Richard Plaspohl II
Production Cell Leader
West Lafayette,IN
Summary
Dynamic leader with a proven track record at Conagra Brands, enhancing operational efficiency and product quality through process optimization and continuous improvement strategies. Skilled in operations management and project management, I've successfully reduced quality holds and increased overall morale in the cell. Expert in fostering a culture of safety and compliance, alongside mentoring teams for peak performance.
Results-driven leader with strong background in manufacturing and team management. Known for fostering collaboration and responsiveness to changing needs, ensuring consistent performance and quality. Expertise includes process optimization, team training, and problem-solving. Reliable and adaptable, delivering impactful results through effective leadership and strategic planning.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
4
4
years of post-secondary education
6
6
Certifications
Work History
Production Cell Leader
Conagra Brands
Rensselaer, IN
06.2024 - Current
- Mentoring team members through hands-on guidance in daily tasks as well as larger career development goals by using the Conagra CPS initiative.
- Collaborated with engineering teams to implement design improvements that enhanced product functionality while reducing manufacturing costs.
- Reduced waste within the cell by implementing lean manufacturing goals by reworking product.
- Implementing quality control measures to maintain high product quality and reduce customer complaints.
- Managed and led a team of technicians for optimal performance, resulting in increased productivity and reduced downtime.
- Established performance metrics and tracked progress against targets, using data-driven insights to guide improvement efforts.
Continuous Improvement Manager
Copper Moon Coffee Company
Lafayette, IN
04.2024 - 06.2024
- Enhanced operational efficiency by implementing continuous improvement strategies and streamlining processes.
- Led change management efforts during major organizational transitions, minimizing disruptions to daily operations.
- Championed a culture of continuous improvement within the organization, fostering a focus on innovation and excellence.
- Implemented standard work procedures across departments, enhancing consistency in operations and reducing variability in output quality.
- Optimized inventory management systems for better visibility into stock levels, leading to reduced waste and improved ordering accuracy.
3rd Shift Operations Manager
Copper Moon Coffee Company
Lafayette, IN
12.2021 - 04.2024
- Trained staff of direct labor employees to perform assembly and manufacture of specified products.
- Prepared in advance for and addressed production problems, material deficits, equipment failures and unavoidable delays.
- Utilized lean practices to balance workflow and alleviate redundancy.
- Boosted production throughput and quality by revamping procedures and monitoring strategies.
- Monitored materials use to identify concerns and keep costs low.
- Evaluated team member performance regularly to identify and resolve productivity concerns.
- Modernized and improved operational procedures to increase productivity and profitability while tightly controlling costs.
Production Supervisor
Indiana Packers Corporation
Delphi, Indiana
09.2021 - 12.2021
- Prepared in advance for and addressed production problems, material deficits, equipment failures and unavoidable delays.
- Trained staff of direct labor employees to perform assembly and manufacture of specified products.
- Set and enforced performance-oriented production approach, significantly increasing worker output and reducing safety incidents.
- Monitored materials use to identify concerns and keep costs low.
- Reduced inventory and monthly team labor hours by strategically updating processes and reorganizing operational workflows.
- Boosted production throughput and quality by revamping procedures and monitoring strategies.
- Evaluated team member performance regularly to identify and resolve productivity concerns.
Operations Manager
Hormel Foods Corp De
Beloit, Wisconsin
06.2015 - 09.2021
- Reduced inventory and monthly team labor hours by strategically updating processes and reorganizing operational workflow.
- Maintained clean and well-organized production areas to avoid violations or unnecessary work delays due to hazards or inefficient layouts.
- Conducted routine inspections of incoming materials to check quality and compliance with established product specifications.
- Boosted production throughput and quality by revamping procedures and monitoring strategies.
- Revitalized the canning department's operational structures and procedures to successful control turnover and waste, enhance output and boost overall quality.
- Minimized resource and time losses by addressing employee or production issue directly and implementing timely solutions.
- Evaluated employee skills and knowledge regularly, providing hands-on training and mentoring to individuals with lagging skills.
- Established clear priorities and production quality standards.
Production Team Leader
Rea Magnet Wire Company Inc.
Lafayette, IN
11.1998 - 06.2015
- Prepared, calibrated and monitored production machinery to maintain optimal production levels and consistently achieve daily targets.
- Monitored and evaluated teams, identifying and targeting opportunities for improvement.
- Evaluated employee skills and knowledge regularly, providing hands-on training and mentoring to individuals with lagging skills.
- Boosted efficiency by coordinating projects and assignments for 15 team members.
- Analyzed equipment breakdowns using various troubleshooting methods.
- Enforced quality assurance protocols to deliver ideal customer experiences.
- Set, enforced and optimized internal policies to maintain efficiency and responsiveness to demands.
- Supported regulatory compliance by overseeing all audits to verify protocol adherence.
Education
High School Diploma -
Jefferson High School
Lafayette, IN 08.1993 - 08.1997
Skills
Safety and compliance
Project management
Schedule management
Quality assurance
Process optimization
Operations management
Cost reduction and containment
Certification
Warehouse Management certification 2015
Timeline
Production Cell Leader
Conagra Brands
06.2024 - Current
Continuous Improvement Manager
Copper Moon Coffee Company
04.2024 - 06.2024
3rd Shift Operations Manager
Copper Moon Coffee Company
12.2021 - 04.2024
Production Supervisor
Indiana Packers Corporation
09.2021 - 12.2021
Operations Manager
Hormel Foods Corp De
06.2015 - 09.2021
Production Team Leader
Rea Magnet Wire Company Inc.
11.1998 - 06.2015
High School Diploma -
Jefferson High School
08.1993 - 08.1997
Warehouse Management certification 2015
Better Process Control School certification 2016
Dale Carnegie Course completion 2017
Building Personal Influence certification 2018
Meat Science certification 2018
Supervisor Leadership Development certification 2019
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