Cathy Erskine

Experience

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  FCA Fiat Chrysler Automobiles

  Jan 2010 - Aug 2018

  • Manufacturing single point of contact for the new model launch of the Jeep SUV (the MPR): led Manufacturing impact for Engineering changes, including volume, feasibility, timing, and budgetary funded/cost.• Protected for $36.1M Manufacturing investment cost impact by evaluating design changes to the program. Impact of change also drove cost avoidance through Design for Manufacturability (DFM) changes.• Led change management between Product Engineering and the Manufacturing team (Product Engineering; Finance; Industrial Engineering; Manufacturing Engineering General Assembly, Paint, and Body in White; Material Handling; Stamping; BIW and GA Feasibility; ICT, and Toledo North Assembly Plant). • Resolved critical issues with Product Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, and Assembly Plant. • Achieved issue resolution through containment, root cause, then establishment of permanent solutions. Show less • Managed the development of the optimal plant workstation (station readiness) by incorporating lean manufacturing into the launch through WorkPlace Integration (WPI) - the FCA World Class Manufacturing application of lean for launch (pre-program approval to Job 1 + 8). • WPI focus for 3 new model product launches: MY17 Chrysler Pacifica (Windsor Assembly Plant); MY15 Chrysler 200 (Sterling Heights Assembly Plant); MY14 Jeep Cherokee (Toledo North Assembly Plant) • Coordinated 33 plant and internal FCA support groups’ activities relating to the standard launch process, Union shop floor to leadership, including optimized material layout, reduction in NVAA, etc.• Developed the NAFTA process for WPI with Front Loading (WPI Manual).• Led Assembly Division KPI and KAI including launch calendar and timing, TTO and system fill plan, development of the Pilot Build curve and weekly schedule, station readiness, shutdown activities, production launch curve impacts, Kaizen (PDCA), and issues management.• Managed a station readiness/launch support team for each program, including resources, timing, and budget.• Audited program development and provided WPI coaching on the MY15 Challenger/Charger/300 launch at Brampton Assembly Plant.• Revised the WPI training deck for the FCA WCM Academy (WCMA) after each process update. Show less

  • Vehicle Line Manufacturing (VLM) Manufacturing Product Responsible (MPR) Program Manager

    May 2016 - Aug 2018

  • Launch Program Manager, Assembly Division, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA)

    Sept 2011 - May 2016

  • World Class Manufacturing (WCM) Lead for Assembly Operations

    Jan 2011 - Sept 2011

  • Assembly Operations Manufacturing Planning Specialist

    Jan 2010 - Jan 2011
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  Valiant TMS

  Oct 2018 - now

  Senior Manager – Kaizen and Continuous Improvement

  • Lead the Valiant TMS transformation to a lean continuous improvement culture. • Establish a sustainable CI strategy for Valiant TMS using Kaizen (PDCA), aligned with core lean manufacturing methodology and tools.• $3.8M+ CAD annualized net hard and soft savings realized in fully implemented Kaizen. • Create synergies with the management team to enable meeting or exceeding the financial cost reduction targets for labor productivity, material utilization, and overhead spending through a culture of continuous improvement and waste elimination. • Key activities:o Developed Kaizen process flow for Valiant TMS, Kaizen training, and supporting documents.o Coached teams, small groups, and one-on-one sessions across corporate departments and plants.o Implemented Kaizen Point of Contact (POC) process, and mentor POCs and team members.o Coached 225+ Kaizen events focused on resolving waste/loss, and increasing productivity and quality. o Lead Kaizen report-out events for recognition by leadership and increased read-across of best practices. Show less