Chris Gandee
Director of Quality and Continuous Improvement @R.A Jones, a Coesia company
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WORK HISTORY
Director of Quality and Continuous Improvement @R.A Jones, a Coesia company
A $3.4B global manufacturer and industry leader in automated packaging systems, R.A. Jones serves the food, beverage, and municipal sectors with innovative, high-performance solutions that enhance efficiency, safety, and reliability.As Director of Quality and Continuous Improvement, I play a pivotal role in shaping the company’s pursuit of operational excellence and customer satisfaction across three facilities in the United States and the United Kingdom. I lead the charge in driving Lean transformation, quality standardization, and cross-functional collaboration to ensure R.A. Jones continues to deliver superior, precision-engineered packaging systems to clients worldwide.My responsibilities include developing detailed process maps for U.S. facilities to strengthen problem-solving in quality and engineering functions, and coordinating “waste hunt” walks with leadership teams to identify and eliminate inefficiencies that hinder performance and throughput. Through strategic initiatives, I foster a culture of continuous improvement and empower teams to innovate, streamline, and excel.My core accomplishments in this role included: Drove operational excellence by developing and implementing a three-tier Lean champion training program. Ensured consistent product quality and integrity by designing and standardizing quality inspection processes. Improved workflow efficiency and visibility by introducing and executing parts path and presentation systems. Established an idea generation program to capture and act on innovative insights from employees and customers.Implementing ISO 14001, 45001 and 9001 QMS systems and processes.Developed a document control system that meets ISO requirements across both locations.Skills:Lean Manufacturing - Quality Management - Process Mapping - Continuous Improvement - Operational Excellence
EDUCATION
Franklin University
Bachelor of Business Administration - BBA, Business Administration and Management, General
University of Arkansas Grantham
Master of Business Administration (MBA), Business Administration and Management, General
ABOUT CHRIS GANDEE
As an executive leader with over 15 years of progressive experience in manufacturing, engineering, and continuous improvement, I’m passionate about transforming complex operations into streamlined, high-performing systems. Throughout my career, I’ve led large-scale organizational change across global industrial environments—driving multimillion-dollar gains in productivity, quality, and profitability.I specialize in building and optimizing Lean systems that empower teams, eliminate waste, and sustain operational excellence. Whether guiding cross-functional initiatives, introducing robotic automation, or designing digital learning platforms, I focus on practical innovation that delivers measurable impact.My leadership philosophy centers on people-first transformation—developing talent, fostering accountability, and creating cultures where continuous improvement thrives. By leveraging Toyota Production System methodologies, Lean Six Sigma principles, and Kaizen thinking, I’ve helped turn underperforming facilities into benchmark operations known for agility, precision, and quality.Core Strengths Include: Lean Manufacturing Implementation & Six Sigma Application Multi-Site Operations & Quality Systems Management Industrial Automation & Robotics Integration Continuous Process Improvement & Value Stream Optimization Leadership Development & Technical Training InnovationToday, as Director of Quality and Continuous Improvement at R.A. Jones, I lead global teams across the U.S. and U.K. in driving operational excellence through Lean training, process design, and cultural transformation. I thrive where strategy meets execution—turning operational challenges into sustainable competitive advantage.Let’s connect to exchange insights on manufacturing transformation, automation strategy, and leadership in continuous improvement.
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