Robert Watson, MBA

Experience

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  General Motors

  Jun 2000 - now

  Managed a cross-functional team of 20 direct and 100 indirect reports that successfully designed, planned, and executed an $18M major product launch by developing global benchmark planning templates, exceeding all launch glide path metrics and launching under budget.Developed and executed a launch training plan for over 100 hourly and 15 salaried employees focusing on job autonomy and enlargement. Developed detailed technical standardized work instructions for these 100 positions, ensuring adherence to process control plans, established quality requirements, and legal regulations.Coached and managed the career development of 15 salaried employees by using leadership assessment tools and career development planning tools during formal employee assessments, allowing for the alignment of personal development goals with business plan objectives.Utilized strong interpersonal skills and established relationships, along with the knowledge of collective agreements to foster an environment built on trust and confidence, reducing conflict and minimizing grievances resulting in improved organizational culture and performance. Show less Created, executed, managed, and achieved strategic business plans and operating budgets in excess of $6M by focusing on variance analysis, continuous improvement, waste elimination, and innovation along six core performance metrics: Safety, People, Quality, Responsiveness, Cost, and Environment. Established, integrated, and tracked business plan KPIs. Used strong analytical skills to collect data and perform detailed business analysis on these KPIs, increasing reporting frequencies resulting in greater transparency and the ability to course-correct mid-cycle.Coordinated training plans, manpower flows, and budgeted headcount tracking for over 500 hourly employees, achieving straight time and overtime budgets. Led multiple launch and operational efficiency projects, expediting planned savings and efficiencies.Planned and executed a facility transition plan that saw the movement of over 200 employees to a new facility. Simultaneously managed two facilities while maintaining schedule, exceeding glide-path metrics.Developed and implemented Lean strategies based on a global operating system focused on Continuous Improvement, Short Lead Time, Standardized Work, People Involvement, and Built in Quality resulting in global benchmark compliance results.Developed and implemented, in collaboration with multiple departments, an audit system that monitored process controls, quality standards, safety standards, and regulatory policies. This helped identify process, system design, and safety opportunities that contributed to world-class performance metrics.Proficient in ERP Systems including (SAP) along with Microsoft Office applications including Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Word.Product / material procurement, vendor Request for Proposal (RFP). Show less

  • Operations Manager (Superintendent)

    May 2021 - now

  • Project Manager / Operations Superintendent

    Jan 2014 - May 2021

  • Business Planning Analyst

    Jun 2006 - Jan 2014

  • Senior Production Supervisor

    Jun 2002 - Jun 2006

  • Production Supervisor

    Jun 2000 - Jun 2002
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  Durham College

  Sept 2022 - Jun 2024

  Professor