LARISSA FRITZEN

Plant Manager with 18 years of experience in manufacturing and cross-functional team leadership in high-demand environments. Expertise in the plastics industry, utilizing a strategic and analytical approach to meet operational objectives. Demonstrated ability to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and uphold safety and quality standards. Recognized for effective communication and collaboration skills, ensuring seamless plant operations.

Larissa Fritz, 647-679-3790, larissa_pedrosa@hotmail.com, Plant Manager with over 18 years of experience managing manufacturing and leading cross-functional teams in fast-paced, high-demand environments. Offers technical expertise in the plastics industry, combined with a strategic, analytical mindset and a systems-oriented approach to achieving operational goals. Known for a hands-on leadership style, strong communication skills, and the ability to foster collaboration across departments. Proven track record of driving efficiency, reducing costs, and maintaining high standards of safety and quality. A strategic thinker with the technical know-how to solve problems quickly and ensure smooth, reliable plant operations., Expertise in Plastics industry: knowledge of plastic materials and processing methods including injection molding, blow molding, and extrusion., Process Improvement & Lean Six Sigma: Experienced in driving continuous improvement using Six Sigma tools to optimize quality, reduce waste, and boost efficiency., Finance: Strong understanding of budgeting, cost control, and analyzing financial impact of operational decisions., Strategic Planning & Execution: Experienced in setting long-term operational goals and executing plans aligned with overall business strategy., Cross-Functional Leadership: Effective in leading diverse teams across engineering, production, quality, Maintenance and logistics to achieve common targets., Safety & Compliance: Committed to maintaining high standards of workplace safety and regulatory compliance., Atlantic Packaging Products Ltd, Plant Manager, 04/01/22, Present, Achieved a 39% improvement in EBITDA by leading cost-reduction initiatives and optimizing production efficiency across a 100-employee manufacturing facility., Implemented a quality control system that improved product conformity by 43%, significantly enhancing customer satisfaction and reducing rework., Reduced workplace incidents by 32% by fostering a strong safety culture and reinforcing proactive health & safety protocols., Improved employee morale and engagement, achieving a 50% increase in participation through the launch of monthly engagement initiatives., Successfully managed a multi-million-dollar budget and monthly P&L, ensuring alignment with financial objectives and driving operational profitability., Oversaw labor cost management strategies in collaboration with supervisors and managers, maintaining efficiency while controlling expenses., Facilitated daily leadership meetings to drive quick resolution of production, staffing, quality, and training challenges, resulting in improved cross-functional coordination and responsiveness., ABC Group Inc. - Automotive Industry, Production Manager, 12/01/16, 04/01/22, Directed daily production activities across a 250-employee facility, enhancing operational efficiency and empowering team-level problem solving for improved ownership and accountability., Proactively tracked and analyzed the production schedule, realigning strategies as needed to meet shifting demands and ensure on-time delivery., Developed and maintained optimal staffing plans, achieving workforce stability within approved headcount and budget limits., Supported continuous improvement initiatives, implementing ergonomic and safety enhancements aligned with corporate safety standards., Recruited, trained, and coached high-performing teams, resulting in improved employee capability, engagement, and retention; ensured all staff were properly trained and performance plans actively managed., Promoted and enforced workplace safety protocols, contributing to a reduction in incidents and a safer production floor., Championed the Company’s Quality Management System, ensuring product and process quality standards were consistently met across operations., Dana Automotive - Automotive Industry, Process Engineer, 08/01/11, 08/01/15, Led international initiatives in process optimization and machine development across facilities in the USA and Brazil, successfully improving operational efficiency and standardizing best practices globally., Spearheaded the design and implementation of new manufacturing processes for plastic and rubber lines, integrating international quality standards and significantly improving throughput and consistency., Delivered accurate tooling and cost estimations, including special-purpose gauges, fixtures, cycle times, and capital investments, supporting successful project bids and timely project planning., Provided hands-on technical manufacturing support, eliminating recurring defects and optimizing production performance in complex plastic and rubber processing environments., Contributed to successful APQP and PPAP deliverables by supporting new product launches, engineering changes, and continuous improvement projects., Authored and maintained standardized process documentation, including operator instructions, setup/rework procedures, PFMEAs, and training plans, improving compliance and workforce readiness., Partnered with QA teams to address and resolve customer concerns, delivering effective 8D reports and corrective actions that improved product reliability and customer satisfaction., Led plant layout redesigns to improve workflow, material movement, and space utilization, resulting in measurable gains in productivity and operational efficiency., McGill University, Certificate, Accounting & Finance for Non-Financial Manager, 05/01/24, SSC – Six Sigma Consultants, Inc., Six Sigma Black Belt, 01/01/18, UFRGS - Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Master´s Degree, Industrial Engineering, 05/01/13, ULBRA - Lutheran University of Brazil, Bachelor´s Degree, Polymer Engineering, 05/01/09