Relevant Qualifications
Master Degree in Industrial Engineering • TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY OF GABROVO – Gabrovo, Bulgaria
Professional Association: Council Member, Gerson Lehman Group / GLC
Patent: Awarded Bulgarian patent No. 101729 as co-inventor of Load Limiter designed for protection of devices driven by electric motor and used in electric hoist, lift and elevator engineering.
Languages
Proficient in Russian, English And Serbian
Profile
Seasoned, high-energy executive with more than 10 years of exceptional achievement developing and directing strategic business plans to achieve ambitious goals for sales, market and revenue growth. Exceptional problem solver and proven leader; instrumental in driving performance, process, and organizational improvements across functions and levels. Entrusted with operational responsibilities for multimillion dollar operating budgets and key capital projects in diverse industries. Change agent with outstanding history of developing and reinvigorating operations. Hard-wired to succeed through strategic planning and innovation. Motivate, mentor and lead teams of talented professionals toward achievement of their greatest potential.
• In-depth transaction background including start-up and acquisition management
• Innovative investor with sound insight, judgment and instincts essential to the success of complex deals
• Very strong background in operations and finance
Areas of Expertise:
• Strategic Planning & Implementation
• Cost Reduction & Avoidance
• Production Planning
• Performance Improvement
• Lean Manufacturing / Kaizen / Six Sigma • Budget / P&L Planning & Administration
• Operations Analysis / Process Redesign
• Vendor / Subcontractor Alliances
• Contract Negotiations
• Relationship Management / Communications
Career Summary
ITW – Plovdiv, Bulgaria
Plant Manager
(2008 – )
Managed due diligence for acquisition of subcontractor and recruited an outstanding new management team to lead subsequent operations. Established and enforced standards and best practices for new business in line with company policies and procedures. Replaced outdated business model and revitalized corporate strategy, eliminating repetitious layers of procedures and practices.
♦ Acquisition of 12M$ company and following integration.
♦ Set up new injection molding facility for production of 80 products; led planning and implementation from
♦ design through construction to operation of equipment weighing from 25 to 200 tons.
♦ Transferred all production lines to ITW plant following acquisition.
♦ Coordinated start-up of additional production lines at sister plants in China and Brazil.
♦ Redesigned manufacturing processes to include automated assembly.
♦ Introduced Lean manufacturing and restructured to achieve one-piece flow process.
♦ Optimized productivity and performance of both blue- and white-collar staff through individual empowerment and a restructured bonus plan; drove cost controls and introduced technology initiatives.
♦ Achieved 35% increase in revenue and 30% reduction in overhead.
WATTS INDUSTRIES – Plovdiv, Bulgaria
Operations Manager
(2004 to 2008)
Held full accountability for all day-to-day business operations. Reported directly to Managing Director Europe. Responsible for financial performance, product costing, implementation of cost reduction initiatives, and capital forecasting. Additionally charged with management of contract negotiations, supply chain, new product development, procurement, and HR. Tracked metrics and KPIs to ensure achievement of corporate goals.
♦ Established a team-based culture to drive innovation, collaboration and performance among Finance, Production, R&D, Technical, Logistics, Sales and Supply Departments.
♦ Negotiated valuable vendor and subcontractor contracts that reduced labor / costs 25% in 12 months.
♦ Implemented best practices to reduce inventory levels 33% while increasing sales.
♦ Reduced overdue orders from $600K to $10K in just 60 days.
♦ Successfully transferred two production lines with two different products from Italy and Germany to Bulgaria, reducing costs and increasing profits.
PODEM LTD. – Gabrovo, Bulgaria
Joined Podem in 1990, rising through several hands-on production engineering roles to achieve leadership of the Electromechanical / Maintenance Department in 1998.
Maintenance Manager (1998 to 2004)
Oversaw maintenance, engineering, construction, renovation and facilities management for district operations of this manufacturer of electric rope hoists (230 district employees; $1.2M operating budget). Ensured adherence to OSHA and quality management standards in accordance with ISO 9001 standards. Reported directly to CEO.
♦ Reorganized production processes and implemented natural gas into manufacturing to achieve energy efficiency and reduce operating costs.
♦ Directed $5M capital restructuring project that increased production 20% while reducing lead times and operating costs 10%.
♦ Installed computerized maintenance system, reducing spare parts inventory 25% ($300K annually).
♦ Planned and managed relocation, refurbishment and set-up of plant equipment from three separate locations to headquarters.
