Resume - An experienced business professional, trained as a Manufacturing Engineer who soon progressed into management positions predominantly in the commercial & supply chain function. Experience of diverse market sectors including Defence, Automotive & Engineered Products. Active on a global basis working in Central Europe, USA & UK. Operating at Board level positions has provided the opportunity to apply strategic business development combined with tough operational responsibilities. Whilst having a hands on approach I've developed leadership and coaching qualities - very much a team player but results orientated.

Career Summary

2003-07(4 yrs)James Walker Keaflex - Managing Director Bordon -Uk

1988-2003(15yrs)Avon Rubber Plc

(3) Avon Automotive Europe - Project Manager (Materials Man & Logistics) Europe

(2) Avon Automotive (USA) - Purchasing Manager USA / Mexico

(2) Avon-Rubena a.s (JV) - Director - General Manager Czech Republic

(3) Avon- Clevite - Business Development Team Leader Chippenham

(2) Avon Industrial Polymers - Planning Manager Bradford-on-Avon

1979-88(9 yrs)GEC - Marconi

Marconi Radar Systems - Planning Manager Chelmsford

Manufacturing Systems Engineer

Student Apprentice

Career Achievements

Managing Director - James Walker Keaflex. ( Polymer Engineering)

* Full P& L + Balance sheet responsibility for this £2m business unit.

* Developed strategic recovery plan for this custom moulding operation.

* Reversed a 9 year trend of sales decline to generate the highest sales in the 35 year history.

* Implemented lean manufacturing principles.

* Achieved a £230k net profit improvement in third year.

* Full personal development plans for Executive team of 6.

*Developed "customer focussed" business practises

Avon Rubber Plc

During 15 years career with Avon I worked in various senior management roles within diverse operating units, gaining wide experience in the elastomeric & automotive supply industries. Working in the UK, Europe, USA & Mexico required communicating in different cultural environments in a global business. My engineering & planning skills provided a sound basis for business analysis & change management. I demonstrated the ability to provide leadership to different teams in several functional roles and always looked for new challenging opportunities.

Project Manager (Materials Man. & Logistics -Avon Automotive) Jul 1999 - Jan 2003

* Introduction of modern supply chain management techniques.

* Implementation of policy & procedures across several European Operations.

* Ford "Delivery Champion" giving customer focus to operational improvements and Ford Q1 status achieved in 2 Plants ( Portugal & Czech Republic).

* Business "turn-around" task force team set-up for ailing operation and achieved miraculous recovery and averted major corporate disaster.

* Provided customer & plant support interface during two plant closures.

* Developed a pan-European sales forecasting system with e-business backbone.

Purchasing Manager ( Avon Automotive USA - Michigan) Aug 1997 - Jul 1999

* Generating a global purchase strategy across 7 North Americian business units.

* Responsible for $62 million spend.

* Achieved $2.6 million savings with shrinking volumes.

* Created a supplier development program with value chain analysis.

Director General Manager (Avon - Rubena a.s - Czech Republic) Feb 1995 - Jul 1997

* Developed strategic position of critical central European facility (£12 million turnover - 450 employees)

* Major change management requirements involving considerable business transformation.

* Quality standards improved ( QS9000 & VDA "A" rating)

* Full P&L & balance sheet responsibility - profitable growth maintained (15% ROS).

* Sales increased by 50% over a 3 year period, with a largely export lead growth into European markets.

* Productivity improved dramatically as only 10% increase in headcount over this period.

* Bought out the minority partner and converted from joint venture to sole ownership.

* Researched 2 potential further acquisitions for main board consideration.

* £1 million investment in advanced manufacturing facility opened by British Ambassador.

Business Development Team Leader (Avon-Clevite - Chippenham) May 1992 - Feb 1995

* Commercial responsibility for selected Automotive OEM & 1st tier accounts.

* Secured £11.5 million on new business in UK.

* Developed technology agreement with Bridgestone (Japan).

Planning Manager (Avon Industrial Polymers - Bradford-on-Avon) Mar 1988- May 1995

* Applied lean manufacturing principles in manufacturing cell design & production control.

* Developed customer sales support & production planning in a multi-market business unit. ( Railway , Defence, Industrial Products, Automotive)

* Developed new computer based planning & control system, JIT based.

Planning Manager (GEC - Marconi Radar Systems - Chelmsford)

Appointed Planning Manager at the age of 23 following short period as Manufacturing Systems Engineer & a high quality structured student apprenticeship.

Awarded "Best Student Apprentice" in 1983.

Education

1990 - 1992 Executive MBa (Bath University)

1979 - 1982 1st Class Hons BSc (Production Techology & Management) Brunel University.

Professional Qualification

Chartered Engineer (CEng ) - 1986 - 2003

Member of Institute of Production Engineers - MIProdE

( Subsequently merged with Inst, Electrical Engineers)

Member of Institute of Directors ( MIoD)