Bernard Cole

About Bernard Cole

Professional SummaryDynamic and results-driven Director with extensive experience leading multi-site manufacturing and supply chain operations to exceed performance targets. I embrace the philosophy that \"Lean is the hard work that is done to make work easier\" and excel at optimizing productivity, ensuring high-quality standards, and meeting stringent on-time delivery goals. With a hands-on, servant-leadership approach, I foster open communication, cross-functional collaboration, and team success across diverse locations.Skilled in managing relationships with labor unions, I’ve successfully negotiated and collaborated on contract terms, ensuring a balance between operational goals and worker satisfaction. I focus on building trust, creating win-win solutions, and maintaining high employee morale, even during challenging negotiations.I leverage deep expertise in business systems to manage and track operational excellence across regions, implementing cost-reduction strategies through data analysis and process optimization. I have a proven track record of transforming underperforming operations by aligning teams with clear metrics, establishing continuous improvement initiatives, and driving sustainable results.Key Highlights- Reduced inventory by 48%($800K) by aligning MIN/MAX inventory levels with actual usage and redefining items for just-in-time orders versus made-to-stock- Achieved a $175K improvement in variable spend through spending control and cost-out initiatives- Led a successful turnaround from poor EBITDA performance by implementing a metrics-focused KPI system, goal setting, daily interference management tools, and front-line supervisor training- Increased daily throughput by 20% through individual productivity management, waste elimination, and engineered work content reduction- Reduced sales order delinquencies by 54% in 10 months by managing operational metrics for schedule attainment- Managed the on-time, under-budget SAP ERP software implementation in a manufacturing environment, coordinating development, project management, and external audits- Led the successful implementation of Motornostix equipment monitoring software for real-time, remote condition monitoring of critical industrial machinery, enhancing predictive maintenance efforts.Known for public-facing leadership and stakeholder engagement, with a passion for continuous improvement, sustainable growth, and diversity & inclusion. EOS scores: Visionary 78 / Integrator 75.

Experience

1. Director of Operations

   The Holloway Group

   Jul 2025 — Present · Bakersfield, CA, US

   I am responsible for overseeing all aspects of plant operations, including production, maintenance, safety, and financial performance while leading the effort to bring the plant online into full operational readiness and once operational to drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance productivity and foster a culture of safety and teamwork.

Education

• Community College of the Air Force

  Associate of Arts and Sciences - AAS, Airframe Mechanics and Aircraft Maintenance Technology/Technician - Transferred

• Colorado State University Global

  Bachelor of Arts - BA, Project Management

Skills

• Project Management
• Strategic Planning
• Customer Service
• Powerpoint
• Microsoft Excel
• Training
• Public Speaking
• Microsoft Word
• Leadership
• Microsoft Office