Wes

6/12/2014
Kansas City, MO

Position Desired

Computer Engineering
Anywhere in the U.S.
Yes

Resume

ENGINEERING MANAGER
A dynamic and accomplished technology manager with a demonstrated track record of successfully applying and managing technology to improve business performance. Proven results in the introduction and management of effective hardware, software, and workflow implementations to maximize system efficiency and bring new capabilities/functionality to fulfill customer needs. Strong analytical, organizational and problem solving skills. Excellent communication and presentation skills with customers and staff.

HALLMARK CARDS - Kansas City, Missouri (1991 - Present)
Creative Technology Manager (2008 - Present)
Manage 18 engineers, LEAN change agents, developers and managers, which comprise the core research, project management, software development and technical infrastructure group within the 1100-member Creative Division. Chosen for position based on my functional knowledge of area, results orientation and ability to define a technical vision to motivate others for positive changes and results.
● Define and manage the hardware, software, workflow and color management standards used within Creative while managing corporate relationships with key software and hardware vendors.
● Manage annual budget of $7M, a decrease of $3.5MM (over 30%) since 2008. This is due to aggressive identification of waste, along with favorable contract negotiations with Adobe, Apple, Kodak and HP.
● Provided project management leadership to implement new corporate digital asset management system for subsidiaries on 5 continents. System stores over 11MM assets and facilitates 15k downloads daily.
● Developed software tools that save Hallmark over $12MM annually while implementing solutions and tools that supported $400MM in incremental revenue. Software included Mac and Windows implementations using .Net, JavaScript, Python and Objective-C programming.
● Implemented a homegrown SQL-based model line management tool using agile development techniques.
● Implemented Outlook 365. My group was responsible for testing, implementation, documentation and training for all enterprise Mac users.
● Increased employee engagement by implementing performance management through open and honest communication, 360 feedback, linking corporate objectives and measuring results.
● Rated among top 10% of managers in employee engagement and effectiveness survey.
● Member of the corporate Data Governance Board and Process Council.

Business Transformation Program Manager (2006 - 2008)
Technology representative on core business transformation team, challenged to cut product introduction cycle time from 18 to 9 months and find savings in excess of $6M. Requested for assignment based on ability to think “out-of-the-box”, surpass expectations for delivering results and in-depth knowledge of business and pre-press infrastructure.
● Identified and recommended cycle time reductions in pre-press, manufacturing and distribution needed to meet the 9-month product cycle goal. Cycle time reduction in pre-press alone was over 40%.
● Coordinated 24 projects utilizing latest digital technologies and lean methodologies, resulting in annual savings of $8.2M. Coordination included identifying project leaders, maintaining overall project savings and investments, developing and implementing lean product development training, maintaining project schedules and communicating transformation efforts with senior management.
● Responsible for developing business case and calculated ROI, IRR, NPV and payback.

Production Manager (2005 - 2006)
Accepted one-year assignment to manage one of four departments in the Lawrence, KS plant. Selected for assignment to broaden my management skills beyond project work while gaining production experience.
● Managed an organization of over 200 people across three shifts with a yearly budget in excess of $10M.
● Implemented 5-S, standardized work and SOPs to increase efficiency. Reduced work in progress by 10% while cycle time improved by 20%.
● Implemented employee owned quality system that reduced errors by 40%, saving $100K annually.
● Proactively utilized performance management tools to increase overall productivity by 2.5% while saving over $500K annually. Achieved results by focusing the right work to the right equipment, implementing standard operating procedures (SOPs) and increasing expectations of low, medium and high performers.

Program Manager (2004 - 2005)
Led program to implement a Manufacturing Execution System (MES) across Hallmark manufacturing plants, resulting in annual savings of $1 Million. Selected for position based on leadership abilities, communication skills, technical background and a history of proven results.
● Led formation of program team to implement project across 4 plants in U.S. and Canada.
● Completed project scope, vendor selection and contract negotiation with the selected vendor, Datasweep.
● Led team to develop all functional and technical documentation.
● Reduced packaging work-in-progress by 20% and improved cycle-time by 10%.
● Kept project within budget while meeting a very aggressive schedule of 18 months.
● Coordinated both internal and offshore development resources.

Project Manager (2001 - 2004)
Led team that developed I/T specifications needed to enable multiple disruptive technologies within manufacturing and distribution. Team leadership duties and accomplishments included:
● Implemented digital infrastructure to support digital 3-D tooling files resulting in $2M in annual savings.
● Initiated and implemented project to automate task of card layouts for lithography, resulting in annual savings of $1.2M. Project completed 3 months ahead of its original 2-year schedule.
● Led distribution project to consolidate shipments to retailers based on store performance. Annual savings of $1.2MM were achieved within first year of implementation.

Intellectual Properties (IP) Manager (1999 - 2001)
Chosen for role based on my familiarity of patents and overall knowledge of the on-line space.
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