Aaron M. Birge

About Aaron M. Birge

As a transformational Engineering Technology Leader, I drive enterprise-scale digital manufacturing strategy—aligning IT/OT integration, advanced analytics, and smart factory innovation to deliver measurable performance gains and multimillion-dollar value creation.Currently leading Digital Manufacturing at TreeHouse Foods, I oversee initiatives spanning 24 sites, including Ignition SCADA integrations, connected worker platforms, SAP MII, and end-to-end digital factory enablement. My background in data strategy, supply chain, and automation uniquely positions me to build future-ready ecosystems that unite operations, engineering, and IT under a single performance-driven vision.I’ve led $8M+ in capital projects, delivered 6-point OEE improvements, and reduced distressed inventory by $70M through lean digital enablement. At the core of my leadership is a passion for building high-performing teams, standardizing digital frameworks, and translating data into actionable insights that drive enterprise agility and sustainable growth.Certified in Lean Six Sigma and Ignition 8.1, with an Agricultural Economics degree from Purdue, I bring a unique blend of technical expertise and business acumen—whether transforming manufacturing landscapes or scaling my own farming operations.

Experience

1. Manager, Digital Manufacturing

   TreeHouse Foods

   Aug 2018 — Present · Oak Brook, IL, US

   Operations Technology & Digital Factory StrategySpearheaded enterprise-wide digital manufacturing transformation by developing and executing a scalable Digital Factory roadmap, aligning IT/OT initiatives with core business objectives. Architected and led 30+ internal & external engineers through standardization of Ignition-based systems, establishing governance & best practices enhancing platform reliability, security, and data integrity. Deployed SAP MII across 39 sites for real-time shop floor visibility and KPI standardization across diverse manufacturing environments; Integrated SAP PLM with plant alarming systems to enhance regulatory compliance and product quality outcomes. Delivered $8M+ in capital projects using Agile and CI/CD methodologies to establish digital foundation for KPIs and process automation. Accelerated digital maturity by introducing connected worker and smart factory technologies, fostering a more engaged, data-enabled frontline workforce. Cultivated talent through cross-training, capability building, and structured development planning, improving individual contributions for added adaptability across the organization.Operational Excellence & Management SystemsEstablished and institutionalized enterprise-wide development of Management Operating Structure metrics (Safety, Quality, Service, Cost, People), embedding data-driven performance culture and measurable performance gains. Drove lean process improvement initiatives targeting waste reduction, resulting in decreased distressed, donated, and destroyed inventory levels enterprise-wide, delivering $30M+ loss reduction within the first year. Engineered a unified front-end analytics experience across the enterprise, aligning platforms to accelerate insights, elevate user adoption, and scale training effectiveness.

Education

• Purdue University

  Bachelor of Science (B.S.), Agricultural Economics

  2008 — 2012

Skills

• Project Management
• Sas
• Agriculture
• Sap Products
• Microsoft Office
• Adobe
• Inventory Management
• Palisade Decision Tools
• Data Analysis
• Microsoft Tfs
• Research
• Jd Edwards
• Leadership
• Business Objects
• Forecastx
• Cross-Functional Team Leadership
• Forecasting
• Continuous Improvement
• Supply Chain Management
• Sap
• Sql
• Management
• Time Management
• Spss
• Marketing