Mark Duarte
Santa Clarita,CA
Summary
With over 20 years of manufacturing operations experience, I have developed a strong leadership foundation and excelled in various roles with increasing levels of responsibility. My progressive leadership experiences have instilled in me a passion for surpassing financial and service objectives by implementing lean operating methods and incentivizing team achievement. As a results-driven management professional, I have a proven track record in overseeing plant operations and optimizing production processes. Skilled at fostering team collaboration and ensuring operational efficiency, while adapting to evolving demands. Expertise lies in resource management, process improvement, and safety compliance. Reliable and goal-oriented individual, consistently delivering impactful outcomes through strategic leadership and decisive action.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Plant Manager
Fresh Start Healthy Meals
06.2023 - Current
- Created and implemented a Daily Management System to create synergy around daily operations and support teams.
- Manage 8 departments which include Receiving, Quality Control, Inventory, Pre-production, Bakery, Kitchen, Sanitation, and Overwrap.
- Direct Reports include 3 salaried employees and a total staff of 100.
- Develop and manage plant productivity and process improvement plans utilizing continuous improvement techniques.
- Focus on talent and organizational development, develop an effective succession planning process, and creates a culture focused on continuous improvement.
- Started a baseline that monitors overall plant performance. Manages plant performance improvements based on Key Performance Indicator (KPI) measurements.
VP of Operations
Tattooed Chef
04.2021 - 04.2023
- Directed multi-site FDA food manufacturing and cold storage facilities.
- Increased company annual sales in the first year through performance optimization and efficiency improvements.
- Directly trained and managed 5 managers and 5 supervisors while leading a total staff of 300.
- Project lead on implementation of production line automation.
- Provided leadership and direction of Supply Chain Management and operations.
- Managed and coordinated new revised purchasing methods for continuous improvement of procurement functions.
- Built relationships throughout the Senior Leadership Team to be an effective listener and problem solver.
Director of Operations
Harvest Farms
01.2019 - 04.2021
- Directed multi-site USDA and FDA manufacturing facilities.
- Established KPI’s and drive metrics to lead improvements in quality, productivity, on time delivery, and cost reduction.
- Coached Managers and Supervisors in the development of leadership style and improved job performance.
- Managed P&L and Capital Expenditure Budget.
- Managed preventative maintenance initiatives to maximize performance uptime.
- Optimized manufacturing functions by lowering overhead by enhancing existing equipment.
- Directly managed 4 Managers while leading a total staff of 180.
Plant Manager
Zacky Farms
08.2002 - 01.2018
- Directed and coordinated food production processing and distribution activities within a USDA facility.
- Responsible for ensuring compliance with USDA, EPA, OSHA, City, and State regulations.
- Directly managed 6 Managers and 5 Supervisors while leading a total staff of 150.
- Reviewed processing schedules and production orders to make effective decisions concerning inventory and staffing requirements.
- Made strategic decisions and developed key plans that affect the direction of the business.
- Trained, coached, and mentored staff to ensure the smooth adoption of new programs.
Skills
- Multi-Unit Operations Management
- Inventory Management
- Team Leadership
- Line Automation
- Multi-Million Dollar P&L Management
- Warehousing Shipping and Receiving
- Project Management
- ERP Systems
- Production planning
- Operations management
- Project management
- Plant and warehouse operations
- Continuous improvement
- Production scheduling
- Team building and development
- Lean manufacturing processes
Certification
- SQF Practitioner - SCS Global
- HACCP Certified
- Forklift/ Pallet Jack Certified
- Costco Audit Certified
Timeline
Plant Manager
Fresh Start Healthy Meals
06.2023 - Current
VP of Operations
Tattooed Chef
04.2021 - 04.2023
Director of Operations
Harvest Farms
01.2019 - 04.2021
Plant Manager
Zacky Farms
08.2002 - 01.2018
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