SENIOR PRODUCT MANAGER
Versatile, resourceful, and results-oriented Senior Product Manager with progressive experience in design engineering, technical sales, and product line management. Combine unique blend of technical expertise and business acumen with the ability to see the big picture, focus on the important details, and prioritize multiple projects. Self-directed leader who can build and motivate high-performance, cross-functional teams to achieve stretch goals. Dynamic relationship builder who can cultivate effective working partnerships with key stakeholders. Committed to adding value and exceeding expectations through creative idea generation, collaborative problem solving, intuitive business judgment, and by delivering superior levels of customer service and satisfaction.

AREAS OF EXPERTISE

• Strategic Planning
• Continuous Improvement
• Client Relations
• Needs Assessment
• Market Research
• Negotiations
• Business Development
• Cost Estimation
• Coaching & Mentoring
• New Product Launches
• Budgeting & Forecasting
• Team Leadership

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Confidential,Melrose Park, IL | 2008 - Present
International leader in the storage systems market specializing in the design, manufacturing, sale and services of metal racking, automated warehouses and other storage solutions.
Engineering Manager
Lead a staff of seven consisting of engineers, product designers and CAD technicians. Perform structural product design using various programs (Visual Analysis, MathCAD, RISA) and hand calculations. Review, approve and certify engineering drawings. Develop competitive cost proposals for sales group. Schedule projects for engineering and CAD design. Develop and maintain extensive knowledge in design codes including Load and Resistance Factor Design (LRFD), American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI), Rack Manufacturers Institute (RMI) and the International Building Code (IBC).

Key Accomplishments

• Spearheaded the engineering team to improve meeting "as promised" dates to 95%.
• Directed the engineering group through the integration of new internal practices and processes.

Valmont-Structures Confidential, Plymouth IN | 2002 - 2008
Leading manufacturer of steel and aluminum structural products and the nation's largest galvanizer of steel parts operating in 45 facilities worldwide doing $1+ billion in sales with over 5,000 employees.
Product Line Manager, Specialty Products (2003 - 2008)
Led a sales group and engineering department of 11 employees with direct oversight and full financial responsibility for a product line of overhead roadway sign support structures for state transportation departments and other U.S. highway authorities that generated over $12 million in sales with a targeted growth rate of 25%. Consistently met sales and profit projections.
Reviewed, analyzed and approved product quotations, engineering calculations, cost standards, and material indexes. Certified drawings and calculations. Collaborated with production to schedule products. Presented daily progress and weekly financial reports to senior management. Provided service and technical support to sales representatives and customers.

Key Accomplishments

• Generated revenue growth for a new product line that increased sales from $2 million in the first year to $15 million in just five years.
• Set a single project sales record of its type in company history.
• Facilitated a cost reduction process change that cut lead times for manufacturing releases by more than 50%, helped meet customer commitments, and reduced shop errors and re-work by more than 30%.

Manager/Project Engineer (2002 - 2003)
Directed the overhead sign structure department consisting of five CAD designers/drafters and two engineers (EIT's). Conducted structural design using a number of programs (RISA-3D, MathCAD) and hand calculations.
Gained extensive knowledge in design codes: Allowable Stress Design (ASD), Load and Resistance Factor Design (LRFD), and AASHTO 1994 & 2001.
Reviewed, approved and certified engineering drawings. Developed bid proposals for customers. Scheduled projects for engineering and fabrication. Provided technical support to resolve fabrication and field problems.

Confidential, Hammond, IN | 1998 - 2002
Independent professional services company that provides technical support services for general and specific building conditions requiring studs, joists and light gage trusses.
Design Engineer
Serving as the lead floor design specialist, directed three floor designers who produced layouts of varying complexity. Designed numerous light gauge steel structures including curtain wall systems, load bearing wall systems, shaftwall and fire rated wall systems, and roof systems (rafter and truss).for both commercial and residential applications. Specialized in floor design and layout. Built extensive knowledge in design of proprietary products: SureSpanâ (UltraSpanâ) truss and the TradeReadyâ product line, various building codes (UBC, ASCE & IBC), and AISI. Provided technical support to sales and customers.

Key Accomplishments

• Led an engineering group to develop tools and marketing information for a new proprietary product line. Promoted, purchased and installed product into personal residence and was featured in a three part local cable show. Also won an award for innovation and construction efficiencies from the monthly builder's periodical - Metal Home Digest.

Confidential, Indianapolis, IN | 1994 - 1997
Engineering Assistant
Supported the design, research and development, traffic, and construction departments as a coop student.

EDUCATION

Master of Business Administration
Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering

LICENSURE
Professional Engineer in 13 states

COMPUTER SKILLS
Microsoft Office Products
Minitab
Risa 3D, Risa Base, Visual Analysis
AutoCAD