Chris Etter
Management of Operations, Engineering, Continuous Improvement, And Quality
Pawnee,IL
Summary
Accomplished leader with over 30 years of extensive experience and a proven track record in leadership roles across manufacturing, continuous improvement, quality assurance, and engineering sectors. Possesses advanced skills in streamlining processes and enhancing throughput through a commitment to continuous improvement and cross-functional collaboration. Demonstrates a robust ability to cultivate high-performing teams and inspire staff to reach personal and professional objectives. Proficient in delivering guidance, leadership, and support for product quality and operational processes. Extensive experience spans various industries, including agricultural equipment, commercial and retail beverage production, disposable household products, and automotive components. I am certified as a Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt and possess over 25 years of expertise in Lean methodologies and Six Sigma within manufacturing and transactional project management contexts. My comprehensive background encompasses process implementation and improvements, cost reduction strategies, training initiatives, problem resolution, and field issue management. As a versatile leader, I have cultivated a background in coordinating diverse teams and managing complex projects. I am adept in strategic planning, operational enhancement, and fostering collaborative environments. I have a demonstrated capacity to improve efficiency and productivity while upholding high quality standards. My experience includes successfully implementing innovative solutions that have led to substantial organizational improvements. I am recognized as a results-driven leader known for high productivity and effective task execution. My specialization encompasses strategic planning, team leadership, and operational efficiency. I excel in communication, problem-solving, and adaptability to ensure seamless project execution and team synergy. As a motivational leader and organizational problem-solver, I am equipped with advanced supervisory, team building, and customer service skills. I can transition into various roles and rapidly implement positive changes that drive organizational success. I am committed to maximizing employee engagement and performance through training, monitoring, and morale-enhancing techniques. In addition, I am a dedicated customer service representative with substantial industry experience, characterized by a positive demeanor and the proven ability to establish rapport with clients. I am motivated to maintain customer satisfaction and contribute to overall company success. I am articulate, enthusiastic, and results-oriented, demonstrating a profound passion for relationship-building, partnership cultivation, and business growth. As a seasoned leader, I bring broad experience in team leadership and project delivery. I possess strong strategic planning capabilities, and the expertise required to coordinate operational initiatives for optimal efficiency. My proven track record includes driving process improvements, enhancing productivity, and implementing innovative strategies. I am skilled in building robust relationships across all levels of an organization to achieve business objectives. I am recognized as a strategic leader within the management field and noted for high productivity and efficient task completion. I possess specialized expertise in operational strategy, team leadership, and conflict resolution. My strengths lie in communication, adaptability, and problem-solving, all aimed at achieving organizational goals.
Overview
30
30
years of professional experience
37
37
years of post-secondary education
2
2
Certifications
Work History
Manager, Quality, Manufacturing Engineering, and Continuous Improvement Taylorville Operations & Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt
Grain and Protein Technologies
Taylorville, Illinois
04.2022 - Current
- Led the manufacturing engineering team and quality team, providing guidance, mentoring, and training to ensure the team’s success and professional growth
- Plans, develops, and enhances strategies to improve production processes and product development
- Develop and implement manufacturing processes and procedures to optimize production safety, quality, and efficiency
- Plans, develops, enhances, and maintains quality, manufacturing engineering, and continuous improvement systems, providing continuous improvement to all products manufactured by operations to meet or exceed our customers’ expectations
- Implement methods to inspect, test, and evaluate products and production equipment
- Manage and coordinate process improvement activities through direct staff and by influencing operations staff
- Ensuring that products adhere to quality standards
- Preparing reports by collecting, analyzing, and summarizing data
- Working according to deadlines for the delivery of products
- Training and managing production line staff in production practices and quality assessment of goods
- Analysis, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills to review systems, find flaws, and pose solutions to those flaws
- Train and mentor, the quality team on best practices for quality standards utilizing existing quality tools and new applicable tools
- Training and support of plant personnel for Six Sigma tools
- Train and mentor Six Sigma Green Belts & Black Belts
- Developed comprehensive training programs for continuous improvement teams to enhance productivity
- Enhanced process efficiency with detailed root cause analysis and problem-solving techniques
- Integrated data-driven decision-making to streamline operations and reduce waste
- Led cross-functional teams to drive performance improvements and achieve operational excellence
- Delivered successful projects, applying advanced statistical tools and methodologies
- Mentored Green Belts and Black Belts to advance their skill sets and project outcomes
- Standardized work procedures across departments, resulting in greater consistency and improved communication among teams
- Cross-trained existing employees to maximize team agility and performance
- Controlled costs to keep business operating within budget and increase profits
- Developed and maintained relationships with customers and suppliers through account development
- Developed a strong company culture focused on employee engagement, collaboration, and continuous learning opportunities
- Cultivated positive rapport with fellow employees to boost company morale and promote employee retention
- Leveraged data and analytics to make informed decisions and drive business improvements
- Set aggressive targets for employees to drive company success and strengthen motivation
- Established performance goals for employees and provided feedback on methods for reaching those milestones
- Organized professional development programs for staff, leading to improved performance and skill sets
Engineer, Warranty & Quality Grain & Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt
AGCO
Assumption, Illinois
11.2020 - 03.2022
- Investigate warranty issues within the manufacturing plant and RMA for disposition and root cause and provide data summaries for engineering evaluations
- Maintain and monitor warranty databases, ensuring appropriate and timely responses and corrective actions
- Compile and present warranty summary data, including monthly cross-functional meetings
- Assist quality engineers with problem-solving and resolving quality issues, including analytical support
- Training and support of plant personnel for Six Sigma tools
- Train and mentor Six Sigma Green Belts & Black Belts
- Developed innovative solutions to improve system efficiency and reliability
- Enhanced product quality by implementing rigorous testing protocols
- Led cross-functional teams for successful project execution
- Generated technical reports for customers
- Determined design criteria or specifications
- Coordinated activities with suppliers, contractors or other departments
Manager, Quality and Process Improvement & Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt
Bunn
Springfield, IL
07.2013 - 06.2020
- I developed, trained, and mentored various corporate engineering staff on the Design FMEA and Process FMEA
- I developed a process to increase the root cause analysis skills of the quality departments at multiple sites to eliminate many recurring nonconformances
- Supporting quality improvement and control functions with business process re-engineering
- Providing industry-specific designs and quality processes to cope with quality aspects
- Assisting the organization to learn and implement Six Sigma processes for having a flexible operations management system
- Demonstrating quality concepts and procedural developments to handle advanced manufacturing processes
- Training on quality tools is part of the body of knowledge from the ASQ Certified Quality Engineer and Quality Technician toolbox
- Improved team performance by motivating staff and setting clear goals
- Streamlined operations for enhancing workflow efficiency
- Fostered positive workplace culture with open-door policy
- Achieved business goals with effective leadership and strategic vision
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by resolving disputes promptly, maintaining open lines of communication, and ensuring high-quality service delivery
- Investigate warranty issues within the manufacturing plant and RMA for disposition and root cause and provide data summaries for engineering evaluations
- Provided technical assistance when necessary in order to resolve complex product issues
- Developed strategies for resolving customer complaints quickly and efficiently
- Identified potential problems and recommended solutions for improving the quality of products offered by the company
- Analyzed customer feedback and identified areas of improvement in the product support process
- Cultivated culture of lean manufacturing and continuous improvement while providing operational leadership
- Maintain and monitor warranty databases, ensuring appropriate and timely responses and corrective actions
- Compile and present warranty summary data, including monthly cross-functional meetings
- Assist quality engineers with problem-solving and resolving quality issues, including analytical support
- Training and mentoring of plant quality personnel for Six Sigma tools as well as Green Belts & Black Belts
- Developed innovative solutions to improve system efficiency and reliability
- Enhanced product quality by implementing rigorous testing protocols
- Led cross-functional teams for successful project execution
Manager, Site Continuous Improvement & Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt
Clopay
Nashville, TN
09.2012 - 06.2013
- Develop and teach Lean and Six Sigma curricula with global colleagues, including Lean Management, Autonomous Maintenance, SMED, 5S, SPC, Hypothesis Testing, and Designs of Experiments
- Promote and lead activities that identify all forms of waste through Value Stream Mapping, 5 Why/Cause Mapping, and Kaizen
- Training and support of plant personnel for Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma tools
- Assist in developing and maintaining Global Lean Standards
- Designed and successfully launched Total Productive Maintenance program at multiple sites across North and South America
- Collaborate with plant, regional, and global colleagues to seek, share, and implement Best Practices
- Designed custom training materials tailored to specific audience needs, fostering an environment conducive to learning and development
- Led cross-functional teams to complete projects within budget and time constraints successfully
- Train and Mentored Green Belts and Black Belts in Lean Six Sigma principles, enhancing their skills and contributing to overall organizational success
- Enhanced customer satisfaction with timely delivery of high-quality products through efficient project management techniques
- Implemented effective change management strategies that minimized disruption during periods of organizational transformation
- Analyzed data trends to identify opportunities for cost reduction, leading to significant financial savings for the organization
Manager, Product Development & Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt
Lennox Hearth Products
Nashville, TN
04.2011 - 05.2012
- I oversaw the entire corporate quality management system, ensuring all products met stringent quality standards
- I led the reliability engineering team, focusing on enhancing product durability and performance through rigorous testing and evaluation
- Additionally, I directed continuous improvement initiatives to optimize processes and increase operational efficiency across the organization
- I also managed the Sustaining Engineering departments, ensuring that existing products received the necessary support and updates to maintain their competitiveness in the market
- Led a team of 10, including Quality Managers, Mechanical Engineers, Designers, Engineering Technicians, and Cost Reduction Engineers
- We managed high-profile quality issue resolutions with the respective location Quality Managers
- Wrote corporate quality policies to attain agency satellite approval from the certification agency, allowing the agency to accept internal testing and documentation to gain agency certifications
- Established an Engineering Change Request / Deviation process to document changes, ensuring all changes were considered and the documented approvals
- Developed standardized methods for Product Engineering, including DFMEA, PFMEA, Corrective Actions, etc., by writing new processes
- I collaborated with Manufacturing and Product Engineering to develop drawing standards
- I worked with suppliers to address quality and engineering print requirements, including the supplier's approval, ensuring quality components to maintain a reliable product
- I managed the corporate Quality Reporting Report system, including identification, corrective actions, verification of corrective actions, and reporting solutions to customers
- Implemented innovative solutions to enhance operational efficiency and reduce costs
- Trained and mentored staff for skill enhancement and professional growth
- Oversaw budget management to ensure alignment with financial objectives
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by resolving disputes promptly, maintaining open lines of communication, and ensuring high-quality service delivery
- Developed and maintained relationships with customers and suppliers through account development
Manager, Continuous Improvement and Reliability Engineering & Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt
Lennox Hearth Products
Nashville, TN
02.2010 - 03.2011
- Managed the corporate quality, reliability, and continuous improvement activities
- Reorganized and managed the corporate Quality Reporting Report system, including re-writing the identification process, corrective actions, and customer follow-up, instituting standard methods for quality reporting
- I developed and executed statistical analysis training, increasing the analytical ability of the team
- Formalized the new product development process by creating a Gantt chart for new product development, including the marketing process
- Effectively managed high-profile quality issue resolutions and reported to the Engineering Director and VP / GM
- Improved team performance by implementing strategic initiatives and fostering a collaborative environment
- Developed training programs for enhancing employee skills and knowledge
- Achieved targets consistently, leading a team of diverse professionals
- Led cross-functional teams to achieve organizational goals
- Fostered innovation by encouraging creative problem-solving among team members
- Developed comprehensive training programs for operations and maintenance staff, enhancing their skills in reliability best practices
- Improved incident management workflows by creating comprehensive documentation on troubleshooting procedures and common issues resolution steps
- Developed custom scripts/tools as needed to automate routine tasks, increasing overall team productivity and efficiency
- Contributed to the ongoing refinement of internal processes and procedures within the site reliability engineering discipline through regular reviews, updates, and knowledge sharing activities
- Implemented cost-saving measures by optimizing resource utilization across cloud-based infrastructure environments
- Ensured compliance with relevant industry regulations regarding data privacy standards by actively participating in audits assessments
- Conducted root-cause analyses after major incidents to identify areas for process improvement or technical enhancement opportunities
Manager, Manufacturing Engineering & Quality Manager & Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt North America Operations
Dura Automotive Systems
Gordonsville, TN
08.2007 - 01.2009
- Relocated products from closing facilities, which shifted manufacturing responsibilities to the Gordonsville plant
- Established and maintained run standards for operations and maintained manufacturing equipment
- Reported directly to the VP of Operations Seats Division
- Developed a cellular manufacturing process for equipment being moved into the Tennessee plant, ensuring that processes ran efficiently with half of the manufacturing floor plant available earlier
- Created customer-required Control Plans and Process Failure Mode Effects Analyses for all new processes at the Tennessee plant
- Developed Kanban for intercompany products, maintaining 'Just in Time' manufacturing
- Improved system reliability with thorough testing and validation processes
- Conducted in-depth analysis to optimize engineering processes
- Managed and motivated employees to be productive and engaged in work
- Accomplished multiple tasks within established timeframes
- Developed and maintained relationships with external vendors and suppliers
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by establishing clear communication channels and addressing concerns promptly
- Facilitated smooth collaboration between departments through clear communication channels
- Developed innovative solutions by collaborating with cross-functional teams
- Enhanced system performance through meticulous troubleshooting and optimization
Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt North America Operations
Dura Automotive Systems
Gordonsville, TN
08.2006 - 07.2007
- Managed all Lean and Six Sigma activity for all North American plants in Missouri, Tennessee, Michigan, Illinois, Ontario, Canada, and Mexico, reporting directly to the Director / VP of Operations
- Led supplier projects for improvements to the quality of the product, resulting in improvements to the costs of the purchased components
- Worked directly with Ford Motor Company on new product development and continuous improvement opportunities, reducing the cost of products
- Managed and mentored over 900 Lean Six Sigma projects with report outs to Staff and the Leadership Team
- Projects ranged from $2K to $200K in annualized cost savings
- Achieved annualized bottom-line savings of $34M in Lean Six Sigma projects ranging from transactional, scrap, efficiency improvement, and other projects
- Trained and mentored more than 225 Black Belts and 750 Green Belts
- Certified more than 150 Black Belts and 550 Green Belts
- Trained more than 7,000 employees and managers in the Lean Six Sigma Fundamentals
- Enhanced process efficiency by streamlining workflows across multiple departments
- Led cross-functional teams for successful implementation of quality improvement initiatives
- Achieved significant reductions in operational waste with continuous improvement strategies
- Improved organizational performance, facilitating training programs on Six Sigma methodologies
- Developed comprehensive action plans to drive process improvements and cost savings
- Applied Six Sigma principles to optimize production cycles and enhance product quality
- Delivered process excellence by mentoring Green Belts and guiding project implementations
Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt North America Cable & Shifter Operations
Dura Automotive Systems
08.2001 - 07.2006
- Relocated products from closing facilities, which shifted manufacturing responsibilities to the Gordonsville plant
- Established and maintained run standards for operations and maintained manufacturing equipment
- Reported directly to the VP of Operations Seats Division
- Developed a cellular manufacturing process for equipment being moved into the Tennessee plant, ensuring that processes ran efficiently with half of the manufacturing floor plant available earlier
- Created customer-required Control Plans and Process Failure Mode Effects Analyses for all new processes at the Tennessee plant
- Developed Kanban for intercompany products, maintaining 'Just in Time' manufacturing
- Improved system reliability with thorough testing and validation processes
- Conducted in-depth analysis to optimize engineering processes
- Managed and motivated employees to be productive and engaged in work
- Accomplished multiple tasks within established timeframes
- Developed and maintained relationships with external vendors and suppliers
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by establishing clear communication channels and addressing concerns promptly
- Facilitated smooth collaboration between departments through clear communication channels
- Developed innovative solutions by collaborating with cross-functional teams
- Enhanced system performance through meticulous troubleshooting and optimization
Quality Engineer, Lab Supervisor, & Six Sigma Black Belt
Dura Automotive Systems
Milan, TN
01.2000 - 08.2001
- Performed efficient laboratory testing and responsibilities for supplier, manufacturing, and customer quality objectives
- Wrote the Dura Milan Quality Lab Manual and supervised 3 lab technicians
- Launched a training program for quality personnel, enhancing the statistical knowledge of the entire department
- Increased lab efficiency from 45% to 97% by reorganizing the work structure and processes for a more efficient workflow
- Successfully launched the Ford Focus Park Brake program at Dura Milan, utilizing all the quality indices used for a successful launch at the customer
- Developed inspection plans based on design specifications, ensuring all critical dimensions and performance criteria were verified throughout the manufacturing process
- Improved customer satisfaction levels with timely resolution of non-conformance issues and effective corrective actions
- Implemented process improvements based on Lean Six Sigma methodologies, resulting in reduced waste and increased efficiency
- Developed action plan for company certification using ISO 9000 standard knowledge
- Conducted detailed audits to ensure adherence to ISO 9001 standards, maintaining a high level of compliance throughout the organization
- Change agent for the Milan plant regarding selecting and managing Six Sigma projects
- I completed six projects for $560K in bottom-line annual savings as a Black Belt
- I was the Six Sigma Consultant Company's first Black Belt certified in Dura by an external certification organization
- One of 4 Black Belts for Dura Automotive Systems to be selected as Master Black Belt candidates by the Six Sigma Consultants
- Facilitated continuous improvement initiatives by identifying opportunities for process enhancements using Lean Six Sigma methodologies
- Assisted in the implementation of Six Sigma methodologies across various departments, leading process improvement projects that resulted in tangible gains in both productivity and output quality levels
- Utilized Six Sigma methodologies to identify process inefficiencies and implement data-driven improvements in product development workflows
- Implemented Lean Six Sigma methodologies to drive continuous improvement initiatives throughout the facility, leading to increased operational efficiency
- Championed Lean Six Sigma methodologies within the QC department, leading to significant reductions in process variation and defects over time
- Implemented Lean Six Sigma principles to optimize workflows, minimizing waste and maximizing efficiency within the laboratory environment
- Optimized production processes by ensuring proper alignment and tensioning of conveyor belts
Production Supervisor /Team Leader
Dura Automotive Systems
Milan, TN
09.1997 - 12.1999
- Managed the 2nd shift Assembly operations, ensuring the safety, quality, and productivity of approximately 25+ employees
- Introduced job rotation methods, reducing repetitive motion injuries and workers' compensation losses
- Maintained 95%+ efficiency requirements for Assembly lines
- Set performance expectations for the team, monitoring progress towards goals and providing constructive feedback as needed
- Empowered team members by delegating responsibilities according to individual strengths and areas of expertise
- Managed conflict resolution among team members, fostering a positive and collaborative work environment
- Developed team members' skills through targeted coaching sessions, resulting in improved individual performance
- Collaborated with other department leaders to establish shared goals and ensure alignment across teams
- Enhanced team productivity by implementing efficient work processes and regularly reviewing performance metrics
- Established open and professional relationships with team members to achieve quick resolutions for various issues
Production Technician /Team Leader
Alumax Engineered Metal Processes
Jackson, TN
08.1995 - 08.1997
- Set performance expectations for the team, monitoring progress towards goals and providing constructive feedback as needed
- Empowered team members by delegating responsibilities according to individual strengths and areas of expertise
- Managed conflict resolution among team members, fostering a positive and collaborative work environment
- Maintained an inclusive and diverse team culture, promoting respect and understanding among all members
- Developed team members' skills through targeted coaching sessions, resulting in improved individual performance
- Collaborated with other department leaders to establish shared goals and ensure alignment across teams
- Established open and professional relationships with team members to achieve quick resolutions for various issues
- Enhanced team productivity by implementing efficient work processes and regularly reviewing performance metrics
- Evaluated team member performance against established objectives during regular reviews, offering praise for achievements or identifying areas requiring further development
Education
High School Diploma -
Huntingdon High School
Huntingdon, TN 08.1988 - 05.2025
Skills
- Communication
- Teamwork
- Critical thinking
- Leadership
- Six Sigma
- Lean Manufacturing
- Operations Management
- Quality assurance
- Engineering methodologies
- Project management
- Staff development
- Risk management
- Operational planning
- Problem solving
- Team building
- Coaching and mentoring
Professional Overview
Accomplished leader with over 30 years of extensive experience and a proven track record in leadership roles across manufacturing, continuous improvement, quality assurance, and engineering sectors. Possesses advanced skills in streamlining processes and enhancing throughput through a commitment to continuous improvement and cross-functional collaboration. Demonstrates a robust ability to cultivate high-performing teams and inspire staff to reach personal and professional objectives. Proficient in delivering guidance, leadership, and support for product quality and operational processes. Extensive experience spans various industries, including agricultural equipment, commercial and retail beverage production, disposable household products, and automotive components. I am certified as a Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt and possess over 25 years of expertise in Lean methodologies and Six Sigma within manufacturing and transactional project management contexts. My comprehensive background encompasses process implementation and improvements, cost reduction strategies, training initiatives, problem resolution, and field issue management.
Certification
Six Sigma Black Belt
Timeline
Manager, Quality, Manufacturing Engineering, and Continuous Improvement Taylorville Operations & Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt
Grain and Protein Technologies
04.2022 - Current
Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt
04-2021
Engineer, Warranty & Quality Grain & Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt
AGCO
11.2020 - 03.2022
Manager, Quality and Process Improvement & Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt
Bunn
07.2013 - 06.2020
Manager, Site Continuous Improvement & Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt
Clopay
09.2012 - 06.2013
Manager, Product Development & Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt
Lennox Hearth Products
04.2011 - 05.2012
Manager, Continuous Improvement and Reliability Engineering & Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt
Lennox Hearth Products
02.2010 - 03.2011
Manager, Manufacturing Engineering & Quality Manager & Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt North America Operations
Dura Automotive Systems
08.2007 - 01.2009
Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt North America Operations
Dura Automotive Systems
08.2006 - 07.2007
Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt North America Cable & Shifter Operations
Dura Automotive Systems
08.2001 - 07.2006
Six Sigma Black Belt
07-2000
Quality Engineer, Lab Supervisor, & Six Sigma Black Belt
Dura Automotive Systems
01.2000 - 08.2001
Production Supervisor /Team Leader
Dura Automotive Systems
09.1997 - 12.1999
Production Technician /Team Leader
Alumax Engineered Metal Processes
08.1995 - 08.1997
High School Diploma -
Huntingdon High School
08.1988 - 05.2025
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