Jose Varela

Lead cross-functional execution across product development, planning, sourcing, and quality, reducing cycle time 15% and unlocking HNL 20,000,000 (~USD $0.77M) annual cash flow through PLM strategy and SOP standardization.

Owned end-to-end product lifecycle and supplier performance, achieving 10% cost reduction through supplier negotiations and packaging/labeling standardization to speed launches.

Managed sourcing and product development execution to meet margin, timeline, and quality targets, applying lean methods to reduce cycle time and enforce KPI-driven follow-ups.

Led regional quality audits and supplier compliance, improving global AQL from 4.0 to 2.5 and raising final product quality to 94% while improving time-to-market by 20%.

Implemented Lean Six Sigma improvements that reduced process time 30%, increased productivity 11%, and delivered approx. USD $80K annual cash flow via SMED-driven changeover reduction.

Managed multi-process embellishment operations and teams up to 25, reducing downtime 40% through standardized methods and Lean routines.

Managed new product development from concept to production readiness, ensuring stable execution and documentation compliance across cross-functional teams.

Led process improvements in printing and labeling that delivered approx. USD $73K annual savings and stabilized production through BOM and standard work development.

Completed a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering with coursework and projects focused on manufacturing, process improvement, and operations.

Completed multiple Lean Six Sigma certifications progressing from White Belt through Black Belt to support continuous improvement and DMAIC projects.