consistency.
- Established statistical process control methods for monitoring and controlling process variations, increasing overall operational stability.
- Implemented Lean Six Sigma methodologies for continuous improvement of process quality and reduced waste.
- Conducted root cause analysis to identify areas of improvement, leading to increased product reliability.
- Reviewed engineering change requests to assess potential impact on product performance and manufacturability.
- Designed and executed experiments to validate process improvements, enabling data-driven decision-making for operational optimization.
- Provided technical support in troubleshooting process-related problems, resulting in improved production efficiency.
- Implemented 5S methodology in work areas to maintain a clean, organized environment that supported efficient operations.
- Optimized inspection techniques to reduce inspection times without compromising accuracy or precision in measurements.
- Led the implementation of corrective actions for non-conformance issues, minimizing customer complaints and returns.
- Evaluated new materials and suppliers for compliance with company specifications, ensuring consistent product quality.
- Championed the integration of advanced technology into manufacturing processes, improving throughput rates while maintaining high-quality standards.
- Audited internal processes to ensure conformance with ISO 9001 requirements and drive continuous improvement efforts.
- Developed documentation, diagrams, and specifications to meet project requirements and regulatory standards.
- Provided technical assistance to production team when issues arose.
- Created process simulations to test operational outcomes without causing service disruptions.
- Led root cause analyses to identify and address problems in industrial production.
- Reduced downtime and increased production capacity with strong maintenance plans.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to develop and implement process changes.
- Analyzed data to identify trends in production and maintenance costs and developed strategies to reduce expenses.
- Built inventory management systems for industrial facilities and reviewed existing systems to identify potential for optimization.
Business Owner
Business Process Optimization
01.2014 - 12.2017
- Established strong customer relationships through excellent communication and attentive service.
- Consulted with customers to assess needs and propose optimal solutions.
- Achieved consistent growth in annual revenue through strategic planning and execution of sales initiatives.
- Maintained a safe work environment by enforcing strict safety protocols and regularly updating staff on industry best practices.
- Managed financial operations to ensure fiscal responsibility, including budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting.
- Strengthened company reputation by consistently meeting or exceeding customer expectations in terms of quality products/services offered.
- Increased client satisfaction by implementing innovative business strategies and streamlining processes.
- Conducted market research to inform product development decisions and identify potential growth areas.
- Launched series of successful new products, conducting market research and adjusting offerings based on feedback.
- Secured lucrative partnerships to expand market reach, negotiating contracts with precision and foresight.
- Streamlined operational processes, significantly reducing overhead costs and improving efficiency.
- Interacted well with customers to build connections and nurture relationships.
- Negotiated price and service with customers and vendors to decrease expenses and increase profit.
Plant Manager
PFG Glass Industries
01.2009 - 12.2014
- Forecasted future production needs accurately, allowing for strategic decision-making regarding staffing levels, equipment investments, and inventory management.
- Reduced costs by eliminating materials waste and unnecessary labor hours.
- Boosted employee morale and productivity through effective leadership and motivational techniques.
- Mentored and developed staff members, promoting professional growth opportunities within the organization.
- Enhanced safety standards with implementation of comprehensive safety training initiatives for all employees.
- Reduced downtime for maintenance by establishing a proactive preventive maintenance program.
- Increased production efficiency by optimizing plant layout and implementing process improvements.
- Promoted collaborative work environment to motivate and engage staff to achieve company objectives.
- Managed direction and planning for plant with focus on optimization of daily functions, exceeding customer expectations, and achieving KPIs.
- Coordinated plant expansions and upgrades to accommodate increased demand while minimizing disruption to ongoing operations.
- Led, trained and coached plant staff to facilitate high levels of productivity and quality.
- Identified and implemented viable strategies for continuous improvement.
- Analyzed incident reports to identify trends in workplace injuries or near-misses; implemented corrective actions accordingly.
- Created plant policies and procedures for safe and productive operations.
- Championed sustainable practices throughout the facility, implementing waste reduction strategies and energy-efficient technologies.
- Maintained quality of product with robust inspections and assessment team.
- Established positive relationships with suppliers to obtain timely deliveries of materials and products.
- Directed employees and related programs to maximize team productivity and facility output.
Education
No Degree - Business Management
Henley Business School Africa
Johannesburg, South Africa 04.2001 -
Skills
Production planning
Production line management
Team development
Project management
Quality control
Production optimization
Production scheduling
Cost control
Continuous improvements
Inventory coordination
Lean manufacturing
Multitasking Abilities
Strong leadership
Certification
Advanced Diploma in Management Practice
Timeline
Production Manager
Morgan Advanced Materials
08.2022 - Current
Process Quality Engineer
Morgan Advanced Materials
01.2018 - 12.2021
Business Owner
Business Process Optimization
01.2014 - 12.2017
Plant Manager
PFG Glass Industries
01.2009 - 12.2014
No Degree - Business Management
Henley Business School Africa
04.2001 -
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