Rik Hird

Rock Island, IL 61201

(309) 269-3505
rhird01@yahoo.com

Objective: I am seeking a career in a challenging, rewarding, & diverse atmosphere. The ideal role would be
utilizing my strong work ethic, education, and expertise in the materials management supply chain field.

Global Manager with success in driving top and bottom-line performance in all operational sectors. Skilled in P&L /
general management, manufacturing, turnarounds, multisite operations, distribution, supply chain and strategic
planning.
Reduced inventory level (50%) over $1.7 million while increasing customer order fill rates (10%) to 91%.
Reversed financial tailspin by restructuring operations and distribution through-put to increase bottom-line
profitability $425 thousand.

Strong Leader who blends strategic thinking with tactical execution to deliver results in highly complex business
settings.
Delivered projects on time because I am at my best when working under pressure and take pride in being
someone you can rely on.
Restructured operations through workforce reductions (25%) with annual cost savings of $164 thousand.
Reduced manufacturing expenses by more than $302 thousand, a 2% reduction, while maintaining productivity
levels, service quality, and inventory accuracy.

Analytical Problem Solver who diagnoses root cause, innovates solutions, and energizes companies around growth
plans.
Developed, and implemented Maricopa County Redaction Project to accommodate and facilitate 240 people for
24 hr/5 day continuous shift 6 month project to electronically review and redact over 72 million county records.
Project completed in 5.5 months saving $200 thousand in labor costs.

Mastery at introducing state-of-the-art technology and Operational Excellence initiatives to streamline systems and
processes, improve efficiency and productivity, reduce costs, enhance quality, cut shipping time, build top-performing
union/non-union teams and ensure a safe environmentally compliant workplace. Effective in a rapidly changing
marketplace with a strong account relationship orientation. Core expertise includes:

Strategic Planning & Operational/Capital
Budgeting
General Operations & Productivity
Improvement
Capital Expenditure Planning & Cost
Containment
Warehousing, Terminal & Distribution
Centers
Vendor Sourcing, Negotiations & Quality
Assurance
Linking Continuous Process Systems &
Technology
Inventory Control & Materials Liquidation

Union/Labor Relations & Employee
Development
Logistics, Route Management &
Transportation
Facility Planning, Design & Financial
Management







PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

MH Equipment Company / John Deere Parts Distribution Center On-Site Manager (July 2013 November
2013) Direct Reports 6
Responsible for managing the on-site maintenance for the John Deere Parts Distribution Center account
and the MH technicians working at the facility.
Develop and maintain quality relationships with John Deere in conjunction with our Branch Management
Team.
Arrange and coordinate maintenance, repairs and short-term rentals, for the fleet of material handling
equipment.
Provide recommendations that save costs for the John Deere and MH Equipment by rotation, replacement,
improved maintenance, improved processes, etc..

Diversified Services Network, Inc. / Caterpillar Advanced Components & Systems Division Supply Chain
Planning Engineer-Outside Contractor (October 2011 July 2012)
Provide support to the Advanced Components & Systems Division working with past due suppliers who
have a negative impact on manufacturing operations.
Responsible for collaborating with both external Suppliers and Internal Manufacturing groups to resolve
issues related to capacity, quality, and supply chain.
Management of all activities needed to achieve 95% Delivery Performance, Capacity Analysis,
Outscourcing, PPAP (Pre Production Approval Process) approvals for part moves from one facility to
another.

General Electric Appliance Controls Materials Manager (2007 October 2010)
Annual buy $13 - $15 million Sales $20 - $25 million Direct Reports 8
Reduced inventory level over 50% ($1.7 million), while increasing customer fill rates (10%) to 91 %.
Saved $156 thousand in cost out projects through supplier consolidation.
Restructured operations through workforce reductions (25%) with annual cost savings of $164 thousand.
Member of leadership team that has contributed to the plants safety award achievement of over 400,000
hours with {Zero} OSHA Recordables.

Seamless transition to the plant closure.
Achieved the following in 9 months: Sales $19 million Profits $3.2 million
Movement of equipment and material to other global locations while closing down the business.
Transfer of various product lines within the North America and Central America as well as Malaysia.

AmCad Digital Conversion, LLC Operations Manager Outside Contractor (2006 2007)
Direct Reports 2 Indirect Reports 65
Developed, and implemented Maricopa County Redaction Project to accommodate and facilitate 240
people for 24 hr/5 day continuous shift 6 month project to electronically review and redact over 72
million county records. Project completed in 5.5 months saving $200 thousand in labor costs.

Capital Choice Financial Services Independent Consultant/Owner (1999 2006)
Designed, developed, and implemented sound business strategies to assist individuals, families, and
business in the achievement of their financial goals.
Provided retirement benefit planning and programs to business (setup 401-k plans along with Simple
IRAs).



Ennis Business Forms, Inc. General Manager, Manufacturing (1996 1998)
Direct Reports 10 Indirect Reports 145
Reduced Manufacturing Center expenses by more than $302 thousand, a 2% reduction, while
maintaining productivity levels, service quality, and inventory accuracy.
Designed an employee productivity improvement program that resulted in a 12% increase in productivity.
Retrofitted plant lighting systems to increase lighting, reducing costs 8%, completing the project on time
and under budget.

John M. Frey Company Operations Manager, Master Distributor Warehousing (1994 1996)
Direct Reports 3 Indirect Reports 50
Completed the opening of a 40,000 sq. ft. distribution center along with closing process of 20,000 sq. ft.
facility within the projected time frame, saving approximately $200 thousand in freight costs and $75
thousand in labor expenses.
Implemented live trailer loading with pick-pack order system providing over $50 thousand in labor
savings.
Orchestrated packaging and distribution of Frigidaires nationwide Point-Of-Purchase marketing rollout of
Smart Choice Appliance Parts Program for the Best Buy Discount Centers.



EDUCATION

BA, Business Administration
Loras College, Dubuque, IA