Derek Templeton
Lititz
Summary
Dynamic Plant Manager with a proven track record at Signode, excelling in process optimization and team leadership. Achieved significant cost reductions through continuous improvement initiatives while ensuring safety compliance. Proficient in data analysis and budget management, fostering a high-performance culture that drives operational excellence.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
Work History
PLANT MANAGER
SIGNODE
09.2024 - 01.2026
- Developed and implemented strategic plans to achieve production goals and optimize processes.
- Monitored production metrics to maintain high-quality standards and address defects promptly.
- Provided leadership to manufacturing teams, managing staff performance reviews and onboarding.
- Managed plant budget to control expenses while identifying cost-saving opportunities.
- Implemented initiatives for continuous improvement, addressing bottlenecks and fostering efficiency.
- Oversaw machinery maintenance and coordinated engineering projects to minimize downtime.
- Upheld safety protocols through regular meetings, ensuring adherence to regulatory compliance.
- Prepared reports on plant performance and key performance indicators, providing insights for senior management.
PRODUCTION SUPERVISOR
Signode
06.2021 - 09.2024
- Established daily production schedules to optimize workflow and meet operational goals.
- Supervised and coordinated efforts of hourly production associates to ensure high-quality standards.
- Maintained production metrics while fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
- Trained and coached production employees to improve performance and ensure adherence to operational policies.
- Supported management in achieving A3 compliance and implemented operational improvements to streamline processes.
- Facilitated weekly and monthly safety meetings, including toolbox talks and job safety analyses, to promote a safety-first culture.
- Operated production lines and filled in for maintenance during employee absences.
- Completed OSHA 10-hour outreach training course, demonstrating commitment to workplace safety.
PRODUCTION SUPERVISOR
DART CONTAINER
10.2020 - 05.2021
- Led and developed a team of over 30 employees, meeting key performance indicators for safety, quality, production, service, and efficiency.
- Scheduled priority production machines and employees to optimize workflow.
- Collaborated with production manager to implement strategic initiatives, enhancing overall operational effectiveness.
- Promoted safety commitment by leading by example and fostering a culture of accountability.
- Fostered teamwork across departments, creating an engaging environment that improved communication and collaboration.
- Recorded production and employee information into database systems for tracking accuracy. into computer systems to maintain accurate records.
- Conducted audits per leader standard work to track productivity metrics and ensure adherence to compliance standards.
- Participated in hiring processes, making recommendations regarding staffing, terminations, and compensation adjustments.
MANUFACTURING SUPERVISOR, PRESS
SCANTRON CORP
03.2019 - 10.2020
- Oversaw daily operations of 2nd shift press and bindery, streamlining workflow and enhancing production efficiency.
- Managed 10 to 15 direct reports, fostering collaboration and teamwork.
- Monitored productivity metrics, achieving substantial reductions in paper waste.
- Led initiatives that resulted in significant cost savings across multiple presses.
- Developed comprehensive spreadsheets detailing various check jobs and associated cartons.
- Coordinated team efforts for Scantron's 9th annual charity golf scramble, strengthening community engagement and team collaboration.
- Participated in 2019 hackathon in Eagan, Minnesota, developing innovative solutions to improve operational processes.
MANUFACTURING SUPERVISOR, FINISHING/BINDERY
SCANTRON CORP
09.2017 - 03.2019
- Led daily operations of 2nd shift bindery, managing 8 to 10 direct reports to ensure seamless workflow.
- Monitored operator performance to maintain efficiency at 97% or higher.
- Optimized staffing levels for 2nd and 3rd shifts in response to operational demands, enhancing team effectiveness.
- Ensured compliance with quality standards and job specifications across all tasks.
- Managed both bindery and press operations during colleagues' PTO and weekends.
- Participated in hiring processes alongside HR to select qualified candidates.
- Formed a team to evaluate run rates against profit margins, driving informed decision-making.
- Completed Harland Clarke Holdings' inaugural leadership academy for supervisors.
BINDERY OPERATOR/TEAM LEAD
SCANTRON CORP
01.2013 - 09.2017
- Operated 6+ pieces of equipment at 100%+ efficiency, maintaining under 3% downtime
- 2014 Pillar of Excellence for Employee Engagement
- Collaborated with safety team to implement workplace safety practices
- Developed 'Ibis Troubleshooting Certification Test' to enhance team troubleshooting skills
- Completed 12 hour course 'Successful Supervision' at Cargas
- Completed 'Making the transition from staff to Supervisor' by Fred Pryor Seminars
- Completed 'Basic Supervision' by Fred Pryor Seminars
- Completed Skillsoft course 'Leader as a Motivator'
- Completed Skillsoft course 'Managing a Well-balanced Workload'
MATERIAL HANDLER, SHIPPING/WAREHOUSE
SCANTRON CORP
09.2009 - 01.2013
- Picked, packed, processed customer orders for both standard and custom product
- Prepared truck manifests and coordinated pick-ups to ensure timely deliveries
- Enhanced skills in Microsoft Word and Excel through Skillsoft courses
Education
bachelor's degree - business administration with a focus on Project Management
Southern New Hampshire University
Online10-2026
Skills
- Microsoft Office proficiency
- Process optimization
- Data analysis
- Safety compliance
- Team leadership
- Budget management
- Continuous improvement
- Effective communication
- Cost reporting
- Cost control
- Training program development
- Six Sigma (Green Belt)
- Production planning and management
- Scheduling and coordination
- Project management
- Cost reduction strategies
- Lean manufacturing expertise
- ISO standards compliance
- Facility management
- Work delegation
- Waste reduction strategies
- Production equipment maintenance
Timeline
PLANT MANAGER
SIGNODE
09.2024 - 01.2026
PRODUCTION SUPERVISOR
Signode
06.2021 - 09.2024
PRODUCTION SUPERVISOR
DART CONTAINER
10.2020 - 05.2021
MANUFACTURING SUPERVISOR, PRESS
SCANTRON CORP
03.2019 - 10.2020
MANUFACTURING SUPERVISOR, FINISHING/BINDERY
SCANTRON CORP
09.2017 - 03.2019
BINDERY OPERATOR/TEAM LEAD
SCANTRON CORP
01.2013 - 09.2017
MATERIAL HANDLER, SHIPPING/WAREHOUSE
SCANTRON CORP
09.2009 - 01.2013
bachelor's degree - business administration with a focus on Project Management
Southern New Hampshire University