Will Jackson
Mechanical Engineer/People Management Professional
Oakville,ON
Summary
Highly experienced and dedicated engineering professional with over 20 years of expertise in manufacturing and operations management. Proven leader with a strong background in people management, safety compliance, and continuous improvement. Skilled in driving team performance, streamlining operations, and fostering a culture of accountability. Known for building strong internal and external partnerships and ensuring adherence to regulatory requirements and best practices.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
2
2
Certifications
Work History
Maintenance Manager
PepsiCo
06.2023 - Current
- Lead a unionized team of 10–15 technicians, providing coaching, and technical support.
- Manage daily maintenance operations, ensuring safety, quality, cost, and service targets are met.
- Drive continuous improvement projects and execute preventative maintenance plans.
- Conduct one-on-ones to reinforce performance standards and compliance.
- Develop and implement preventive maintenance schedules and standard operating procedures (SOPs).
- Ensure efficient, safe operation of all production equipment and facilities.
- Conduct regular equipment inspections to proactively identify and resolve issues.
- Troubleshoot and repair mechanical, electrical, and facility-related problems promptly.
- Maintain spare parts inventory and coordinate timely procurement to reduce downtime.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to prioritize and schedule maintenance activities.
- Enforce safety protocols and ensure compliance with OSHA and company regulations.
- Promote a culture of continuous improvement, innovation, and operational excellence.
Operations/Plant Manager
Toscano Ltd.
12.2018 - 07.2023
- Manage and coordinate all manufacturing activities to ensure production goals, quality standards, and delivery schedules are met.
- Develop and implement efficient production plans to meet customer demand while optimizing resource utilization and minimizing waste.
- Lead, motivate, and develop a diverse team of supervisors, technicians, and operators across production, maintenance, and logistics departments.
- Ensure consistent quality in manufactured interior doors and railings by enforcing quality control systems and continuous improvement practices
- Identify bottlenecks and inefficiencies; implement lean principles and process improvements to increase productivity and reduce costs.
- Ensure timely preventive and corrective maintenance of all machinery and equipment to avoid downtime and ensure safety and reliability.
- Enforce safety protocols, ensure OSHA compliance, and create a culture of workplace safety and environmental responsibility.
- Coordinate with procurement, warehouse, and logistics teams to manage raw material inventory, minimize stockouts, and ensure just-in-time delivery.
- Develop and manage the plant’s operating budget, analyze cost drivers, and implement cost-saving initiatives without compromising quality or safety.
- Work closely with engineering, sales, customer service, and senior management to align production capabilities with business goals.
- Evaluate equipment and staffing needs to support future growth, new product introductions, or seasonal demand fluctuations.
- Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) such as OEE, yield, downtime, and labor efficiency; generate regular reports for senior leadership.
- Ensure products meet building codes, safety standards, and any relevant regulations specific to interior building products.
- Foster a positive work environment, drive employee engagement initiatives, and resolve conflicts fairly and efficiently.
- Lead capital improvement projects, facility upgrades, or equipment installations from planning through execution.
Owner/Operator
WS Construction & Home Renovations
03.2012 - 12.2018
- Plan, schedule, and oversee all phases of home renovation projects from concept to completion, ensuring on-time and on-budget delivery.
- Meet with homeowners to assess needs, provide design input, estimate costs, and maintain strong client relationships throughout the project.
- Prepare accurate project estimates and manage project budgets, ensuring profitability while delivering high-quality results.
- Hire, supervise, and coordinate subcontractors, tradespeople, and in-house crew members to ensure quality workmanship and timely progress.
- Secure necessary permits and ensure all renovations comply with local building codes, zoning regulations, and safety standards.
- Assist clients with design choices, including layout, finishes, fixtures, and materials for kitchens, bathrooms, basements, flooring, and more.
- Conduct regular site inspections to ensure work meets quality standards and specifications, addressing any issues promptly.
- Source and negotiate with vendors for materials, manage deliveries, and maintain positive supplier relationships.
- Promote services through local advertising, social media, word of mouth, and referral networks to attract new clients and grow the business.
- Handle contracts, invoicing, payroll, insurance, and financial reporting to ensure smooth business operations.
- Implement job site safety protocols and ensure a safe working environment for all employees and subcontractors.
- Address unexpected project challenges, client concerns, or contractor issues with professionalism and effective solutions.
CNC Manager
Electro-Motive Diesel Inc.
09.2005 - 03.2012
- Managed 30+ unionized employees and production schedules.
- Manage day-to-day CNC machining operations, ensuring production of high-precision components for diesel engines and locomotive systems.
- Lead a team of CNC operators, programmers, and machinists; provide training, performance evaluations, and technical guidance.
- Develop and maintain efficient machining schedules aligned with production timelines and project deadlines.
- Oversee CNC programming (e.g., using Mastercam, Siemens, or Fanuc controls), ensuring accuracy, efficiency, and optimal machine utilization.
- Manage the selection, setup, and maintenance of tools, fixtures, and cutting equipment for high-performance machining of engine blocks, heads, and components.
- Ensure all machined parts meet strict EMD quality standards and tight tolerances; collaborate with QA for inspections and corrective actions.
- Implement preventive maintenance schedules for CNC machines and coordinate repairs to minimize downtime and maintain performance.
- Apply lean principles and Six Sigma methodologies to reduce waste, improve cycle times, and enhance overall efficiency.
- Enforce safety standards, ensure compliance with OSHA and company-specific safety protocols, and maintain a clean, hazard-free shop floor.
- Monitor tooling and raw material inventories, ensuring timely availability for production while controlling costs.
- Work closely with engineering teams to review technical drawings, resolve manufacturability issues, and support new product introductions (NPIs).
- Maintain accurate records of production, downtime, scrap, and labor; generate performance reports for senior leadership.
- Manage department budget, control operating costs, and contribute to cost-saving initiatives in machining operations.
- Liaise with tooling and machine suppliers to evaluate new technologies and maintain reliable equipment support.
- Develop training programs for new operators and promote skill advancement within the CNC team.
Engineering Manager
Thixotech Ltd.
05.2003 - 09.2005
- Lead, mentor, and manage a cross-functional engineering team including design, process, and manufacturing engineers.
- Oversee engineering projects from concept through production, ensuring timelines, budgets, and quality standards are met.
- Drive development of new products and materials, particularly those utilizing magnesium or advanced material properties.
- Develop and improve manufacturing processes for efficiency, repeatability, and scalability in line with lean principles.
- Collaborate with R&D, production, quality assurance, and supply chain teams to align engineering efforts with business goals.
- Provide high-level technical support and troubleshoot complex engineering or production challenges.
- Ensure all engineering activities comply with ISO standards, customer specifications, and regulatory requirements.
- Oversee the use of CAD software and digital manufacturing tools for product design, prototyping, and tooling development.
- Develop departmental budgets, allocate resources effectively, and track project costs to ensure profitability.
- Work with suppliers and vendors to evaluate materials, components, and manufacturing technologies.
- Establish and maintain engineering documentation, SOPs, BOMs, and technical drawings.
- Lead efforts in Six Sigma, root cause analysis, and other quality improvement methodologies.
- Recruit engineering talent and implement training programs to enhance team skills and career growth.
Education
Bachelor of Engineering -
Western University
London, ON01.2000
Apprenticeship - Mould Making
Fanshawe College
London, ON01.2001
College Certificate - Occupational Health & Safety
University of Alberta
Calgary, AB01.2004
Skills
- Experience with SAP systems
- Enterprise resource planning systems
- Experienced in AutoCAD design
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite
- Efficiency in manufacturing processes
- Six Sigma methodology
- 5S methodology implementation
- Proficient in reading blueprints
- Mechanical management
- CNC machining expertise
- Precision machining
- Effective team leadership
- Safety management
- Supply chain efficiency
Certification
Six Sigma Green Belt | Since June 2010
Accomplishments
- Increased overall plant efficiency by 20% through implementation of lean manufacturing practices and process optimization.
- Reduced production downtime by 30% by improving preventive maintenance programs and upgrading critical equipment.
- Led a cross-functional team to launch a new product line, achieving 100% on-time delivery within the second quarter.
- Improved on-time delivery rate from 85% to 98% through enhanced scheduling and inventory control strategies.
- Decreased scrap and rework by 25%, saving over $150,000 annually, by initiating a root-cause analysis and quality training initiative.
- Cut operating costs by 15% by renegotiating supplier contracts, optimizing labor schedules, and reducing energy usage.
- Achieved ISO 9001 recertification with zero major non-conformances by streamlining documentation and training programs.
- Successfully managed a $2M facility upgrade project, completing it on time and under budget while maintaining full production capacity.
- Developed and implemented a plant-wide KPI tracking system that increased accountability and transparency across all departments.
- Increased employee retention by 18% through improved training programs, safety culture initiatives, and leadership development.
- Championed a safety initiative that reduced recordable incidents by 40% within 12 months.
- Integrated a new ERP system to enhance production planning and inventory management, resulting in a 10% increase in scheduling accuracy.
- Reorganized the plant layout to improve material flow, reducing average production cycle time by 12%.
Timeline
Maintenance Manager
PepsiCo
06.2023 - Current
Operations/Plant Manager
Toscano Ltd.
12.2018 - 07.2023
Owner/Operator
WS Construction & Home Renovations
03.2012 - 12.2018
CNC Manager
Electro-Motive Diesel Inc.
09.2005 - 03.2012
Engineering Manager
Thixotech Ltd.
05.2003 - 09.2005
Apprenticeship - Mould Making
Fanshawe College
College Certificate - Occupational Health & Safety
University of Alberta
Bachelor of Engineering -
Western University