Lorena Barron

Experience

• 

  Kimberly of California, SA de CV

  Jul 1999 - Jan 2002

  Production Engineer

  As a Production Engineer, I led design efforts to optimize equipment layouts, enhancing process manufacturing efficiency. In this dynamic role at a small company with budgetary constraints, my responsibilities encompassed solving complex problems, driving solutions, and streamlining processes to maximize productivity.Key Responsibilities:- Executed efficient export and import processes for raw materials and finished products, yielding substantial cost savings by eliminating outsourcing requirements.- Developed labor standards, incorporating ergonomic work design and conducting training courses for new hires.- Designed plant layouts to strategically distribute machinery, fostering operational efficiency.- Successfully reconfigured traditional assembly lines into efficient production cells.- Identified bottlenecks in the production process and proposed solutions, enhancing productivity and meeting critical deadlines.Major Wins:- Achieved significant cost savings by eliminating outsourcing, resulting in improved financial performance.- Developed and implemented labor standards, enhancing workforce efficiency and contributing to a streamlined production process.- Redesigned plant layouts, optimizing machinery distribution, and contributing to increased overall productivity.- Successfully transformed traditional assembly lines into efficient production cells, reducing processing time and improving output. Show less

• 

  Big Lots

  Sept 2003 - now

  Over my 20+ year tenure at Big Lots, I've continuously advanced within the organization, garnering successive promotions, a testament to my dedication to process improvement, operational excellence, and effective leadership.As the General Manager of Supply Chain Engineering, I adopted a methodology in partnership with internal procurement to conduct competitive market analysis with major suppliers to achieve optimum cost. I identified and resolved inefficiencies in a newly opened facility, implementing improvements to achieve desired productivity levels. Additionally, I managed the implementation of a new financial reconciliation processes to ensure spending compliance with approved budgets for capital expenditure. Key Responsibilities:- Implement and refine sourcing strategies through strong technical/functional knowledge, in support of the business’ short-term and long-term plans.- Establish strong cross-functional relationships with Legal, Corporate Finance, Financial Planning and Analytics, and Financial Reporting to streamline approval, planning, contracts, execution, and payment for capital and strategic supply chain initiatives. - Develop and introduce Strategic Network Capacity DashboardsMajor Wins:- Regained full control for network Capital Expenditure, managing budgets for 5 Distribution Centers, 1 e-commerce facility, Fixture, and transportation.- Successfully facilitated financial reconciliation with the finance department, collaborating with senior leadership to ensure accurate budgeting.- Strengthened relationships with main suppliers, resulting in quality service and cost savings.- Led strategic initiatives, defining, justifying, and developing company roadmaps in collaboration with executive teams. Show less As the Manager of Industrial Engineering, I saved the company $10.8M total, led a team of 6+ and targeted productivity through a comprehensive labor management program. In addition to leading the engineering team, I researched, leveraged, and recommended technologies to improve network efficiencies and ensured processing capacities.Major Wins:- Successfully executed the close-down of a 35-year-old facility, including the management of asset liquidation, monetization, services, and final inspections for building sale. This was accomplished ahead of schedule saving $600,000+- Effectively managed capital expenditure for the Distribution Network, achieving favorable variance to plan results year-over-year generating 5% to 15% cost reduction annually. - Created and implemented a new operational plan (staffing, equipment, assets, support) for new built distribution center. Show less As a Senior Industrial Engineer, I managed budgets exceeding $40M, serving as the point of contact for complex projects. In addition to industrial engineering responsibilities, I led, mentored, and trained 5+ engineers and played a key role in determining and executing the Distribution Center Capital Budget.Key Responsibilities:- Managed >$40M budgets, ensuring financial accountability and efficiency in resource allocation.- Acted as a point of contact for complex projects, leading the definition of scope of work, justification, engineering design, procurement, and implementation.- Monitored and reported on distribution operations' performance, providing recommendations to senior management teams.- Mentored and provided guidance to 5+ engineers, delivering training and development as needed.- Conducted comprehensive analysis and developed ROI justifications for capital expenditures.- Implemented best practices, documented and executed engineered labor standards, and evaluated equipment layouts for optimal mechanization.Major Wins:- Successfully managed budgets exceeding $40M, ensuring financial efficiency.- Led complex projects from conception to implementation, meeting deadlines and exceeding project goals.- Mentored and trained a team of engineers, contributing to their professional development.- Played a key role in capital expenditure budgeting, expanding knowledge related to building-level assets. Show less As an Industrial Engineer, I conducted in-depth analyses of Distribution Center methods and operations, utilizing time studies to enhance efficiency and cost-effectiveness. My role included identifying, quantifying, and communicating opportunities for improvement, leading the implementation of enhancements, and ensuring compliance with safety standards at the facility level.Key Responsibilities:Conducted in-depth analysis of Distribution Center methods and operations, utilizing time studies to enhance efficiency and cost-effectiveness.Identified, quantified, and communicated opportunities for improvement, coordinating and managing the implementation of enhancements.Evaluated equipment layouts to ensure proper building layout mechanization.Ensured Distribution Center facility-level compliance with safety standards.Major Wins:Led the implementation of efficiency improvements, resulting in increased productivity and cost savings.Proactively took ownership of a department, dictating floor presence and implementing changes to optimize processes.Successfully connected with DC operations, gaining trust from management to understand operational needs for greater productivity.Promoted to Senior Engineer for outstanding performance and contributions to operational efficiencies. 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  • General Manager Industrial Engineer

    Feb 2022 - now

  • Industrial Engineering Manager

    Feb 2015 - Feb 2022

  • Senior Industrial Engineer

    Nov 2007 - Feb 2015

  • Industrial Engineer

    Sept 2003 - Nov 2007