Benjamin Searle

Experience

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  GM Holden

  Mar 2000 - Jan 2008

  Automotive Production Worker

  Assembly of small and large components Following standardised work instruction Identifying quality deviationsUnderstanding of maintaining production quotas Driving (tow motor, forklift, tugger) Use of electric and air power tools Use of hand tools Assembly of automotive parts Using automated robot enclosures Safe handling of hazardous materials Spraying hazardous materials Operating injection moulding machines Operating vacuum presses Completing die changes Show less

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  GM Holden

  Mar 2009 - Oct 2017

  - Confined Space Emergency Rescue Team- Fire Warden- Risk management- Ensure customer quality and satisfaction- Continuous improvement- Ensuring a safe work place- Safe Introduction of new machinery- Providing coaching and motivation- Scheduling a production plan- Proactive/reactive actions to maintain quality and productivity schedules- Time management- Problem solving- Auditing- Creating operating procedures- Ensuring diversity in the work place- Validation of error proofing systems- Conducting Risk & Ergonomic assessments - Maintain readiness targets for productionThe Team Leader ensures the day to day running of the Exhaust Assembly operation is faultless. As an internal supplier to the main assembly plant we must meet a daily build schedule which fluctuates as the customer demands change. Establish a strong relationship with internal stakeholders. Adjusting the buffer of completed inventory to maintain a lean manufacturing culture while minimising the risk to the customer.Daily audits of incoming inventory highlights any discrepancies with the Min/Max, Kanban and Pull systems. Creation of new processes and standardised work instruction to maintain a quality completed product. Identification of continuous improvement opportunities. Data collection for throughput analysis and improvements. Running to a business plan and updating charts daily. Show less Introduction of new processes Ergonomic assessments Risk assessments Assisting with introduction of Andon systems Stock Identification Warehouse layout Error proofing validation Pick and Pack Failure Mode Effect and Analysis Creation of Standardised Instruction Stock loss reporting tools Safe introduction of equipment New Employee training schedule and reports Kanban Min/Max Pull Systems Kaizen DescriptionDue to commercial considerations a supplier closed their JIT (Just in Time) exhaust assembly and sequencing operation located at Edinburgh Parks Supplier Park. This meant Holden would insource and assume responsibility for the exhaust assembly and sequencing operation.A team was developed to create an insourcing project to maintain uninterrupted deliveries to the assembly line while moving all the stock and equipment in house. My main role in this team was the Production Lead which entailed:- Introduction of all new processes for the operation which complied to the Holden Vison and Mission Statement with no negative influences on KPI’s.- Assist with warehouse layout to maximise efficiency with a simply flow processes and pull systems.- Set Min/Max levels to maintain a lean production flow without interruption to the customer.- Implement a training plan for each employee and ensure they are qualified to perform task safely and meet performance targets. Show less Overseeing scheduling for 250 individual parts Creating/Auditing stock check reports Investigation of stock discrepancies Liaising with internal stakeholders Internal Supply Chain Management Lean Manufacturing Just In Time Quality Management Toyota Production Systems Root Cause Analysis Maintaining customer satisfaction Improving Short Lead Time Kanban Min/Max Simple Process Flow Pull Systems Kaizen Process Failure Effect and Analysis Supplier Quality Lean ContainerisationSupplying injection moulded parts to the main vehicle assembly line through the day to day schedule control of 18 injection moulding machines. Forecasting is used in conjunction with current stock level reports to schedule up to 250 parts to sustain a simply flow process and inventory levels. Maintaining a large database with integrated pivot charts allows for Management at a Glance. Global Manufacturing Systems are used to drive and maintain five key performance indicators. Short Lead Time, Continuous Improvement, People Involvement, Built-In Quality and Standardisation are all paramount to success of the business. I lead 3 Team Leaders and 26 Team Members who strive to deliver excellence through process and product. Show less As Group Leader in large assembly group I manage 26 production workers split into two work groups with two Team Leaders. I monitor their workload, maintain quality, production levels and customer satisfaction. I ensure all team members are adequately trained all whilst ensuring sufficient job allocation to cover leave & absenteeism.Whilst I have been in the automotive sector I have been involved in both small and large scale projects. This type of work includes the safe introduction of new machinery, new model launches, new production groups & continuous improvement initiatives. I have prepared HR documentation to assist in the managing of employees, I have inducted & also terminated employees all whilst being aware & following the latest OH&S & Code of Conduct.As a part of the Group Leader role, I report on performance covering quality & productivity targets with action plans to improve. How the customer receives our product & the relationship built with them is also extremely important as they can help maintain the direction of focus for improvements. I directly report on the safety aspect of my employees. This involves managing work cover cases & return to work plans. Organising flexible workforce to accommodate injured employees all while constantly improving the current working conditions for the employees. I conduct with all of my employees a performance meetings which focuses on their work performance, skills and behaviour. This gives the opportunity of one on one feedback and allows for the employee to discuss their future & how I can assist with further training. If an issue is detected with an employee it is discussed together to identify exactly what the issue is and then a plan of action is formally put in place to ensure remedial action is taken & monitored for completion. Show less Emergency Rescue Team Business Plan Deployment Scheduling a production planProactive/reactive actions to maintain quality and productivity schedules Continuous Improvement Customer satisfaction Rostering / Overtime Training Time management Problem solving Auditing Creating operating proceduresCommunicate with other team leaders, materials department, maintenance, engineers and managementEnsuring diversity in the work placeValidation of error proofing systemsQuality controlIntroduction of new equipmentConducting Risk & Ergonomic assessments Maintain readiness targets for productionRunning a team of 12 people assembling a vast arrangement of automotive assemblies. Meeting daily build schedules while maintaining a high quality customer satisfaction. Conducting risk assessments and leading a safe work environment. Driving a quality focus to team members. Running to a business plan and also conducting audits. Management of materials/parts and waste minimisation. Ensuring production processes are understood and followed while root causing and problem solving issues on a day to day basis. Show less

  • Team Leader

    Jan 2015 - Oct 2017

  • Insourcing Project Production Lead

    Oct 2014 - Jan 2015

  • Group Leader (Supervisor) Injection Moulding Schedule Controller

    Jul 2014 - Oct 2014

  • Group Leader (Supervisor) Assembly Operations

    Mar 2013 - Jul 2014

  • Team Leader

    Mar 2009 - May 2013
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  Bluedog Fences Australia

  Oct 2017 - now

  Sales and Project Manager

  Sales and Project Manager with Bluedog Fences Australia.Ensuring customer satisfaction is exceeded not only by the product but with the service received resulting in happier repeat clients. Delivering a customer focused experience to drive our promise of Australia's Trusted Fencing Systems.My Sales and Project Manager role focuses on successful delivery of projects across SA, WA, NT, Vic, Tas and New Zealand. Mainly working directly and indirectly within the Government sectors such as, DFE, DHS, DCS, APA, , Local Government including Spotless and Ventia contracts.My role is multifaceted, including customer consultation, concept and design, creation and understanding of technical details, conforming tender submissions, raising purchase orders, execution of projects following right through to completion, closing out with handover and invoicing.Additionally, managing project timelines, budgets, and resources to ensure successful delivery of products or services to clients. My role requires strong communication and organisational skills, as well as the ability to multitask and prioritise effectively.My Toyota Production Systems knowledge allows me to build upon the already strong Bluedog Fences business by furthering Five S, Quality Control, Continuous Improvement and Lean Principle systems. Also, leading the South Australian Bluedog branch with improvements in areas such as risk identification, stock control, logistics, improving 5S with a focus on Lean and JIT. Show less