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Ken Acker

@kenacker

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Transformational Production and Program Leader with proven process enhancements.

United States

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What I'm looking for

I seek a role that fosters innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement in production processes.

I am a transformational Production and Program Leader with over a decade of experience in driving process enhancements, ensuring on-time delivery, and developing roadmaps for mobile and web applications. My expertise in Agile/SCRUM methodologies, combined with PMP and CSM certifications, has allowed me to lead cross-functional teams effectively, implement game monetization strategies, and enhance player retention.

Throughout my career, I have successfully managed operations across multiple live-service mobile games, collaborating with C-Level executives to align production goals with business objectives. My role as a Production Manager at Aristocrat involved boosting team efficiency by over 50% and ensuring the timely delivery of new features and game mechanics. I am adept at problem-solving and strategic decision-making, always striving for continuous improvement in production pipelines and team collaboration.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

Production Manager

Current

Aristocrat (Product Madness)

Feb 2021 - Apr 2024 (3 years 2 months)

Led operations for multiple live-service mobile games, managing a team of 5 and collaborating with C-level executives. Implemented Agile methodologies, improving team efficiency by over 50% and driving successful monetization initiatives. Managed live content updates and cross-functional teams to ensure timely delivery of new features.

Production Management Agile Development Team Leadership Risk Management Stakeholder Management Vendor Management

Technical Project Manager III

Aristocrat (Big Fish Games)

Jan 2020 - Jan 2021 (1 year)

Led the development of an innovative Missions System for Casino-style games, optimizing resource management and streamlining the game development roadmap. Managed cross-functional teams and provided Agile training to enhance team performance and collaboration.

Project Management Agile Development Team Leadership Cross Functional Team Management Resource Management Backlog Management Stakeholder Management Vendor Management

Sr. Technical Program Manager

Synacor

Jan 2017 - Apr 2019 (2 years 3 months)

Led retainer initiatives for start.att.net, overseeing Scrum teams and improving project management efficiency. Spearheaded process improvements and managed cross-functional teams to ensure optimal performance and timely delivery of milestones.

Technical Program Management Scrum Project Management Team Leadership Process Improvement Client Relationship Management Cross Functional Team Management Backlog Management

Sr. Technical Project Manager

iCrossing

Feb 2014 - Jan 2016 (1 year 11 months)

Managed retainer initiatives for Toyota.com, optimizing operational processes and leading cross-functional teams. Ensured high client satisfaction while maintaining project delivery efficiency across onshore and remote teams.

Project Management Team Leadership Client Relationship Management Cross Functional Team Management Agile Development Performance Metrics Communication Skills

Sr. Technical Project Manager

Hyfn

May 2013 - Jan 2014 (8 months)

Led multiple Scrum teams across remote projects, enhancing SDLC efficiency. Managed client contracts and cross-functional teams, ensuring project success through effective communication and collaboration.

Project Management Scrum Client Relationship Management Team Leadership SDLC Resource Management Cross Functional Team Management Communication Skills Budget Management

Sr. Digital Producer

Dailey

Jan 2012 - Mar 2013 (1 year 2 months)

Managed retainer initiatives for Honda Powersports, optimizing operational processes and ensuring high client satisfaction. Led cross-functional teams and oversaw project management tasks, including JIRA administration.

Digital Production Project Management Client Relationship Management Team Leadership Jira Cross Functional Team Management Budget Management Communication Skills Performance Metrics

Technical Project Manager

Big Bad Tomato

Jan 2010 - Jan 2010 (0 months)

Led vendor development teams and managed budgets and schedules for various projects. Spearheaded the launch of the first interactive website for Dr. Seuss, showcasing project management expertise.

Project Management Vendor Management Budget Management Scheduling Client Communication Team Leadership

Sr. Producer

Heavenspot

Jun 2008 - Jan 2009 (7 months)

Led vendor development teams and managed budgets and schedules for various projects. Launched an integrated site for Adobe, demonstrating strong project management skills.

Project Management Vendor Management Budget Management Scheduling Team Leadership Client Communication Cross Functional Team Management

Producer

Animax

Nov 2006 - Jan 2008 (1 year 2 months)

Spearheaded the launch of the first virtual world for Beanie Babies and developed an award-winning Mash-Up tool. Managed budgets and schedules while leading cross-functional teams.

Project Management Team Leadership Budget Management Scheduling Client Communication Cross Functional Team Management